Pride, Community & AARP

Pride in the Park was a huge success! Not only did the Michiana GLBT community come together, but so many of our straight allies showed that they were up for celebrating a beautiful Saturday with us, as well. Thank you to all of the organizers!

A sense of "community" is an important element that helps people to know that they belong. In a similar vein, remember, it is from the grassroots level that we, the people, must speak truth to power. And don't for a moment think that those in power are not listening.

Sunday's South Bend Tribune (10/5/08) ran an AP piece entitled "Gay elders' challenges get a closer look." The gist of the story is that many older GLBT persons are single with no family (or family members from whom they are alienated). They are alone, scared, and fear discrimination. A group called SAGE (Service and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is trying to change that in New York by partnering older GLBT individuals with volunteers who can not only assist them, but befriend them. Quoting the article:

"A watershed moment comes this month, when the AARP — the largest advocacy group for Americans over 50 — for the first time sponsors a major national conference focused on gay and lesbian aging." It is sponsored by SAGE.

AARP, the extremely powerful national lobbying group has heard the truth. The fact that AARP is actively engaging in the GLBT human rights movement is monumental. It shows just how mainstream GLBT issues have become. The trend is toward equality. This is a fact, a truth that must be recognized by the powers that be here in South Bend.

There are GLBT elders in the city of South Bend. Surely many of them fear discrimination, as well. It is up to the Common Council to amend the city's Human Rights Ordinance to include not only sexual orientation and gender identity, but age and veteran status, as well.

If we protect those who are most vulnerable, as well as those who so honorably serve our country, then someday "Pride in the Park" truly will be a "community" event - something of which we will all be proud.