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.
Too often, some in the LGBT community see the African American community as other than an ally, when in fact groups like the NAACP and Corretta Scott King have been outspoken against homophobia and discrimination. After such a log history of marginalization, so many within the African American community have much to share and offer the LGBT community as we seek to achieve full equality. If we are open to their input and seek out them as partners towards equality for all.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frv6FOt1BNI&feature=related[/youtube]
Why some straights don’t want Gays and Lesbians to marry. It would destroy the male dominated patriarchy, in ways that have never been seen before. The time for that change is now.
The primary thing that stops movement on protections like this is a lack of knowledge, or ignorance. By giving voice to the realities of the benefits of non-discrimination to the community at large, fair-minded people overwhelmingly support non-discrimination.
Ted shared with me his vision of how LGBT organizations across the state can be partnering and working together, a sentiment I share as both a blogger and activist who is passionate about issue advocacy.
I’ve written a bit before about Dreams of Hope, a Pittsburgh organization that I think is doing amazing work for LGBTQ youth and their allies. For far too long the greater LGBT community hasn’t focused enough on youth, for a variety of reasons. but today, it may be both easier for kids to come out as well as more challenging, and in response, we need to be doing things that create safe spaces for kids[Read More…]