Question of the Week

Pride is a Protest!

Happy Friday and Happy Pride, everyone!

I imagine many of you feel more fearful than cheerful, given the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade today. Taking away a woman’s fundamental right to choose is scary in and of itself. Additionally, Justice Thomas’ statement that the court should reconsider cases like Griswold v. Connecticut (the right of married persons to obtain contraceptives), Lawrence v. Texas (the right to engage in private consensual sex acts), and Obergefell vs. Hodges (the right to same-sex marriage) makes the decision even more ominous.

I can empathize with any fear, anxiety, and worry. All of those feelings are valid and understandable. And, I feel energized and motivated that we can use this moment as a catalyst for the change that we want to see.

As we celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month across the country, this moment reminds me that the Pride movement evolved from the riots and protests that created awareness of deep-seated problems and energized people to take action to make substantial change. (I wrote an article for Forbes on the history of the Pride movement here.)  And just as the moments of June 28th, 1969, led to massive positive change in our country, I’m hopeful this moment can serve as the same.

 

Quote of the Week

“I’m not missing a minute of this. It’s the revolution!” – Sylvia Rivera
Task of the Week

I know that protest looks different for everyone. So whether it’s marching in the streets, staying in to take care of your mental health, or, as one of my friends put it, “buying as much gay shit as possible,” I encourage you to do what you need to do to take care of yourself. We’ll take things one day at a time together.

And if you need an empathetic, listening ear, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can find me at the links below.