The National Archives and Records Administration ( NARA ) hosted an event focused on LGBTQ human and civil rights July 15 at the Center on Halsted ( the Center ).
This was part of a two-day series of events under the bannerAmending America: LGBTQ Human and Civil Rights.
Modesto "Tico" Valle ( CEO of the Center ), Jane Markham ( vice-president of public affairs at AT&T ) and Jim Gardner ( executive for Legislative Archives, Presidential Libraries and Museum Services for the National Archives ) were the featured speakers.
Valle told the approximately 150 people in attendance that the Center is approaching its 10th anniversary.
"Our work is as relevant today as the day when the building opened in 2007," said Valle. "It's just as important as when a group of volunteers gathered together in 1973 to form Gay Horizons, our predecessor."
Valle noted last summer's Obergefell marriage equality Supreme Court ruling and the response to that decisionwhat's next?
"For all of us who do this work to promote full equality the response [to that question] is everything is next," said Valle. "Indeed over this past year and perhaps even more important this past month it's clear that our work isn't done. The Orlando massacre is a painful reminder that LGBTQ people are still the focus of hate and discrimination. The underlying racial discord around Black lives further illustrates gross racial injustice in our country. {We've also learned] that the transgender community is underserved and face legal, employment, educational and health barriers.
"Fortunately, we're not alone in this work. Conversations like these are important because often the work we do can seem daunting, isolating and insurmountable. Let us use [this event] as a reminder that we're in this together and that with love and compassion for one another equality will prevail."
Markham praised NARA and the Center for the work they're doing to advance equality and noted that AT&T has been committed to human rights for many years. She said that because of this she feels very optimistic about the future.
"The conversations that the National Archives Foundation is hosting is all about celebrating our successes but to put them into context of where we've been and how far we have to go and that only together will be able to progress," said Markham.
"2016 marks the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights [which] constitute the first 10 amendments to the Constitution and are the catalyst for the Amending American initiative launched this year by the National Archives," said Gardner.
Gardner noted that of the 27 total amendments to the U.S. Constitution there have been over 11,000 attempts to amend it. He said these conversations are designed to look at the ways in which everyone can ensure rights and justice in the 21st century. Gardner explained that these conversations have become more urgent in the past year.
"Tonight we're beginning the discussion about a particularly important issue at a critical momentwe all know too well that LGBTQ rights remain contested today," said Gardner. "The horrors of Orlando were just a month ago … We can't fix all the problems that trouble us as we gather here, but we can provide a forum for talking, connecting and moving forward."
A video featuring Rep. John Lewis ( National Conversation on Rights and Justice honorary spokesperson ) and narrated by journalist and commentator Cokie Roberts followed Gardner's remarks. The video focused on the Constitution as a living document.
The evening also included a performanceMaking It Homeby the Youth Empowerment Performance Project ( YEPP ). The performance featured a mixture of spoken word, dance, songs, performance art and video clips. Each performer showcased a snapshot of their lives with the other performers participating in those narratives. They received a standing ovation at the close of their performance.
Following the performance, YEPP Executive and Artistic Director Bonsai Bermudez and the performers participated in a Q&A with NARA Educational Specialist Michael Hussey.
A number of the performers said what would make for a better and more just world are ending barriers for transgender people, everyone being able to have the same privilege as everyone else and stripping labels away because they create stigma and oppression.
As for what is was like to be a part of each other's story, one performer said communication is the key while another performer noted being a oppressor was really hard.
When asked how one can support YEPP in the work they do, Bermudez and the performers said monetary and food donations would be greatly appreciated.
This conversation continued the following day at the Chicago History Museum ( CHM ) with a keynote speech by openly gay poet Richard Blanco and discussions on legal and socio-economic issues as well as a transgender and gender non-conforming focused panel.
NARA and the National Archives Foundation partnered with the Center and the CHM for these weekend events.
Sponsors included AT&T, the Seedlings Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Chicago Community Trust and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust.
See www.archives.gov/, www.archivesfoundation.org/amendingamerica/ and www.wesayyepp.com/ for more information.
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