Talk about timing!

 

Today, the United States joins 24 tribal jurisdictions and our neighbors in Canada and Mexico in formalizing the freedom to marry. That is not only a substantial part of the North American continent, but also a substantial number of individuals--yes, real life, everyday people--who now have the option to wed and have their unions recognized at every level and locus of government. This is a big deal and lives will be changed. 

 

We at Stonewall are thrilled to join the chorus in celebrating.

 

As justice is indeed a journey, many of us are reflecting on how far we have come. What I find remarkable, though, is not just the distance traveled, but the sights we have seen along the way: a marked rise in institutional funding of LGBTQ issues; a rich, evolving landscape of political dialogue and organizing; and the growth of a colorful and absolutely brilliant generation of leaders.

 

 

Looking back, there is much to behold and appreciate, from labor and love, to agitation and anger. Pride is a moment for us to collectively celebrate the persistence that got us here and that will continue to fuel our movement, even when unpopular. Pride is also a moment for us to create space to do more work. Looking forward, I believe we must recommit to embodying the tension, resistance, and boldness needed to disrupt the complex system of legal and cultural discrimination that will survive today's victory.

 

The LGBTQ community is diverse and microcosmic, and so our agenda is not simple or singular. Lots of causes matter to us. Increasing access to health insurance and housing. Ending detention and deportations. Stopping the cycle of youth and adult homelessness. Getting our people jobs and workplace protections. Eliminating hate violence and state violence. And on the list goes.

 

Over the past six months, we at Stonewall have been busy mobilizing resources to support the organizations, projects, and people dedicated to taking us the distance. To us, these organizations represent what the movement looked like yesterday and what it needs to look like tomorrow.

 

BOOM! Health Peter Cicchino Youth Project Pride for Youth   Streetwise and Safe HEAT Translatina Network Trinity Community Connection The Tyler Clementi Foundation   The Center for Anti-Violence Education   The Ackerman Institute's Gender and Family Project FIERCE   Destination Tomorrow Global Action Project  Grand Street Settlement Helix Queer Performance Network  The LGBTQ Law Project at NYLAG Griot Circle  The Sylvia Rivera Law Project New Alternatives for LGBT Homeless Youth The Russian Speaking LGBT Support Group NYC hosted by Project Reach