Diversity, Not Division by ED Gilgor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 9, 2008
Contact:Christina Gilgor, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Executive Director, (859) 420-6677

DIVERSITY, NOT DIVISION

Human diversity is a wonderful thing. And the wonder of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied community is, just how diverse we are. No matter who we are, or how we identify ourselves, there’s room for all in the struggle for fairness. Each of us has a sexual orientation and a gender identity. Each of us deserves recognition and respect.

In a community so broad, complete agreement on every issue all the time is near impossible. To expect such agreement is the height of naïveté. Our local communities and life experiences will, and should, influence our priorities and goals.

At the Kentucky Fairness Alliance we recognize and respect that diversity. It is a central pillar of our strength. KFA and Louisville’s Fairness campaign are two of the oldest and most respected LGBT fairness organizations, not just in Kentucky, but in the entire nation. Our longevity is a testament to our ability to move with changing times, to adapt to changing priorities, and to respond to changing obstacles with dignity and professionalism.

It’s unfortunate that, from time to time, our natural differences are allowed to consume our natural alliances. We’re only human. Our greatest strength, a diverse community, is also our greatest weakness. It’s unspeakably easy to become so focused on our own priorities and goals, that we lose sight of the bigger picture in which we all have a place.

KFA uses circles as an integral part of our service mark. We believe in the power of a circle, where everyone can look each other in the eye and no one feels second-class. Even more powerful, there’s always room for more people in a circle, if everyone agrees to take a step back.

We urge all our allies – past, present, and future – to take a step back, to open the circle and welcome each other into the security of its solidarity. We welcome all fair-minded Kentuckians to join us on February 21 in Frankfort.

We will not always agree on everything, nor should we. Disagreement leads to better decisions. Conflict resolved leads to stronger relationships. But in order to win the fight for fairness we must never let conflict or disagreement overwhelm the truth that unites us all: Kentuckians Value Fairness.