On the shoulders of giants

By Troy Stevenson
Freedom Oklahoma

As the flurry of activity around this morning’s monumental decision from the Supreme Court has calmed for the moment – I have had a chance to reflect on the gravity of now.  Once every few generations this nation sees a civil rights moment of this magnitude, and all too often history understands its importance in a way that those who witness it never do. It is for that reason that I have asked every person I have spoken to, to do something today to mark this historic event; especially those who have young children, or those who are young themselves.

Today we stand on the shoulders of giants, from the heroes of Stonewall to Harvey Milk to the advocates of today.  This victory went from being the dream a few to the mission of many, and now a win for all. 46 years ago, a young lesbian had had enough of the abuse – she stood up in the Stonewall Inn, and in standing up, hundreds stood with her. Then thousands stood in support, and then millions carried the banner of freedom and equality forward in the name of all that came before them; and more importantly for generations to come.

Above all else, we must remember that while marriage is a great unifier, it is not full and lived equality. As long as our transgender sisters and brothers are denied dignity under the law; as long as our youth are subjected to the horrors of so-called “conversion therapy;” and as long as Queer-Oklahomans can be kicked out of their homes and fired from their jobs, simply for being who they are – we will continue to fight.

The fight for civil rights is a long and winding road with many milestones along the way, but with set backs as well. As we celebrate today, we must also honor our brothers and sisters in Charleston, SC. On the same day we celebrate national marriage equality, victims of racial terrorism are being laid to rest. This must serve as a reminder that the fight continues, and we must stand in solidarity with marginalized communities everywhere.

Fore if full and lived equality is our future, it will only arrive when we realize that: Together, we are bigger. Together, we are stronger. And together, we will win! 

Freedom Oklahoma is Oklahoma's statewide LGBT advocacy organization, and a proud member of the Equality Federation. Freedom Oklahoma is the unified organization resulting from the merger of The Equality Network, a 501 (c) (4) organization that lobbies for pro-equality legislation and public policies; and the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization that engaged in public education in support of the LGBT community.

Published by The Gayly, 6/26/2015 @ 2:33pm