This week, a milestone in LGBT history was reached, and if my pride comes off the page at you, please forgive me but it’s an achievement that this writer never thought he’d ever see, and could have only dreamed to be a part of.
As this column is being written, the John C. Anderson LGBT-Friendly Senior Affordable Apartments has passed all city, state and federal regulations and inspections and have our certificates in hand and ready for tenants. Heck, we even have our elevator certificates. That’s a personal favorite for me since I’ve had issues with elevators in LGBT buildings in the past … a long story that deserves telling here since it explains something that our community needs to understand in order for other cities to build community centers, health centers, youth and senior buildings. Very simply — economic empowerment.
We fight for equal rights for marriage, nondiscrimination, military, but very few LGBT communities around the country request economy development. Here, take a cue from Philadelphia, which is one of the few cities that knows how to do it and do it well. Which brings me back to that elevator.
Our community center needed an elevator to be compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act. After all, it’s a five-story building. Some 15 years ago or so, we requested a grant from the city for $50,000 for an elevator. After lobbying, we received it. But those funds were used for other purposes. Another request was made once the embarrassment had dissipated. That one for $100,000. By this time, the contractors had discovered that the original designer was off with the price and the $100,000 was not sufficient to build it. More funds were required, plus other building issues needed to be addressed. We then went back to the city with a large request. There was a little tug of war but in timely fashion there were Mayor John Street and Councilman Jim Kenney handing over a check for $390,000 to our community center.
Yes, nearly a half-million dollars, but a drop in the bucket compared to what other communities get back for their tax dollars. Our community deserves to be treated economically equal. But what it takes are powerful leaders backed by community leaders. Your city can have this success; all it takes is to leave the in-fighting in the community and look like a united community. Or leave those who are divisive to mire in their own bitterness. Create a united, powerful community and demand your rights, including services, which takes economic funds — your tax dollars.
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at [email protected].