Aug 15, 2014
State LGBT Groups Respond to Michael Brown
Saint Louis, M.O. (August 15, 2014) – On Friday, Equality NC joined dozens of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations in an open letter of solidarity in response to the tragic death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black Missouri teenager who was shot and killed Saturday by a police officer in suburban St. Louis.
The letter was released by PROMO, Missouri's state equality organization, with 32 additional signers from every corner of the country.
The letter in its entirety, including a list of the groups that have signed on to date, can be found below:
State Based LGBTQ Groups Respond to Michael Brown
Over the last several days, our country has been on edge as events have unfolded in the aftermath of the death of 18 year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. This tragedy has made it abundantly clear that the promise of the American dream has not been extended to all the people in our nation. Through social media, as well as in traditional media, we have heard thousands speak out, not just from Ferguson, but from all across the country. These passionate voices have been insistent, unanimous, and unambiguous: What happened in Ferguson could have happened, and too often does, in any community in the United States.
As organizations representing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities, we affirm the thoughtful young voices emerging to speak truth to power as they strive to transform their communities so that no person of color will ever again be targeted simply for walking down the street.
As community members, we pledge to stand beside you in this struggle for racial justice. As Americans, we refuse to allow any constitutional protection to be suspended. As individuals, we share your quest for justice and hope that you will invite us to be present as peace and justice prevail.
Community is important, no matter how you define it. We are linked to one another as neighbors, friends, and allies. Let us proceed as such. We will be with you.
In Solidarity:
Basic Rights Oregon
Empire State Pride Agenda (New York)
Equality Alabama
Equality Arizona
Equality California
Equality Federation
Equality Florida
Equality Illinois
Equality Maine
Equality Maryland
The Equality Network (TEN of Oklahoma)
Equality New Mexico
Equality North Carolina
Equality Ohio
Equality Pennsylvania
Equality Texas
Equality Utah
Fair Wisconsin
Fairness West Virginia
Forum for Equality (Louisiana)
Garden State Equality (New Jersey)
Gender Justice Nevada
Georgia Equality
MassEquality
New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy (NYAGRA)
One Colorado
OutFront Minnesota
PROMO (Missouri)
South Carolina Equality
Tennessee Equality Project
TransOhio
Wyoming Equality