Diversity Rules Magazine

Editor's Message - Con't from page 3 focus, as somehow not being empathe c and under- standing of others' needs and feelings. While these debates are important and should happen, and if they make folks feel be er and it empowers their in- dividuality, then, by all means, embrace and promote these concerns. The big tent is all about diversity and understanding. However, our big tent seems to have a lot more folks who discard posi ons that do not align with their percep ons of diversity and under- standing grounded in a more academic perspec ve. Today's queer rights movement certainly does not have the rebellious vigor that it had in the '60s and 70's when Harvey Milk and others were taking to the streets. However, mes change. These kinds of pro- tests were endemic to the period as it was a turbu- lent me in America, generally. We now seem to rely on a legisla ve process with legislators who o en- mes do not understand the needs of the queer con- s tuencies they serve. They say they do, and their efforts are certainly appreciated, but the focus is on who can lobby them be er. While there are s ll ba les to wage and win, many states controlled by very conserva ve legislatures have taken steps to turn back the clock on queer rights as much as they can. We are in the midst of a war for transgender rights, which seems to be the new ba le cry for Republicans and others hell-bent on infringing their views and lifestyles onto others they deem immoral and/or deviant. They do not respect the fact that there are those whose gender iden ty does not match their outward appearance. We have a long way to go yet before our trans broth- ers and sisters are recognized and accepted for who they truly are. It would be so wonderful to see a new rebellious, into the streets movement that embodies the spirit of Stonewall and Milk to push this remain- ing fron er forward. Will that happen? Doub ul. In many respects, our movement has become stale and worn, like an old shoe. We are in the midst of a society that maintains a "what's in it for me" a tude, where apathy and indifference seem to predominate if a par cular issue does not directly impact some- one. Technological and academic advocacy seems to be where things are at, instead of flesh on flesh, loud gatherings in front of state capitols, and other places to make views heard. Where do we go from here? Who knows really? We have a lot of work to do to achieve full and equal rights for not only queer folks, but for minori es and others who have fallen vic m to the prejudice, hate, and fear that has overtaken our na on. It is me to take it back from those who wish to squelch diversity and respect for others and who they are. It is me to let people live their lives in peace as the individuals they are. I certainly hope we can do it. I think we can! Can it be done doing what we have been doing? That remains to be seen. Make this pride season one that is about individual empowerment in whatever form it may come. We have certainly come too far to let those who wish to turn the clocks back to an earlier me where individ- ual rights were compromised and taken away if they did not jive with the established views of the white, straight world that did not recognize the inherent dif- ferences in those around them. American is about diversity and acceptance. We are back on track with those objec ves, but we must be ever vigilant that they are not derailed again! Happy Pride! Coming Soon! Diversity Rules Magazine|June 2021 | 19

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