LGBTQ leaders on the past, present and future of the equality movement
Muri Assunção | New York Daily News
Fifty-five years ago, a group of LGBTQ New Yorkers rioted, protested, and got arrested when taking a stand against a routine police raid of a gay bar in Greenwich Village.
While the Stonewall Uprising was not the first time the community fought back against oppression, those six days of confrontations with police — which began in the early hours of June 28, 1969 — marked a new, and global, era in the fight for LGBTQ equality.
After more than five decades of incredible victories and devastating setbacks, the community continues on its path toward full equality, with resilience, determination and joy — a journey made possible by the tireless work of generations of LGBTQ leaders.
Here’s what some of today’s most influential names at the forefront of the fight for equal rights have to say about the past, present and future of the LGBTQ rights movement.
Kelley Robinson (she/her), cisgender woman, queer
Human Rights Campaign president, Washington, D.C.
Pride is:Freedom
Inspiration to become a voice for change in the fight for LGBTQ equality:Growing up in Chicago, I saw firsthand the discrimination that Black and LGBTQ+ folks faced almost daily. Being Black and Queer came with its own unique set of hurdles which inspired me to take up the fight for equality. I’m aiming to create lasting change that will benefit generations to come. My father always told me to live like I’m going to be somebody’s ancestor. That’s exactly what I hope to do through the fight for equality — to be an ancestor that future Black queer folks can look back on with pride, knowing I did my part to create a world where they can live freely and authentically.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:From the passing of the Marriage Equality Act lifting the ban on same-sex marriage to the Bostock ruling which created a federal ban on discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees, our community’s resilience has paved the way for the freedoms we have today.
Biggest challenges facing the community:The LGBTQ+ community has been under attack from state legislatures across the country and that discrimination weighs heavily on queer folks. The challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community are a direct result of politicians choosing hate and discrimination towards people who are just trying to live their lives. However, it’s in these moments that we must remain strong and refuse to waver in the face of opposition — we must remember that people attack us not because we are weak, but because we are strong.
Looking ahead:The future of LGBTQ+ activism is brighter than ever. By 2040, nearly one-fifth of eligible voters will identify as LGBTQ+, and this younger generation is paving the way for even greater progress. In the months ahead, our community must utilize our significant voting power in the upcoming election to ensure we send champions for equality to office up and down the ballot. Because when we show up — equality wins.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:It’s about redefining norms and charting our own course! We have the power to challenge outdated societal expectations and create narratives that truly represent us. We’re the architects of our own lives, building diverse communities and embracing our authentic selves. Our experiences foster resilience, empathy, and innovation, equipping us with unique perspectives to tackle life’s challenges.
Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her), cisgender woman, lesbian
GLAAD CEO and president, New York
Pride is:VOTE
Inspiration to become a voice for change:Growing up on Staten Island, I didn’t see lesbian women like me as moms, wives, and business leaders. I hope to reach LGBTQ young people and make sure they see themselves represented in media, business, and across our culture — so that they see and know that their dreams are possible.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:Our community has seen immense wins in the past 55 years. Increased acceptance — a 91% supermajority of non-LGBTQ Americans agree that LGBTQ people should have the freedom to live our lives and not be discriminated against. In many ways, many in our community are more free — to live, to love — and marry! — [and] to experience joy. But we have a long way to go, especially when it comes to intersectional issues like abortion, as well as the acceptance of transgender people, who are under unprecedented attacks today.
Biggest challenges facing the community:GLAAD’s research shows that 71% of Americans say they have never met a trans person. Anti-LGBTQ extremists are exploiting that knowledge gap, and horrifically using attacks on trans youth in particular, to spread lies about who trans people are in an attempt to boost their political careers. This has unfortunately paved the way for some states to ban medically necessary healthcare, and for disinformation to be distilled deep in the minds of Americans.
Looking ahead:The next five months are critical. It is so important that LGBTQ people and our allies understand what is at stake, and the LGBTQ records of each candidate. GLAAD has tracked more than 300 pro-LGBTQ actions from the Biden-Harris White House. We also have tracked more than 200 anti-LGBTQ actions from the former Trump Administration. In the last presidential election, LGBTQ voters made the deciding difference. We have the power to make that difference again.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:Spending time with my wife and our two amazing teens.
Mark Takano (he/him), cisgender man, gay
U.S. representative, first openly gay person of color elected to Congress, Riverside, Calif.
Pride is:Freedom.
