Pride in the new age

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Published: Friday, August 28 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

Dear Friends:

Boy, have things changed. In 1979 when we had our first "Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival," about 80 people attended a celebration in Byrd Park. The police made several trips through the park that day, maybe for our security, but I remember feeling intimidated. Marriage was not even a thought. The issues were fear of being outed and losing our families, our jobs, or both.

In a couple of weeks, our annual celebration will take place on Brown's Island and about 20,000 folks are expected to celebrate LGBT lives and progress. The police will be there, but to staff booths in an effort to recruit police officers. The year prior, the Richmond police chief addressed the crowd. Last year the governor spoke.

The stage will feature nationally recognized entertainers, the grounds will be filled with hundreds of vendors and at the west end of the park will be a huge area dedicated to youth.

Yes, we realize obstacles every day that we must resolve, but on September 12th, join us as we celebrate. And lots we have to cheer about.

Best,

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Transformations underway, and we could use your help

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Published: Thursday, August 13 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

There is much going on at your community center. For example, a few months ago we organized a committee to guide us in marketing our underutilized art gallery. Led by local artist, Michael Pierce, the committee now includes several well-respected artists and art patrons who have laid the groundwork for a number of phenomenal shows. Stay tuned.

Our building study is underway with Mark Burkett as volunteer project manager. We are researching everything from exterior and interior painting to asbestos removal, new flooring and better lighting. We are creating a facility in which our community can be proud. Check out the rendering below of our building by Lisa Cumbey to get an idea of the direction we are headed.

Our kitchen, located in the meeting hall, is also getting a make-over so we can better market the space for special events. We already have numerous events scheduled in the hall and the addition of a working kitchen will greatly increase the marketability of the space.

SAGE is partnering with Senior Connections to soon begin a weekly lunch for seniors. Remaining active is critical for mental and physical well-being and we are very proud of this partnership. SAGE, under the leadership of Robyn Bentley, is also working with local retirement and assisted living facilities in facilitating cultural competency classes. Service providers need to be aware and sensitive to the issues of LGBT seniors, making residents feel safe and welcomed.

This is but a sample of what is going on. We need you to help us transform dreams into realities. If you would like to help, please contact me.

Best,

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

What being here is all about

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Published: Thursday, August 13 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

Employer Calls With Concerns of Employee's Gender Identity Crisis

Dear Friends:

I just got off the phone with an employer who believes one of his employees is in crisis due to their issues with their gender identity. The employee has exhibited behaviors that indicate they need help and support and feel as though they have no one to talk with. It sounded like a crisis situation.

Thankfully I could refer them to ROSMY and the Fan Free Clinic. And, thankfully I have no concern that both organizations will be responsive and supportive and give this person, who we can all identify with, the care they need.

I shared with the employer how fortunate his employee was to have such a caring boss. Many employers would have fired this young person. It is still legal in Virginia to do that, but thankfully, in this instance, the company is run by someone other than bigots.

Calls such as the one I received today are far from uncommon. Our staff social worker, Debra Terry, hears from folks seeking help every day.

The call this morning was yet another reminder that there is still much work to do. It is only because of your support that Diversity Richmond is still here. Thank you for making it possible for us to continue our mission work of serving the LGBT+ community, one person at a time. If you know of anyone going through something like this, please have them reach out.

Sincerely,

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Our justice has outraged many

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Published: Monday, July 06 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

Our most recent marriage victory has incited madness among much of our opposition. Several Virginia lawmakers are preparing for battle in the name of religious freedoms. The scare tactic, which has absolutely no merit, that clergy will be required to marry same-sex couples when it goes against their religious beliefs, has helped rally the troops. That, along with business owners believing they should be allowed to not serve the total public, has enraged some of the rightwing masses. We have work to do.

According to a recent article in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Delegate C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, stated that protecting religious freedoms is going to be the primary focus for the House Republicans in the 2016 General Assembly.

We all know what this means. Clergy continues to have the freedom to refuse to marry anyone, regardless of the reason. And that’s the way it should be. However, denying a customer services because of sexual orientation or gender identity is the same as denying someone services because of their race. Neither is chosen.

History is repeating itself. The same sort of antics took place when the Civil Rights Act was signed back in the 1960’s.

The time is now to loudly, constantly and clearly bring to the attention of the Virginia public the truth. The right’s scare tactics are working to a certain extent, as they always do. But we can once again win, as we have many times, by simply and often preaching the truth.

Please take the time to contact your legislator. Contact Equality Virginia and discuss their General Assembly plans. We can do this. We can defeat ignorance and injustice by simply telling the truth. Please join in.

Best,

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Marriage Equality is the law of the land

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Published: Monday, June 29 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

“This victory did not happen because of work that started two or three years ago. It started a long time ago. A time when it was not safe to come out. And we have people who have come before us. Many of them have lost their jobs, their families, their friends, their community, and some of them actually lost their lives. So tonight, we remember. We remember then. And tonight, we celebrate.” — Bill Harrison

Photo by Scott Elmquist

Read more about the decision and the celebration

Supreme Court Day of Decision Press Conference and Reception Today!

