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Randy Phillips, Greater Dayton LGBT Center Executive Director Reflects on 2019

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As this year quickly comes to a close we are ever mindful of what this year has wrought.  We began 2019 with hopeful hearts ushering in all the hopes and dreams for a better time as we do with each New Year.  We did see and experience some wonderful things in 2019.  We saw the most diverse class of lawmakers ever elected and sworn in to the 116th congress.  This includes the most women ever, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who came out swinging right out of the gate.  We saw great strides in movies and music in 2019 with director Spike Lee finally winning his first Oscar after years of nominations.  Remember when a 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thurnberg and the rest of the youths around the world who walked out of school in May in protest of climate change?  Whitney Houston was right on the money when she sang “I believe the children are our future.”  Or when billionaire Robert F. Smith announced he would pay off every Morehouse student’s debt in his touching commencement speech?  So 2019 has had it positive notes!

2019 also had it challenges.  Early on we learned of an affiliated KKK group that wanted to come to Dayton.  As true believers in free speech, Dayton allowed them to come.  Yet, we saw a whole town rally together in meeting after meeting to show just how much our city exemplifies our acceptance of diversity and our non-tolerance of hate filled speech.  Thirteen KKK members came to Dayton, and thousands showed up to protest their hate filled speech.

Just days later on Memorial Day, fifteen tornados came through our area leaving behind a huge path of destruction.  Thousands of people would be impacted by this storm.  Many without electric and utilities for days and weeks, other homes were wiped out completely and lives forever changed.

In this dark time, Dayton’s humanity and compassion shown bright as the whole community rallied together to aid those affected by the storm.  With this massive destruction the re-building will be slow, but the re-building has begun as we continue to rally together, Dayton Strong.

The following week we celebrated Gay PRIDE in the city, with “50 years since Stonewall.”  And a true celebration it was with a record number of people participating in the parade and over 70 information booth at Courthouse Square.  Almost 5,000 people crowded onto the square as we celebrated PRIDE in how far our LGBTQ community has come since Stonewall, and pride in who we are.  Our Washington elected officials may continue to attack our LGBTQ community, especially our transgender brothers and sisters, but we are resilient and strong and we will not be erased nor will we go quietly into the night.  Dayton PRIDE was certainly a high point of the year for our LGBTQ+ community.  We are out, we are proud, we are Dayton Strong and we are Dayton PROUD!

Of course just after “PRIDE” in the morning hours of August 4th a gunman killed 9 victims and injured many others in the Historic Oregon District.  Not only was our community in shock and grief for the loss, but the ever presents of menace held on in the minds of many for such an extended period of time. But again Dayton is strong, Dayton is proud and the whole city rallied around our own to hold our community together.  Many celebrities offered their support and even the orange baby man came to Toledo, and mean came to Dayton to extend his support.  Springfield’s John Legend and Dayton’s Dave Chappelle led in the healing by doing free concerts for the city headlined by the great Stevie Wonder.

It has taken some time for the healing.  Many of our bars and establishments are still feeling the effect as people are not going out as they once did, choosing to stay in the safety of their own homes.  Our confidence has been shaken, but it is time to step out and enjoy the city again.

This year is coming to a close and while we have indeed been challenged this year, we will forever step out and embrace the joys this wonderful city has to offer.  Happy Holidays!  Let’s ring in the New Year with Style!!!

Randy Phillips is the Executive Director of the Greater Dayton LGBT Center

24 N. Jefferson ST, STE 200 Dayton, OH 45402

937-274-1776

“Our mission is to enhance lives and empower members of the diverse sexual and gender communities throughout the Miami Valley”

PRIDE….Does it Still Matter?

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Weddings. Adoption. Hospital Rights. Healthcare. Why are gay persons still marching? The question may seem out of touch, but for some, the parades have just begun.

“To think that you gain your rights and then sit by idly and just think that all’s well that ends well…you really have lost touch.” says Greg S. from Beavercreek. “The long and winding road that led to so many changes can never be taken for granted.” A sentiment shared by many, especially those of a certain age.

You really don’t have to look to far back to see some of the great landmarks the Pride movement has made. It has only been 47 years since Stonewall, where it all began in NYC, and as recent as April 4th of this year that a court of appeals said the Civil Right Act prohibits workplace discrimination against LGBT employees.

 

Ann R. of Dayton, an ally of the LGBT community had this to say, “Pride isn’t just about yesterday, or today. Until everyone, no matter who they are is treated fairly and equally, PRIDE and other marches or parades must go on!” And so they will.

 

What will be this year’s focus, nationally and internationally, as PRIDE has become a worldwide event. To think there is no reason for it is to say the following are part of some ‘fake’ news:

We will march for GAY MARRIAGE – what seemed like a done deal in the USA, and a growing wave in the world… but has now seen some backlash. Some states are finding ways to skirt the landmark legislation, in hopes of returning marriage to traditional one man and one woman. In other countries, gay marriage laws have been abandoned or worse, overturned. A reason for PRIDE.

We will march for HEALTHCARE – gender identity has caused major insurance issues within the LGBT community, and discrimination is rampant. LGBT citizens are less likely to get needs met which in turn leads to higher incidence of suicide, drug abuse and mental illness. And children, thrown out of a home or denied by family are forced to find ways of receiving healthcare without benefit of family stability. A reason for PRIDE.

We will march for an end to violence – as people have heard, transgender women of color were at one point being murdered at a rate of one a week in the US. Sexuality is the second cause of violence in the US, mostly because of ‘gay-bashing’ and other hate crimes against LGBT citizens. In 2017, so far, rates of violence against LGBT citizens has skyrocketed, forcing the question ‘Why are we moving backwards?’ A reason for PRIDE.

 

We will march against employment discrimination – strides have been made in many states ending workplace LGBT discrimination, but much remains. Heated discussions fill the halls of Washington where ‘Religious Freedom Acts’ mix poorly with ‘ENDA Legislators.’ 21% of LGBT adults say they are treated poorly or unfairly at their place of work due to their sexual orientation. A reason for PRIDE.

 

We will march for CHECHNYA – a country where discrimination as well as outright murder of gays is happening as this article is written. In a country where the leadership says ‘we have no gays, so we couldn’t possibly be hurting anyone,’ there is a reason for PRIDE.

Yes, parades have a certain ‘stigma’ attached. They have the blend of politics, power, silliness and social justice. But, before the parade here in Dayton, or any city across this great land, passes by….take a moment and reflect on where PRIDE has been…..each and every step taken by those marching puts the LGBT community, actually it puts all of us closer to a more fair, equal and loving future!

The Dayton Pride Lineup:

 

Enjoy more ways to support Dayton PRIDE: