IMPERIAL VALLEY, Calif. – During Imperial Valley’s second annual Pride event this Saturday, Oct. 14, statewide, national and global groups will join together in an act of solidarity to support ongoing local work to #ResistHate and help attendees rise up as one to ensure equality, justice and health for all.
“Despite narratives and efforts that aim to divide us, we must rise up as one to fight back on the issues that threaten us,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. “When communities come together there is an unstoppable power in what we are able to achieve, especially pertaining to health care and other priority issues.”
A unified approach is essential to make progress on the issues important to LGBTQ people – especially people who are also people of color, immigrants or transgender. These communities face higher rates of depression, substance abuse, suicide and lower rates of health insurance coverage, as well as in economic status, homelessness, school success rates and violence and interactions with the criminal justice system.
“We must ensure #Health4All, especially for LGBTQ communities who suffer from significant disparities in almost every measure of health and wellbeing compared to the general public. While access to healthcare has been a game changer for many communities across the state, there are still barriers for youth, families and LGBTQ people living in Imperial Valley,” Zbur said.
Equality California and The California Endowment will be in attendance to encourage Imperial Valley to #StayLoud. The Harvey Milk Foundation’s Stuart Milk, who is a global LGBTQ advocate and nephew of slain icon Harvey Milk, will speak on civil rights and the movement to ensure equality.
Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. 600 Block – Main St, El Centro
Equality California and others celebrate during Imperial Valley Pride to #RiseUpAsOne and promote #Health4All. Pride festivities will consist of live entertainment, a drag show, great food, a youth art show and a special appearance by Stuart Milk, global civil rights advocate and co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation. (7:45 p.m. on the main stage.)
To learn more about the celebration please visit www.ivlgbtcenter.org.
