 |
John,
In our email yesterday discussing the great work of Missouri state Senator Greg Razer, we accidentally referred to him as the first LGBTQ state senator in Missouri.
The history-maker who became the first LGBTQ state senator in Missouri is actually Jolie Justus, a longtime friend of Victory Institute who was the leading voice for LGBTQ equality as the Missouri Senate Minority Leader. She also worked tirelessly to ensure LGBTQ issues were prioritized during her time on the Kansas City Council.
Learn more about Jolie's historic election on Pride & Progress -- our timeline on the history of LGBTQ political power in the United States.
We are deeply thankful for Jolie’s many contributions to LGBTQ political progress and apologize for the mistake.
Have a wonderful weekend,
LGBTQ Victory Institute
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: LGBTQ Victory Institute
Sent: Thursday, October 7, 2021 10:00 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: The erasure of Missouri’s LGBTQ history
John,
Why don’t more people know about Missouri’s proud LGBTQ history? Because bigots in the state are still desperately trying to erase it from the public record.
Early in September, an exhibit went up in the Missouri State Capitol honoring a group of 40 activists from 15 regional LGBTQ groups. In 1966, these groups banded together to form the National Planning Conference of Homosexual Organizations, which one local paper dubbed the “the first national concerted effort of organizations composed of homosexuals or concerned with their problems.” The group would go on to lobby for LGBTQ causes, defend the right to privacy, abolish laws criminalizing homosexuality, host mass demonstrations and coordinate legal defense funds.
An organization worth remembering – and honoring today. But certain bigots in Missouri felt differently. One legislative assistant said: “So is there any good reason that our taxpayer-funded museum is pushing the LGBT agenda in our state capitol? These are literally in-your-face banners that you can’t walk through the museum without seeing.” After the exhibit was quietly removed, the same staffer exclaimed, “To God be the glory… Thank you all for standing for traditional family values!”
For those of you keeping track at home, that’s four different anti-LGBTQ dog whistles – and State Senator Greg Razer heard every single one. Senator Razer knew he couldn’t let this erasure stand. LGBTQ history must be honored, and Senator Razer was ready to fight for it.
He penned an op-ed for The Kansas City Star, which shed light on the removal and the history of the movement and called the removal an insult to not only Missouri’s LGBTQ citizens, but to their friends, family and the people that love them. And as Senator Razer noted to The New York Times, exhibits honoring LGBTQ history inspire the next generation, showing them that it is possible to be out and proud: “I want them to know that this is a beautiful, vibrant, accepting community that wants you here.”
That’s a sentiment that we couldn’t agree with more. October is LGBTQ History Month, a time to honor all those who laid the groundwork for the progress we see today – and a reminder that we must continue fighting to ensure LGBTQ history isn’t erased. That’s why we launched Pride & Progress, the only dedicated timeline detailing LGBTQ political history. You can read more about it and peruse the timeline here.
While certain Missourians might not appreciate LGBTQ history, we certainly do. We’ll be adding a dedicated section on the Pride & Progress website to honor these amazing leaders and their fight for change. Keep an eye out for it.
Happy LGBTQ History Month,
LGBTQ Victory Institute
|
|
|
LGBTQ Victory Institute is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 52-1835268.
Victory Institute is ONLY national organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our trainings, professional development programs and yearly conferences, Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials now serving around the world.
This email was sent to [email protected]. Don't unsubscribe just yet - you can change how many & what type of emails you receive by updating your account here. Unsubscribing will remove you from ALL Victory Institute email contact. If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive ANY email from us, please unsubscribe.
LGBTQ Victory Institute
1225 I Street NW, Suite 525
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States
|
|