A letter of Christmas thanks, to a diverse LGBT community
Dear Editor,
As we approach the looming day, the Supreme Court will be deciding the fate of decades of work for the gay community. In times like these, as I think about the meaning of this Christmas season, what unites us is more, what divides us is less. There are rumors emerging about another March on Washington. This Christmas, I wanted to extend thanks and appreciation for the work of many in our community on both sides of the spectrum of ideas, politics and views.
Linda Perine: I worked with Linda for the LGBT redistricting commission. She tirelessly fought to have a greater gay and lesbian district voice in City Hall and we got it. All the while she was criticized, yet kept her eye on the prize.
Richard McCullen and Albert Ogle: As a member of the community of Christian believers, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for ministers who in the midst of their own personal struggles with their sexuality, in turn, help others out of that “pit” of despair.
Stampp Corbin: After the success of the 2011 military march, Stampp extended a hand to offer financial support and celebration for the historic event, to which community support was so needed.
Ben Gomez and Bob Lehman: These two men have dedicated their lives, finances and personal emotions to the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell before it was “cool” to do so. I could have never done the work I did, if they had not laid a road for me to drive on.
Nicole Murray Ramirez: Anyone who was trans in the 70s lived a risky and hard life. You did it before it was, “cool.” You stood against Anita Bryant and John Briggs. You stood with Harvey Milk and Cleve Jones. You stood with me in the military march in 2011 and 2012. I am forever thankful.
Deloris Jacobs: As I have gotten to know Deloris over the years in brief meetings, her leadership, drive and dedication through the good times and the bad, have made her a proven leader. Our community would be empty without her drive at The Center.
Connor Maddox: Not talked about enough! The transgender community is often overlooked in the fight for equality. But we must put our FULL drive and ball, behind the trans community, removing the demonizing stereotypes.
William Rodriguez-Kennedy: While I was serving, I remember seeing Will Kennedy on Hard Ball, With Chris Matthews. Although he has changed parties since, the Log Cabin Republicans nationally and locally never received their full acknowledgment for their role in the repeal. Without the “bridge being built” into the right wing party, DADT would have never been repealed.
Joseph Rocha: I cannot say enough. The suffering he went through in the military and his national activism, led to more conversation toward the end of DADT. He is a hero to the movement.
Tres Watson: If a person with HIV or AIDS did not have access to medicinal marijuana, Tres personally suffered. I saw it in his life and in his conversations. We must respect those who stand up for issues, when issues are controversial. It is because of that, we see the nation begin to move.
Todd Gloria: As a City councilmember, he has made it his priority to never leave the gay community behind.
Johnathan Hale: His media source serves as a national voice toward full equality. Hale Media was a chief supporter of the military marches and helped serve toward its national and international success.
Carl DeMaio: Stood up for marriage equality in 2008 in a Voice of San Diego article. He was elected in the most conservative district in San Diego as an openly gay man. He has a 100 percent LGBT voting record in City Council. Now he stands to dynamically change the Republican Party of California, by moving them out of social issues with the gay community and sticking to true, “less government.”
Benjamin Nichols: He has made the business of the gay community, successful and his personal passion. A much needed ally.
Dwayne Crenshaw: Dwayne allowed me in 2011 to carry the vision of the military march to fruition. Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is let someone carry out their vision. I am thankful that he believed in me at that time. It reaped a national reward for our city and our community.
Fernando Lopez: Well … no military marches would have occurred without this steadfast, driven and dedicated friend. I don’t know many who can say that, “We made history in 2011 and in 2012.” But Fernando, I think the Pentagon owes us a coaster.
Denise Serrano: An ally, passionate, kind and sweet.
Chris Shaw: What some don’t realize is that gay bars are a safe haven for some gays who have been rejected or never found a place. Chris has provided that with professionalism and quality.
Sally Hall: Lambda Archives owes you a lifetime achievement award. Stay kind and true!
Ben Dillingham: I recently found out that he was the “secret donor,” for the troops to all have and wear T-shirts and march in 2011. History was fostered, via the T-shirt, because of his dedicated giving.
Ashleigh Janson: The next generation in the gay liberation movement, will be the freedom of the trans community. It is not just for those who “want to do it.” It is our sacred duty, as a gay community, hopefully that will be free soon. We must support trans advocates like these, wholeheartedly.
Benny Cartwright: Our renaissance man for the gay community. A kind, dedicated leader. Personality and the next generation of activism. One who is an “adult,” in the midst of the political discord.
Chris Tina Bruce: Trailblazer for those who need a voice.
Joel Trambley: Someone who has always stood by my visions for equality. Kind and supportive. (Likes red wine.)
Nick Moede: Our bright and beautiful flag hangs because of your dedication and vision.
Evelyn Thomas and Autumn Sandeen: When national organizations lacked the balls to stand up and fight, you stood up for us all.
Jeri Dilno: When gays in the military were equivalent to something of evil, you stood up for me and for others. By demonstrations in Balboa Park and tireless advocacy. I cannot thank you enough.
As this Christmas season approaches, let us unite. As New Year comes and a March on Washington is sure to occur, in our darkest hour and in our most unsure time, let us all be thankful for what we all contribute. There is more that unites us than divides us.
With much love and thankfulness for these trailblazers.
SEAN SALA
San Diego
