We just celebrated our 2018 Power Gala! This was the Chamber's 20th annual gala recognizing individuals, organizations, and nonprofits that have stood up and stood out for the LGBTQ community. Whether you were an award recipient, an advocate or partner in the community, or were there celebrating with your fellow queer folk, thank you for joining us!
While we all came together to celebrate there Saturday night, it is important to realize that the LGBTQ community is not just here one night. We are not "gay for a day." We are queer all year, every year. Our fights and our celebrations are not just during Pride. We must be vigilant every day. More and more the pendulum seems to be swinging away from us. As the Supreme Court becomes significantly more conservative and the construct of our political system seems to be bogged down by extreme divisiveness, our equalities are being increasingly threatened.
When you feel like equality has been achieved and you look back and see others left behind; you must understand; you have not yet achieved equality. You have achieved entitlement. Until everyone is standing side by side and no one is behind us, we must continue the hard fight.
We cannot accept milestones as 'good enough.' More must be done.
When a man feels comfortable to put a picture of his husband on his desk and not feel the awkwardness of social unacceptance, we have made great strides towards equality. When a trans person doesn't fear choosing the 'correct' restroom, we have made significant strides towards equality. When a lesbian couple can openly adopt a child without fear of being rejected on religious beliefs, we have made significant strides towards equality. When any able-bodied person who wants to serve in the military can without reference to their gender, real or perceived, then we have made significant strides towards equality.
We are far from equality. We have come a long way. We have miles yet to go. After tonight, please don't forget, we are still here. We have to get there.
