With the beginning of June comes the celebration of Pride Month. This celebration should include not only the recent advances for LGBTQ+ rights in local, national, and global communities, but should also reflect on the history of the struggle for equality. In recent years, and quite starkly in recent days, the disparity that people of color, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, experience has become even clearer. Our country has avoided the necessary conversation about systemic racism for far too long. This must change. The fight for equality is inextricably tied to public assembly, demonstrations, protests, and the exercise of our First Amendment rights. The free exercise of these rights shapes our continued pursuit of equality.
We are reminded of Marsha P. Johnson, the brave activist who embodied the intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ experience and racial justice. Her steadfast and courageous activism catapulted LGBTQ+ rights to the national stage, paving the way for the continued fight for equality. Were it not for Johnson and her fellow activists, primarily our siblings of color, who stood against police brutality at the Stonewall Inn in 1969, the course of history for LGBTQ+ citizens could have been drastically different.
Our communities are hurting. Communities of color face continued police brutality and oppression because of the color of their skin. Demands for justice cannot focus solely on one identity or population. Those who have it must exercise their privilege to offer support and affirmation to the struggles facing communities across our country. We must all stand in solidarity with those exercising their right to protest these injustices and those who are actively committed to rebuilding communities free from oppressive and racist mindsets, actions, and systems. True change cannot be achieved without direct, collective action; the efforts of protesters are crucial to creating that change.
The Cultivating Change Foundation supports those working to end police brutality and curb systemic racism. Each of us has a role to play in supporting these efforts. We can do this in many ways: protest, volunteer, donate, listen, learn, educate, and vote. Whatever role you choose, let’s work together to cultivate lasting change.