Highland Park is a perfect neighborhood for an artist. Enough bus lines come in and out for easy transportation, and there is much in walking distance too, such as the new Bakery Square, as well as the East Liberty/ Whole Foods shopping area.
If you are on the Highland Park email list, you know that few details have trickled out about the attack, although what has been published, has been very bothering. It is outrageous to think of this type of incident happening here, or anywhere for that matter.
So many conservative bloggers are citing Corbett’s work as the Attorney General, as proof that he will alter the future of the state by being tough on law breakers, but if he himself can’t comply with PA’s open records law, does he really offer anything? When politicians act above the law, in any way, they should step down and make way for real leaders.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj6IKIPteuE&NR=1[/youtube]
Gay bashing or not, our streets and our neighborhoods should be safe enough for anyone to be out walking without being attacked, and slow response from the police is never acceptable. Generally, Highland Park is safe. Brad and I frequently hold hands as we are walking the dog, and just this evening, we saw another gay couple, walking, holding hands. It becomes the responsibility of everyone in the community to stand up for and demand safety for everyone, or this community (or any) will not thrive and grow.
PFLAG is also concerned with advocacy, but I think there is another aspect to what PFLAG accomplishes which may be even more far reaching, and yesterday’s picnic is a great example of that. No matter what rights we do or don’t have, we live our lives, form relationships, friendships and networks. We have families and create families. We work, and live our lives, and are there for each other when we are needed. We can’t wait for full legal protections and rights before we live full lives! We have to deal with things as they are, while at the same time pushing for change and full equality.
An analogy for gaining rights (for me at least) is a game of tug of war. Both parties have an intended goal, to “win.” which is a demarcation in the sand. Winning requires concentration and an ongoing, consistent effort. Sometimes an unexpected event shifts the course of things, but generally speaking, what wins the game is firmly digging in your heels and continue to push (or pull as it may be).
But trust is not the reason why we must become better versed in the legal, legislative, and political processes of change. The reality is that the discrimination against anyone who isn’t heterosexual, is deeply ingrained and systemic to our culture and political systems. It isn’t something tacked on to the side of it, that can be easily severed. Rather, it is at the very root of the systems of power and control, and sometimes so masked that the individuals in power don’t even realize how pervasive it is.
That’s a powerful statement! In all areas of equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgenders, that is really the name of the game. We don’t need to simply talk about it, or demand equality. We need to each look at the ways in which we can take personal responsibility. We need to get engaged. Thanks Scott Stringer!
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today announced the creation of the City’s first-ever Civic Leadership Academy, a free 10-week course designed to educate residents about local government in the City of Pittsburgh.