Recently, NEAT proudly joined over 800 other LGBTQ-focused organizations to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, in the joint statement LGBTQ Organizations Unite to Combat Racial Violence. As a continuation of that solidarity, Intersections this month is going to examine how we can improve allyship in service of this cause.
“Privilege” is a word tossed around these days and sometimes it can put people into a defensive position. But everyone has different privileges. For example, a rich person has the privileges that come with financial security. Below is a simple and quick four-minute video to understand the basics of privilege.
Now, it is time for the entire LGBTQ+ community--especially white individuals--to raise up and fight for our black family, protect them from harm, and elevate their equality. Every ounce of privilege that was used to push for marriage equality should be directed to and leveraged for Black Lives Matter. This call to action is easier said than done: privilege doesn’t appreciate being used to diminish itself. But Pride is a hollow and sad celebration if it doesn’t include all of us, and it is once again time to earn the right to be proud.
If you have privilege and are unsure where to start, NEAT also endorsed the Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ Organizations Unite in Calling for Transformational Change in Policing statement, which contains a concrete list of changes that should be implemented nationwide:
1. Divesting of Public Funding From Police and Investing in Our Communities
2. Shifting Most First Responder Responsibilities Away From Police
3. End Predictive Policing
4. Police Union Contracts Should Be Made Public and Officers Held Liable
Demand that your communities and lawmakers shift focus and resources to these topics to create real change in our country.
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