It is still so surreal! I can not believe that the United States Supreme Court has affirmed the right to marry for same-sex couples. In countless election cycles LGBT communities were demonized, degraded and used as political pawns in electoral games. Mostly from my political party the Republicans but Democrats were hating too.
Makes me feel accomplished and proud of the work we did at the Jordan / Rustin Coalition. Even though I only worked there for one year back in 2011. It was was and still one of the best experiences of my life. There were definitely times I wanted to give up. And thankfully that Oprah episode with the Freedom Riders inspired me not to give up. This Gay Republican Christian had fun!
At the Jordan / Rustin Coalition I worked as a community organizer. Did door to door canvassing in South Los Angeles having conversations to open the hearts and minds of all Californians, including those in the Black community, on the question of marriage for same-sex couples. And work on the fair education act.
The Barbara Jordan/Bayard Rustin Coalition, a Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) political organization was dedicated to winning equality in the aftermath of California’s Proposition 8 ballot measure campaign. a civil rights and social justice organization that existed to eradicate racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and sexism in all forms. The Jordan/Rustin Coalition's mission was to build the political power of the Black LGBT community and our allies in the Greater Los Angeles Area through grassroots organizing, political advocacy, public education and community empowerment. JRC advocated for full equality, including marriage, and complete societal acceptance of all persons with regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.
Today, the United States is still struggling with many of the issues Bayard Rustin sought to change during his long, illustrious career. His focus on civil and economic rights and his belief in peace, human rights and the dignity of all people remain as relevant today as they were in the 1950s and 60s. Despite our political differences Bayard Rustin is my political hero for his courage live his truth.
As we continue to celebrate this historic victory of progress, it is imperative that we remember that the fight for justice is not over and discrimination is still alive and well in America. We must continue to pray. There is still much work to be done moving forward in the pursuit of racial justice, full equality and an equitable country for all people. For those that live at the intersection of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith and many other identities, critical issues like violence against our community, access to employment and housing, stigma and hate crimes, the HIV epidemic, immigrant rights--or simply being accepted by family, houses of worship, and your community--are present barriers that prevent many in the Black LGBT community from living their most open and authentic lives. Lifting up these issues that impact the most marginalized in our communities is the unfinished business for full equality in our nation.
#GetInspired #Gratitude #grateful #Thankyou
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