Inspiration to become a voice for change: How can someone not be a voice for change when one’s being is directly tied to sometimes hostile societal and political norms? It is the nature of everyone to try to bring about a world that lets them live authentically.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:The Briggs Initiative [which would’ve banned LGBTQ teachers] failed in California, landmark cases like Lawrence v. Texas [which would’ve criminalized gay sex] and Obergefell v. Hodges [which legalized same-sex unions] at the U.S. Supreme Court changed the country, and we saw the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. I am also proud that the Biden Administration passed the Respect for Marriage Act to enshrine same-sex marriage, but that was only possible in the first place because so many brave individuals came out to their friends and family to change public opinion across our nation.
Biggest challenges facing the community:Targeting of trans people. We have to stand in solidarity with our trans siblings against extremists who are vilifying them. These ideologues fully intend to reverse the hard-earned acceptance of the other parts of our community. We cannot shirk our responsibility to stand as one.
Looking ahead:We must fight back against the mountain of anti-trans bills in the legislators by passing the Equality Act, a transformational piece of legislation that would update federal civil rights law to include protections for LGBTQ+ people. We must also stand up to hate both globally and locally, from calling out discrimination in foreign nations to voting in local school board elections.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:Discovering that what I once thought was a vulnerability could actually be my biggest strength. If I could tell young queer people one thing, it’d be to never allow yourself to think you should be something other than who you really are.
Desi Napoles (he/she/they), genderfluid, nonbinary
Student and LGBTQ+ youth advocate, New York City
Pride is:Authenticity
Inspiration to become a voice for change:While I was growing up, I encountered bullying and challenges that made me realize how important it is for LGBTQ+ youth to have visible role models and support. I was inspired by the courage of LGBTQ+ activists who came before me and saw an opportunity to use my voice to make a difference, especially for young people who might be struggling with their identity or facing discrimination.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:The legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide was a major milestone for the LGBT community. There has been significant progress in LGBTQ+ representation in media and politics as well, which helps change hearts and minds. A growing number of schools and communities are providing support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Biggest challenges facing the community:In addition to homelessness, mental health issues remain a major concern for LGBTQ+ youth. A major challenge is the surge in political legislation and laws targeting LGBTQ+ youth, who are among the most vulnerable in the community.
Looking ahead:The future of LGBTQ+ activism lies in empowering youth and amplifying diverse voices. As a community, we need to focus on three main areas: First, we need to fight discriminatory laws targeting LGBTQ+ youth, alongside other marginalized and vulnerable groups. Second, increasing access to mental health support and safe spaces online and offline. And third, we must keep educating the public so that acceptance and understanding will increase.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:[To have] the freedom to embrace and express your authentic self. There’s an incredible sense of community and solidarity. Being LGBTQ+ also gives you a unique perspective on the world and the opportunity to challenge societal norms, potentially making the world a better place for everyone.
Sasha Colby (she/her), transgender woman, pansexual
Trans rights activist, winner of season 15 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Los Angeles, Calif.
Pride is:Protest
Inspiration to become a voice of change:My main inspiration was being the victim of inequality because of being LGBTQ+. When you are disenfranchised and marginalized and you have a bit of a voice, you will use it to scream as loud as you can and fight against the inequities you had to go through for the next generation. Just so it can be a little easier for them.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:Representation and normalization of queer people in the media and political spheres in the world have increased exponentially during that time, which has segued into material change for people on the ground. The legalization of gay marriage was a huge triumph, and queer couples [now] have the ability to adopt children and give them healthy, happy home lives. Also, in the 55 years since Stonewall, one of the biggest achievements has been the lifespan of trans women, and especially trans women of color, increasing during that time.
Biggest challenges facing the community:Miseducation, misinformation, lack of empathy, the abundance of fear and control — targeted towards people who are just trying to be themselves — is hard to watch and experience. I think that’s one of the biggest challenges we face as a community: showing others how fictive their beliefs, political structures and moral values towards humanity are through our authenticity.
Looking ahead:We live in an insane time in world history right now. It is only going to get worse before it can possibly get better. As a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I always see the future in activism because we have to and no one else is going to advocate for us. Our focus in the next few months, years, and decades should be doing what we feel is intrinsically right as humans, for other humans. Listening blindly to what the media and politicians are saying hinders our ability to make positive and educated decisions about what is right for ourselves and our community.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:Oh my God, everything. I wake up every morning so grateful that I’m queer. The life that queer people get to have is really what life is all about. You get to make your own life, you get to create your own path, and you have this strength from birth. When you know you’re queer, you go against what religion, or your parents, or school, or friends will tell you because you know, in your gut, you’re practicing the human experience to its fullest. I think that’s like the most amazing thing about being queer, is that we are living our own human experience the way it’s intended to be, on our own terms.
