Democratic Party of Lee County’s Post

🌟 Day 3: Honoring Black Queer Pioneers: Foundations of Our Fight 🌟 Today, we honor the incredible Black queer pioneers who have been instrumental in both the civil rights and LGBTQ+ movements. From Marsha P. Johnson's fearless activism during the Stonewall Riots to Bayard Rustin's strategic brilliance in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, and James Baldwin's eloquent critiques of race and sexuality—these trailblazers have paved the way for the freedoms we cherish today. 🔍 Key Highlights: Marsha P. Johnson: Co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and STAR, advocating for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and sex workers. Bayard Rustin: Close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and key organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington. James Baldwin: Brilliant writer and social critic whose works like "The Fire Next Time" challenged racism and homophobia, fostering greater empathy and understanding. Their legacies remind us that our liberation is deeply intertwined, and their bravery continues to inspire our fight for justice and equality. Quote of the day: "History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history." – James Baldwin 📖 Read more and join the conversation on my Substack newsletter In solidarity and empowerment, Desireé B Stephens #Pride #Juneteenth #BlackQueerPioneers #Intersectionality #CivilRights #LGBTQ #SocialJustice #CommunityBuilding #Liberation #EquityInEducation

Today we begin a content series called “25 Days of Project 2025”. If you weren’t already concerned about a second Trump presidency then brace yourself because this sh*t is scary. Project 2025, devised by former Trump White House staffers, is an authoritarian, Christian nationalist plan to transform the Untied States into an autocracy. It would undermine the rule of law, the separation of powers, the separation of church and state and civil liberties for women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Each day we’ll be highlighting a different policy contained in Project 2025’s 900-page manifesto. We recommend that you share with friends and family who may not be aware of what will happen if Trump wins in November. #25DaysofProject2025

Puerto Ricans make up 1.78% of the US population— making them an easy group to target because though mighty, they are a minority. 0.6% of the US population is transgender, which makes these Americans also an easy target (have you seen his ads!) It enables people to say, “That’s okay, that’s not me!” Yet division becomes normalized. Trump goes hard after isolated minorities. Do you get it? Are you Greek Orthodox or LDS or Jewish or Ivy League educated? Perhaps you’re part of a gold star family (fewer than 1 percent of us) or are a member of a family that has a differently-abled member (13%)? Or LGBTQ+ (7.6%) or pick your group? It’s hard to fight back when he divides us. But, I can assure you that together we are the best version of the United States of America. We are stronger together and without him. I endorse Kamala Harris for President. For the people.

As we journey through June, we are proud to celebrate both Pride Month and Juneteenth, two significant observances that remind us of the power of love, equality, and freedom. Pride Month is a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, their history, struggles, and the ongoing fight for equal rights. It's a celebration of love, identity, and the vibrant diversity that enriches our world. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black communities and the enduring quest for racial equality. At XponentL we have built an inclusive environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are. We believe that the individual voices of our employees meld into our collective strength, regardless of class, faith, gender, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. We play positive sum games with positive sum people. We thus strongly reject discrimination…a zero-sum power play if there ever was one. Happy Pride Month and Juneteenth! Let’s all get better together. #PrideMonth #Juneteenth #UnityInDiversity #EqualityForAll

🗳️ Voting is more than just casting a ballot; it's a powerful act that shapes our future and defines our values as a society. It’s crucial to remember what’s at stake—human rights, equality, and the well-being of all members of our community. 🌈 This isn't just about politics; it's about protecting the rights of marginalized groups, including women, the LGBTQ+ community, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, immigrants and others who have historically been overlooked or targeted. 🇺🇸 Let's vote for compassion, allyship, and justice. Let's vote for human rights.Every vote matters. Let’s use ours to shape a more equitable and inclusive world. 🌍 Let’s make America 🇺🇸 Kind again.

Today, we mark the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – a night that ignited a global movement for LGBTQ+ rights. But Stonewall wasn't just a riot; it was a catalyst for change, a defiant roar against years of oppression. The courage of those who stood up that night continues to inspire us in the ongoing fight for equality. However, to truly understand the movement's legacy, we must go beyond the headlines. Here are some book recommendations to deepen your understanding: 🔹 Stonewall by David Carter: This book likely provides a strong foundation for understanding Stonewall. By referencing multiple sources and placing the event in context, Carter helps to create a well-rounded picture. 🔹 A Stonewall Reader by Edmund White: This collection allows you to examine the event through the lens of the people who were there. By reading police reports, newspaper articles, and personal accounts, you can get a sense of the different perspectives on the event. There are numerous books available that delve into the Stonewall Riots and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Which book would you recommend to learn more about the Stonewall Riots and the LGBTQ+ rights movement? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!

Alumni Profile: Bish (Biswajit) Paul ('17), now Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, discusses his passion for using evidence-based approaches to address historical injustices and his longstanding work advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. “There were two things I wanted to do when I came to CCST. One was to make sure we could correct historical wrongs and injustices by using evidence-based and science-based policies. The second was to find ways to pay it forward to others. If you forged a pathway for yourself, how can you keep that door open and bring in as many people after you, whether they are queer, scientists of color, or international scientists…anything that puts you in a historically underserved community.” Read the full profile of Bish by CCST Alumni Engagement Officer Perry A. Gee: https://lnkd.in/g_RCgwKf #LGBTHistoryMonth #scipol #scicomm

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, symbolizes the liberation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a celebration of resilience, freedom, and a reminder of the continuous struggle for equality and justice. As we honor this day, it's crucial to recognize and celebrate the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Both continue to face systemic oppression, discrimination, and violence. The liberation of one group cannot be fully realized without the liberation of all. The struggles at the intersection of racism, homophobia, and transphobia highlight the importance of understanding how various forms of discrimination overlap and impact people's lives. Together, we can continue to push for a society where freedom, equality, and love are not just ideals, but realities for everyone. #Juneteenth #PrideMonth #BlackLGBTQ #FreedomDay #Intersectionality #EqualityForAll

#WOKEWOKE: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit strikes down Florida’s controversial ‘Stop Woke Act,’ igniting debates nationwide. 👏🏾✊🏾 “It strikes down a bill that epitomized the insidious nature of white nationalism masquerading as public policy, advancing anti-Blackracist legislation aimed to suppress the voices of Black people and the LGBTQ+ community, imposing authoritarian measures to censor and supporess that sought to dictate how individuals express themselves and engage with issues of race and identity.” - @drdavidjohns Learn how this ruling reshapes the landscape of diversity and inclusion in private workplaces, and its impact on crucial conversations about race and equity. #florida #rondesantis #workwoke #staywoke #stopwokeact #powerandpolitics

I hate "I told you so's" but...sigh. This was almost every marginalized groups' fear and forecast. When the most powerful role in the Western world can publicly insult veterans, women, people of color, people of different religions, the disabled, the LGBTQ+, victims of violence, the neurodiverse, the genderfluid, and so many others how can anyone but the few feel safe at home, at work, and all the places in between. The next installment of the https://lnkd.in/emGnZbDD series is scheduled for next Monday, December 9. Hear Kate Zhang, PhD, and researcher at the CPAC Institute, a think tank that provides research-based support for the understanding and elimination of systemic barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion.