Director's Column: Coming Out
“The most important political step that any gay man or lesbian can take is to come out of the closet. It's been proven that it is easier to hate us and to fear us if you can't see us.” ~Amanda Bearse
And so it has been the same for the Center since August 2008-we have been coming out of 303 Pearl Street, with clear intention and desire to raise awareness. Over the past months we have held rallies, protests, marches, made the local news, and been in the paper-we are truly becoming more visible. With visibility comes opportunity to further the mission and vision of the LGBT Resource Center for the Seven Rivers Region. We strive to improve connections, provide education and put to rest myths and stereotypes, and develop an atmosphere for understanding. Through this work we will be able to ensure that all people living within our communities can truly be themselves and experience life fully.
It is important that we not forget that to truly challenge and address oppression and discrimination for the LGBT community, we will inherently address all forms of oppression. With this in mind we have a responsibility to recognize that many of us fall into the privileged group on certain "isms" as well as have other areas where we remain in the oppressed group. With privilege comes a need for people to let go of stifling guilt and use their privilege for the greater good of all. Image the collective power of a unified group of social justice advocates working toward equality across the backdrop of oppression that defines us throughout history. To end racism, sexism, ableism, religious oppression, heterosexism, and ageism we need to come together on common ground and value all people’s right to equality and inclusion.
February is Black History Month and there are many great events planned in the community. UW-L’s Black Student Unity is presenting: Reflections of Ebony featuring Comedian Azeem on February 7th and a collective group of student groups and universities are hosting “White Privilege 101: Getting in on the Conversations” on February 16, for more information feel free to stop in and check our community board. In recognition of Black History Month, the Center will be showing The Secret Life of Bees on Saturday, February 7, at 1-3:30 pm, and Tongues Untied on February 17, at 4:30-6 pm. There will be time for reflection and discussion after each video. Please join us if you can.
In unity,
Rosanne St. Sauver