Eric Marcus (he/him), cisgender man, gay
Journalist, bestselling author, founder and host of the “Making Gay History” podcast, New York City
Pride is:Self-respect
Inspiration to become a voice for change:This goes back to the first national anti-gay campaign, which was led in the late 1970s by the popular singer and Florida orange juice brand ambassador Anita Bryant. I was a college student at the time and was outraged by the disgusting things she and her supporters said about people like me. So when I’ve had professional opportunities as a journalist to show the truth about our lives — whether it was producing a story about the AIDS crisis at CBS Morning News back in the 1980s or sharing the stories of our LGBTQ+ ancestors through my “Making Gay History” podcast — I’ve used my work to set the record straight. So to speak!
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:The single biggest victory is that the generations that came before us, dating back to the founders of the first gay rights organization in the U.S. in 1950, made it possible for many — if not most — of us who are LGBTQ+ to live openly. To be ourselves. To live our lives. To love and to marry. And to do so without fear of being incarcerated, lobotomized, rejected by our families or fired.
Biggest challenges facing the community:Politically motivated bigotry directed at the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ people — trans children and adults in particular.
Looking ahead:There are opportunities at every level to help make a difference, from participating in counter-protests and donating to organizations already engaged in defending the rights of LGBTQ+ people, to simply being honest with friends, family and colleagues about your identity. Visibility is — and has been — key to changing hearts and minds. In the coming months, our focus needs to be on the election and defeating anti-gay candidates from the White House on down to the local school board. Vote!
Best thing about being LGBTQ:When I came into an understanding of my sexuality in the 1970s, I thought my life was ruined. But it turns out that because I’m gay I’ve had many opportunities to make a positive difference in the world through my work that I could never have imagined. And even though I was told that I was condemned to a life alone (you can’t believe the awful stuff I read in the 1970s about homosexuals and the kind of miserable life we could expect to lead), my partner and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary.
Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen (he/him), transgender man, gay
Executive director for the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), Washington, D.C.
Pride is:Hope
Inspiration to become a voice for change:Coming out as transgender, it was obvious that most people had never met a trans person before. I always wanted to make a change in the world, and I realized the absolute best way I could do that was by advocating for trans people. Helping to put a face to the community and humanizing us as real flesh-and-blood people was the single most effective thing I could do.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:We have made advancements in nondiscrimination protections, military service and being elected to public office. Today, many LGBTQI+ people hold key political and governmental positions, live their lives fully and authentically, and are celebrated for who they are.
Biggest challenges facing the community:In 2023 alone, we fought over 500 proposed anti-LGBTQI+ bills, over 450 of which specifically targeted transgender people. These bills sought to harm the LGBTQI+ community, including bans on transition-related healthcare, criminalization of drag, restrictions on allowing transgender and intersex students to participate in sports and more. In our recently released U.S. Transgender Survey, nearly half (47%) of the respondents considered moving to another state because of these attacks. And now in 2024, NCTE is tracking over 400+ anti-trans bills in state legislatures — we unfortunately anticipate that the number will continue to increase.
Looking ahead:This will be a crucial election for our community, given how hostile the previous administration was towards trans people and our families. The NCTE, soon to be Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), is urging states to take swift action to protect their residents and families fleeing the most dangerous states. Local elected officials need to start planning measures to protect their trans constituents, and states should create funding streams for gender-affirming healthcare to ensure continued access for those who might lose healthcare due to cuts in federally funded programs.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:I think being LGBTQI+ can teach you independence. It encourages you to live a life of your own creation. In the best-case scenario, you get to discover your authentic self and do what actually makes you happy, not merely what other people expect from you. Of course, many of our LGBTQ+ neighbors are still rejected or even attacked for embracing their authenticity. My goal is to help create a world where everyone can step into that truth with safety and confidence.
Ash Orr (he/they), trans nonbinary, pansexual
Trans organizer and abortion storyteller, West Virginia
Pride is:Inclusivity
Inspiration to become a voice for change:Growing up as a closeted queer and trans person in Appalachia, the idea of physical spaces embracing both “queer” and “West Virginian” seemed like an improbable dream. It wasn’t until I openly embraced my identity as both trans and queer, that I started meeting fellow trans West Virginians whose stories revealed that being trans in rural Appalachia is nothing new. This realization gave me the courage to live my truth and to help rewrite the narratives surrounding our community and region.
Most significant LGBTQ victories since Stonewall:Advancements in legal rights, military service, adoption and representation.
Biggest challenges facing the community:Our right to exist and live authentically is under constant attack from extremist politicians. We’re witnessing bans on sports participation, the loss of access to abortion and gender-affirming healthcare, and attempts to legally erase our community. As a result, LGBTQI+ folks and our families are having their entire lives upended and their health and safety threatened.
Looking ahead:Here, in the heart of West Virginia, we are reflecting on the progress we’ve made and searching for ways to sow the seeds of a stronger and more resilient community.
Best thing about being LGBTQ:Being able to live authentically, experiencing the world through a unique and beautiful lens.
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