This week, PGN’s offices were visited by two California men who are walking cross-country to raise awareness about bullying. The logistics of their journey are themselves inspiring — they walked into Philly from King of Prussia and then set off, on foot, for Trenton, treks that some of us won’t even make via car. But it’s the mission taking them to the pavement each day that is even more impressive.
The pair is looking to keep the conversation about bullying alive, from speaking engagements at colleges to casual interactions with passersby as they tie purple ribbons in spots across the country, symbolizing the lives lost due to bullying.
Bullying, particularly for LGBT youth, came to the forefront of the national consciousness several years ago, especially after the death of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi. But the national spotlight on the issue seems to be waning, making the Friend Movement Walk essential.
And LGBT issues of all stripes should be considered in the same vein.
Community passion about a particular topic sometimes ebbs and flows, peaking with timely events and occasions, and dissipating when other issues of the day seem to take precedence. But keeping the discussion alive, on a grassroots level, will be key to solidifying a foundation from which they can grow.
When there was a spate of antigay violence in New York City, which impacted, among others, a former Philadelphia resident, we saw rallies and calls for legislation and revamped law-enforcement policies. When the Employment Non-Discrimination Act came up for a vote earlier this week, we saw petitions crop up on social media urging LGBT workplace protections. When Proposition 8 was passed in California, we saw protests around the nation calling for equal treatment of same-sex couples.
Many LGBTs and allies, and groups that serve the community, continue these discussions throughout the year, but those efforts need ongoing and committed grassroots support. We need to be talking about antigay violence, workplace discrimination and relationship recognition — as well as youth bullying and the myriad other issues marginalizing the LGBT community — at every opportunity possible.
Just as the Friend Movement Walk participants are taking the chance to speak with every curious bystander about the issue of youth bullying, keeping the other pertinent issues alive, and moving forward, depends upon the continuous investment of supporters. There isn’t an easy fix to any ill plaguing our community or any other minority population, but making sure we ourselves stay passionate and engaged about the issues can help generate passion and engagement from new allies. And the more voices we have in our corner, and the more feet we have hitting the pavement for us, the closer we can come to equality.