Dear John,
In the early 70’s, my high school approved a school motto my dad wrote: “Honesty of Purpose. Intensity of Effort."
It was the motto when I attended, my daughters attended, and still is today, having been proved by the test of time.
And it was the motto in our home.
It is a guiding light for me, and, through “honesty of purpose,” Stonewall Caucus was able to write DPO Resolution 2023-04 in support of passing Senate Joint Resolution 33, the Equal Rights for All Amendment, only days after it dropped in the Oregon Senate on April 19.
Stonewall Leadership met the night the resolution was drafted in order to move it quickly, meet DPO deadlines, and ensure our Democratic Party would be part of the ERA coalition effort as soon as possible.
Stonewall leaders didn’t want to pass it by acclamation, but by voice vote, so that each one of us could be heard proudly saying “Aye!”
We continued to refine this resolution in preparation for the DPO State Central Committee meeting, as we anticipated we would have to, in order to bring it into full compliance with DPO rules. Our “intensity of effort” led to long nights and serious dedication by many. The intensity that filled that room when the DPO resoundingly and unanimously passed Resolution 2023-04 on May 21, 2023, filled those who see their legal equality beckoning from November 2024 with great joy.
Stonewall does not strive to benefit merely our own community, but to positively affect all Oregon lives by encouraging our Legislators to continue this fight for full equality - to obliterate the barriers to marriage equality and bodily autonomy and essential healthcare - including reproductive and gender affirming care.
Stonewall wants for you what we want for ourselves - to be treated with dignity and respect and full acceptance as equals under the law.
We in the Stonewall Community often refer to each other and the ones we hold dear and support us as “chosen family.” Each delegate in the DPO whose honesty of purpose was demonstrated in their hearts and in their vote for the equality of our fellow citizens have chosen us, and we are honored.
We are now in June. Juneteenth is approaching. Pride Month is here. This is a time to solidify and build on our progress. A time to celebrate honesty of purpose.
We stand united with honest conviction in the absolute truth that we are equal and that our Oregon Constitution must reflect this most cherished truth for all of us, no exceptions. We stand united, and Stonewall has got your back as we fight for our own lives and dignity.
Thank you for supporting SJR 33 and thank you for your future work in advocating for equal rights and the ERA - Oregon’s Equal Rights Amendment.
Together, as allies, we will win!
I love you all.
In Pride and Unity!
Karen Rippberger, Chair
Stonewall Caucus
Click here for a list of Pride events in the Portland area!
Click here for a list of Pride events across Oregon!
