Traditionally we focus on Gay Pride in June; this year is no exception. But the celebrations this month are taking on a different tone as public consciousness about systemic racism and white supremacy in our culture is increasing. At this moment, celebrating equal rights feels different.
Last week, I watched The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson. The film captures the life and activism of a beloved and admired drag queen, trans activist, sex worker, and all-around ambassador, Marsha, who was found dead off the Christopher Pier in NY in 1992. The story centers around the Gay Rights Movement, from Stonewall through the night of Marsha's death. It is a powerful reminder of all of the ways the trans community was (and is) silenced and sacrificed in the Gay Rights Movement.
I am reckoning with my participation in this silencing, how my desire to become part of the mainstream affected those brave and spectacular enough to be themselves regardless of society's reaction. The gift of this moment is the opportunity to consider what's possible if we listen to all voices in the Gay Rights Movement–and beyond– especially those we have marginalized throughout history. It also makes me reflect on my business practice. As a Realtor, I am aware of my role as both an advisor and gatekeeper to one of the most substantial assets people own. It is heartbreaking to see how Realtors have contributed to the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunity. I, along with the entire team at Love Portland, am committed to doing the work to unpack our biases to ensure that they don't cause further harm.
I was encouraged this week to see that the National Association of Realtors (who are infamous for their self and status quo serving agenda) distribute a film to us members that starts a conversation about implicit bias in a meaningful way. Feel free to watch it (beware–it's 53 minutes long). It is valuable training for anyone, not just Realtors. While it is just a start, it introduces the topic in a way that encourages reflection and hopefully will gently shift mindsets of those who watch it.
Everyone in our community deserves to be heard and protected from discrimination. It is on us to do the work to undo the damage we have done over centuries by creating and supporting institutional racism and white supremacy culture. If we do this work together and in the spirit of Love, it can only make us stronger and certainly better.