"Live Your Truth Openly"
G. Cammermeyer
Stay Visible and Safe for Others
I have been advocating living your truth openly for the past 30 years. Today that mantra carries a new risk.
The President of the United States has declared there are only two genders, that diversity, transgendered individuals are denied their identity and personhood, equality and inclusion are to be purged from government doctrine, that birthright citizenship shall be denied, borders closed and immigrants gathered up, confined and expelled from the country.
Over the past 30 years as we in the GLBT community have fought for civil rights and equal treatment we have also become visible. On birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports and Center for Medicare and Medicaid we have self-identified as part of the GLBT community. Together with social media and the internet there is no going back. We are known by name, rank and serial number.
Be vigilant to be safe. Regardless of the bullying, threats and intimidation we continue to stand up and speak our truth on behalf of ourselves and others.
By being visible we are also safe for others who know there is a hand to hold for comfort.
GC
21 Jan 2025
CreativeWell manages Grethe's speaking requests. Click icon for more information about Grethe and a link to CreativeWell.
Points to Ponder
When a fascist is elected, it is crucial to understand the implications and take action. Despite a slim majority, the election of a president with only 1.5% more voters than his opponent raises concerns about a lack of mandate. The Republican-controlled Congress and Senate, while holding the power, did not receive an overwhelming show of support for Trump.
Project 2025
Looking ahead to the future, Project 2025 sheds light on the plans of the Republican MAGA movement. Alarming parallels can be drawn to the Nazi takeover in Germany during the 1930s. Nationwide, we witness steps being taken to divide the country along lines of race, immigration, and political power. Books are being banned, and the rights of privacy, personal autonomy, and family security are already being eroded.
Examples include women losing control over their own bodies, proposals to only recognize "traditional families," and parents being stripped of the ability to provide healthcare for their children. These threats to our democracy and personal security must be confronted head-on.
Resisting
To combat this, we must resist in various ways. Our voices must be heard, both through voting and through advocating for change in our daily lives, such as where we shop and where we live and work. We have a two-year window before we can reverse the damage that awaits us in January 2025. We must resist with every fiber of our being.
Simultaneously, it is essential to listen to the voices of the disenfranchised, as their voices were amplified in the recent November elections. Even those of us who are older must embrace new technologies and use them to communicate and speak truth to power. We must engage with voters who may feel powerless and empower them to exercise their rights.
Vital Role
In light of these circumstances, citizens have a vital role to play. We can educate ourselves and others, engage in peaceful protests, join grassroots movements, and support organizations that champion democracy and human rights. By coming together and taking collective action, we can strive to uphold the principles that make our society just and inclusive. Dec. 2024
