As LGBT History Month kicks off, we’re reminded how much our community has evolved, especially in the last few years. And what seems to be most apparent about those changes is that the boundaries of the community have softened tremendously — allowing for heightened inclusion, and involvement, of allies.
Last weekend, PGN was at the “Miss’d America” pageant in Atlantic City. In addition to the tremendous talent on display, there was also an abundance of allies on hand. From young, straight couples singing along to older folks dancing in the aisles to the venue’s employees poking their heads in to catch the show, it was clear that not everyone enjoying the show was LGBT. And they weren’t just there to marvel at the camp — when outgoing Miss’d America Victoria “Porkchop” Parker summoned the audience to donate to a cause that delivers meals to the ill, including many with HIV/AIDS, throngs of allies, young and old, made their way to the donation boxes. The night was an impressive show of support that demonstrated the cooperation and collaboration that can and should exist among LGBT and allied communities.
Likewise, the role of allies in LGBT activism was highlighted in the last few weeks, following the Sept. 11 gay bashing in Center City.
The incident seems, rightfully so, to have touched a nerve in the LGBT community, many of whom may have spent years dealing with the homophobia and ignorance hurled at the victims. But, many allies also appeared to have been effected by the incident. While the comments sections on LGBT-related mainstream news sites are often steeped in anti-LGBT sentiments, condemnation for the assailants’ alleged actions is nearly universal. It should be a no-brainer that anyone who punches, kicks and verbally assaults another person should be vilified, but not that many years ago, the trio’s actions would likely have been hailed by a significant portion of the population. As understanding and acceptance have trumped homophobia in our society, however, the capacity of non-LGBT people to both empathize and sympathize across boundaries of sexual orientation and gender identity has blossomed.
And it is that spirit that will help propel us forward.
A number of elected officials, many of whom have been longtime allies of the LGBT community, took to the microphone at last week’s rally to call for expanded hate-crimes laws. It is their voices that can be integral in bringing our issues to wider audiences, showing their relatability and engendering constituents to become invested in the right for LGBT equality.
As we reflect on the changes in the LGBT community this History Month, we should also recognize the growth and progress from our community allies — who can help us look forward, while not forgetting about our past.