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Published: Thursday, June 25 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

RVA DAY OF DECISION NEWS CONFERENCE & RECEPTION

Diversity Richmond and several other local organizations are hosting an event to recognize the Supreme Court's decision regarding marriage equality. Please join us at our news conference and reception at The Byrd Theater, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond 23221, this afternoon 5:30-6:30 PM.

Other supporting organizations include Virginia Pride, MCC Richmond, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the Virginia Anti-Violence Project, University of Richmond, ROSMY, Richmond Triangle Players, ACLU Virginia, and the Fan Free Clinic.

Please check our facebook event for last minute updates.

Our Governor needs to hear from you

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Published: Thursday, June 11 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

Diversity Richmond family members with the Governor (left to right) Crystal Suber, Art Toth, John Fechino, Bill Harrison, Ayana Obika-Clayborne, and Robyn Deane. (Not pictured Beth Marschak).

We have seen lots of history made the last few years and recently another chapter was written when Governor and Mrs. McAuliffe hosted their second annual event recognizing LGBT Pride Month. The executive mansion was filled with LGBT people and our allies in celebration of our accomplishments and victories.

But, we are ever-mindful that there is still much work to do. It is still legal in Virginia to deny employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Our children are bullied and sometimes physically harmed. Transgender discrimination is a daily occurrence, making life sometimes almost unbearable for many of our brothers and sisters.

So for the many elected officials, such as Governor McAuliffe, need to hear from us. They need to know that we are there for him as they for us. Send him an email through www.Virginia.gov or leave him a voice mail at 804-786-2211.

More work to do, but we will do it. We always do.

Best,
Bill Harrison

FBI and Diversity Richmond partners in community welfare

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Published: Wednesday, June 10 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

A couple of years ago two visitors came to my office, identifying themselves as FBI agents. Needless to say, my reaction was one of fear, but much to my surprise, the callers were there to find out how we could partner in educating the LGBT community about hate crimes.

That was the beginning of a relationship that has grown into an on-going partnership. I met with another FBI agent today who is visiting partner agencies of the local FBI offices to ensure they are supplying the services we need. Yes indeed, how things have changed.

One local police chief, when asked during a community conversation what had brought about the change of attitude, shared that police officers are now college educated people who have LGBT relatives and friends. Unfair treatment and prejudices against LGBT people are no longer acceptable or tolerated.

Much of this progress is because we came out of our closets. Allowing people to get to know us is the most effective way to change attitudes. And it is something that we can all do.

Best,

Bill Harrison
President and Executive Director

Millennials are the new LGBTQ+ “pioneers”

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Published: Wednesday, April 29 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

Our world is in good hands

I recently met with an organizer of an LGBT employee group with the Richmond office one of America's larger corporations. Quite impressive he was. Not only is he taking a lead in establishing the group, he is one of the most self-assured, confident and welcoming people I have met in a long time. I share this because he is only 24 years old! Through our emails I had assumed he was much older.

What an inspiration the younger generation is. Another good example is the Richmond Business Alliance, the local LGBT-friendly chamber of commerce. The organization was established a few years ago by twenty-something Kevin Clay to help identify local LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses. The group continually grew, now boasts over 100 members and has its own non-profit status. Most of the leadership is far from retirement. Very far.

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We need to think before we act

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Published: Monday, April 06 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

We Helped Raise Half A Million Dollars for Restaurant that Endorsed Indiana Legislation

When news hit about Indiana Governor Mike Pence signing the "religious freedom" law which legalized discrimination against LGBT people, outrage was heard from private citizens, businesses and elected officials from around the county. The opposition had given us yet another win albeit that was not their intent.

A few days later when an Indiana pizza restaurant owner announced that she would refuse to cater same-sex weddings, more indignation along with lots of laughter was the result. Her dispatch also brought people posting ridiculing comments, fabricated restaurant reviews, obscene remarks and photos on social media engines. As an end result, the opposition rallied and within 24 hours, over $500,000 was raised for the restaurant owners.

Responses to attacks on our community need to be thought out. Take for example, a few months ago when the billboard was posted in Richmond declaring that "No one is born gay."

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Our marriages will greatly help American divorce stats

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Published: Monday, March 16 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

Like all of us, I have loved attending same-sex weddings these last few months. My first was watching Attorney General Mark Herring help Carol Schall and Mary Townley tie the knot in front of the John Marshall Courts Building. The blissed couple, like most of our gang who have marched to the altar, have already been together a long time.

Two men who I watched jump over the broom had been together for 25 years. When one groom was asked if he would love cherish and take care of his better half, he loudly replied, "Have been and will continue!" The congregation erupted into laugher.

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Marriage is not the only change we are realizing

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Published: Monday, March 02 2015

Written by Bill Harrison

I recently attended a community partners breakfast sponsored by the Chesterfield County Police Department. As you know, we have made great strides in strengthening our relationships with local police. The invitation to participate in the breakfast is one result of those efforts.

Present was a diverse group of folks: Hispanic, Indian, Muslim, Christian organizations along with groups such as the NAACP and us. This was the first of many opportunities that Chesterfield will host to build bridges between the department and the communities they serve.

Several participants expressed a desire to have more conversations as sometimes members of their communities do not trust the men and women who wear badges for fear of not being treated fairly. Just recently, for example, the Richmond Free Press published an article addressing what to do if you are stopped by the police. Fear can abound based on prior experiences.

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