Sunday: Letter Writing Party

This was submitted by occasional TNG contributor Tyrone.

Dear TNGers,

You are cordially invited to a letter writing party this Sunday at 5pm! In honor of the Prop 8 Season Pledge, let’s get together and write some letters to our friends and families to ask them to support LGBT rights. Bring writing utensils, paper, or your pre-written letters, stamps, and envelopes. We’ll have some holiday goodies for you :-).

If you are interested, please e-mail me at tyroneshanley@yahoo.com for the location. Here is a clue: Logan Circle.

For a little inspiration to get you writing, you can read the letter I am sending to my family below the fold.

Hello [family member x]

I hope that this letter finds you well. Although we do not talk much, if at all, we are living in a time in which I am compelled to break the silence that separates us. In light of the historic election of Barack Obama as President and the passage of Proposition 8 in California, which ended same-sex marriages in the state, I have been inspired to open up to you as your family member. If you don’t already, I ask you to support the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people.

Growing up as a boy who enjoyed things only girls were supposed to like, I felt like an outsider. I was grateful that my mother and my brothers were supportive of my interests and hobbies, but I was still ashamed of what honestly made me happy. As I came to recognize that I liked other boys, I stuffed this realization deep inside. Falling victim to society's rejection of those who are gay, I did not feel safe turning to my family for support. The tragedy of secrets and shame is that they can keep us apart. Over the years I have healed and now I embrace my sexuality as a gift. I am happy in my relationship with my boyfriend Caeb. Sadly, many disagree with who I am and my relationship. I witnessed the hatred of LGBT people as a boy, and I witnessed it again with the passage of Prop 8.

A majority of Blacks, around 60%, voted for the discriminatory Prop 8. This really breaks my heart. As Black people, we know the ugly face of bigotry. We know the hurt, dehumanization, and violence oppression unleashes on its targets. How is it that we, a historically oppressed group, voted for discrimination? While I have thoughts on why, I'd like to focus on hope – not anger and pain. I know the Black community is better than just a discriminatory vote. I look to straight Black supporters of the LGBT community like Coretta Scott King, the former head of the NAACP Julian Bond, Barack Obama, and “Magic” Johnson, who actively campaigned against Prop 8. These leaders have fought the injustice against LGBT people, as did the Black Californians who voted against Prop 8.

I ask you to join me, our Black leaders, and other ordinarya Black people and stand up for LGBT rights. Let others know you have a gay family member who you love. Support my right to equality, dignity, and freedom from hate-based violence. Hold our political, religious, and community leaders accountable for their failure to help make same-sex marriage and employment non-discrimination a reality.

I want to belong to a family that is on the side of social justice, equality, and peace. I want this to be our family’s legacy. Let’s make it happen.

In the end love wins.

Happy Holidays and New Year,

Tyrone


P.S. Please donate to SMYAL, the DC LGBT youth organization where I work. SMYAL is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. Attached is a brochure and donation card for your convenience. :-)