As usual, I have been behind getting writing posted up here. So much is going on with COVID-19 advocacy and other things. Jeff is on my mind right now though because he is facing the end of his prison sentence and uncertainty about what is next to come. We are featuring a series of his pieces in an effort to show the amazing, resilient, beautiful human being he is. Thanks for reading them! ~ Gin
Stand up and show your pride! We are the LGBTQ community and we must hold our heads high. People call us queer because they don’t understand us.
We are not a group of promiscuous human beings. We did not choose to love the same sex; it was simply our destiny. We are unique individuals who stand together under the banner of the rainbow flag. We have so much to contribute if society will just be open-minded and give us the opportunity to try.
We are not weak just because we are LGBTQ. In fact that shows that we are strong because we stand against what is considered the norm.
We do not deserve to be treated as second class people due to our given sexuality. We do not have to tolerate being called vulgar names such as fag or faggot because the last time I checked, we are not simply a cigarette or a bundle of sticks. We are so much more.
There are those that came before us fighting for our rights and dignity. They stood together and showed their pride. Let’s not forget the individuals of the LGBTQ community who stood up and said no more to abuse at the Stone Wall Riot over 50 years ago. Let’s remember those who came before us who showed that we could face great adversity and tragedy during the AIDS epidemic of the 80’s and 90’s when so many of the LGBTQ community fell sick and died. How different would our lives be if individuals didn’t fight for our right to be able to freely love and marry even if it’s the same sex? We now have equal marriage rights in all 50 states. Individuals fought for youth in the LGBTQ community so they can be part of the Boy Scouts Of America and can openly serve in the military. Remember all those who fought before us and realize there are still battles ahead. There is still work to be done and we can draw strength and courage from those who came before us so we can fight on. We are the LGBT community and we must stand together under the banner of pride. It is time to join the fight! It is time we show our pride! Stand under the rainbow flag and hold your head high!