by Lesley Sternin
On July 19th, Indivisible East Bay’s LGBTQ working group together with Oakland LGBTQ+ Community Center co-sponsored COURAGE in CHAOS: LGBTQ TOWN HALL at the Youth Town Club.
Over 50 people came to listen to an intergenerational panel of activists — ranging in age from 17 to 76. Each panelist offered their perspective as to what they would like the other generation to know about their activism. Listening to each other in this way was viewed as paramount to creating an understanding between generations.
The intergenerational audience then shared their thoughts about how to move forward — such as by more inclusion of the arts in activism and by providing safe places for LGBTQ people from other states to stay if needed.
Participants next broke into two groups to focus on actions and strategies. One group discussed sanctuary for queer people, which Rainbow Railroad is providing, and contacting the cities of Berkeley and Oakland about their support. The second group discussed creating a rapid response team for the queer community as well as how to protect one another if targeted with violence.
Especially given that young people are less likely to register to vote than older populations; voting registration materials were made available at the town hall.
Overall, based on feedback we received, the meeting was judged a great success. One elder audience member commented that the youth were smart, had good ideas and that they should be in leadership positions. She felt she now had a bit more faith and hope for the future. We hope that was a feeling shared by every attendee.
