Power and Revolution
Image Source: Unsplash
A few weeks ago, I was listening to NPR and burst into tears.
They were airing a story on why we might notice more religious groups at pride celebrations this year. I am not a religious person, but the thought that religious groups could be, or would be, standing up for those in the LGBTQIA+ community hit a chord in me.
It made me realize that our 24-hour news cycle is on repeat saying that queer people don’t belong, and it is quietly breaking my hope. Hearing every single day that there are 430, no 480, no 540 (and growing) anti-LGBTQIA+ bills making their way through our fundamentally messed up political system is soul-crushing.
Rabbi Jillian Cameran, one of the story’s interviewees, said, “I think it’s really important for us to be just as visible so that people know that in the world that loud voices saying horrible things to our community are not the only religious voices out there.”
What kind of power do you hold?
I recently had a conversation with a friend about bold and quiet power. During a revolution we need both. We need leaders who raise their voices, who speak truth to power. We also need the folks on the ground, challenging power structures through everyday interactions: making space for intentional conversation, changing minds, learning.
What kind of power do you hold? How can it make a difference in the LGBTQIA+ community today, this month, and always? Who can you call, who can you write, how can you share, where can you protest, who can you donate to?
The Interfaith Alliance is running a Faith for Pride campaign this month. From their website, “As people of faith, it’s vital we fight back against these heinous efforts and voice our support for our LGBTQIA+ siblings’ right to live with full dignity and safety.”
This revolution needs all of us. It needs you.
Are you in?
About the contributor
Deeply committed to PDXWIT’s mission, Crystal Sincoff co-facilitates and creates content for the PDXWIT LGBTQ+ in Tech event series and helps lead Diversity Dinner conversations. Crystal is passionate about growing belonging in the community by building a safe space to have open dialogue on matters to do with race, gender, LGBTQ+, ability and more. When she is not fighting for justice she is fighting alongside her wife at McConnell’s Boxing Academy. She loves plants, the rain, and hanging with her cat, Maple.