Pride Grows Across the Globe

I know Pride Month is behind us, but I just saw an article on the U.S News website site about a list of 6 cities around the globe that had never had a pride parade until now (link to article).

Columbus, Indiana.  Pence’s hometown.

Kfar Saba, Israel. Way to go Kfar Saba.

Auburn and Opelika, Alabama.  Good news from south of the Mason Dixon line. G

Georgetown, Guyana. Only county in South America that criminalizes homosexuality.

Lugano, Switzerland. Lugano is a predominately Roman Catholic city.

Winchester, Virginia. This state is unable to pass LGBT discrimination laws.

Antarctica. Pride was being celebrated at the end of the earth (link to article)

antarctica.png

LGBTQ History

During National LGBTQ+ month, even if Trump refuses to acknowledge it exists, it is good to reflect on the past.  Here are some key dates to think about as we celebrate where the LGBTQ+ community is today.

LGBTQ_History

Above is a timeline of where we were previously and where we are now – with legalized marriage for same-sex partners. It wasn’t that long ago that the Defense of Marriage Act was passed by Bill Clinton, making is so there was no federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

It took twelve years and countless deaths to pass the Matthew Shephard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law from when the Hate Crimes Prevention Act was first introduced in 1997. A year after the Hate Crimes Prevention Act was introduced by congress, Matthew Shephard was brutally beaten to death in Wyoming for being gay.

I wish I could say that this type of behavior will never happen again, but I cannot. Our history is ever changing. We continue to make progress and sometimes we falter,  but as long as we always strive to make the lives of our LGBTQ+ neighbors better, we make the world a better place.

By Susan Wertheim, 6/10/2018

 

 

Events Happening Soon

Below is a list of events happening in the Gorge. CGPA is partnering with Justin Buckles to bring you a monthly Cabaret Brunch and in September there will be a Live Shadow Cast performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Bingen Theatre.

Stay tuned for more information.

 PRIDE and Prosper- Pride Festival

Saturday, June 30, 2018, 10 AM – 2 PM
Check out our Facebook page for more information.

Justin Buckles Presents: Cabaret Brunch – River City Saloon

Sundays:  July 1st and August 5th

Justin Buckle Presents: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast LIVE

September 21-23rd at the Bingen Theatre

Coming Out in your Own Time

This chart comes from the article The Value of LGBT Equality in the Workplace.

% of people who are out by country

It makes me wonder, why in the year 2018, we are so far behind Australia and UK and even Canada. When you look at the percentage of people, who are out to everyone or most everyone, the USA is at 52% compared to Australia’s 68% and UK’s 65% and Canada’s 54%.  I would have liked to see this chart over time however. Even though we are below where I would expect us to be, I feel we are much farther along than I personally expected.

I came out almost 30 years ago as a lesbian woman but remained in the “Out to a few trusted people” until about six years ago.

Six years ago, I decided, I don’t care who knows. That was the best decision in my life. I no longer have to filter my life for those I meet a work. I can talk about my wife with out feeling like I just made a career limiting move. However, I know this is not everyone’s reality, but that is the reason we are here today. To make it the reality of all LGBTQ+ members of society.

No one should have to live with the fear of bullying because of who they love.

By Susan Wertheim, June 2, 2018