From the heart of John-Paul Gurnett
June 2020 – As Pride month begins, it’s important to remember the origin of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The Stonewall Riots were led by trans women of color. It is said that Marsha P. Johnson threw the first brick, symbolizing the beginning of the push back! As we are in Pride season, I think it’s important to remember that metaphor of the brick. While actual brick throwing is frowned upon, think of your metaphorical brick. What is the way that you are going to fight back?
Maybe your brick is sending a strongly worded letter to a public official. Maybe your brick is dancing or singing or making art to express feelings of rage and hopelessness. Maybe your brick is going into your community and lending a helping hand to your neighbor. We have to push through our comfort zones so that we can bring about positive change within our selves! It may seem scary, but know we’re all here to support each other.
We may be disappointed that we cannot gather to celebrate the love we have for ourselves, but we have the opportunity to unite as one common voice and share our Pride with each other as we continue the march for progress! Happy Pride 2020 and remember #blacklivesmatter !
