Our community has a lot to offer this challenged world. Despite the desire of those who’d prefer we stay distracted, we know our daily lives are much more than an ongoing celebration. In addition to our Pride, our thought leadership as LGBTQ+ people belongs in the fabric of the solutions changing the world. We’ve lived lives that force us to weigh options - to engage without alienating, to consider outcomes when actions benefit only 1 %, to challenge when collective thought becomes muddled - to show our value first.
Many of us have shown our value first and done it very quietly. People like:
Bayard Rustin who played a key role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. Despite facing discrimination for his sexual orientation, Rustin’s strategic brilliance and dedication to nonviolent protest were instrumental in advancing the civil rights movement.
Lynn Conway, a computer scientist and electrical engineer whose pioneering work in microchip design, revolutionized the tech industry. Despite being fired from IBM in 1968 after her transition, Conway’s subsequent achievements and advocacy for transgender rights have had a profound impact on both the scientific community and LGBTQ+ visibility.
Barbara Gittings, whose unwavering dedication to declassifying homosexuality as a mental illness, brought about profound shifts in the medical and psychological communities’ perception of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Alan Turing a mathematician and logician whose work in breaking the Enigma code during World War II was pivotal in the Allied victory. Despite his monumental contributions to computer science and artificial intelligence, Turing faced persecution for his homosexuality, leading to his tragic death.
Audre Lorde, a writer, poet, and activist whose work addressed the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Through her powerful writing and public speaking, Lorde advocated for social justice and inspired countless individuals to embrace their identities and fight for equality.
These individuals made significant contributions to society through their dedication, talent, and perseverance, often in the face of considerable adversity. Their stories highlight the diverse ways in which LGBTQ+ people have quietly made a difference and left a lasting legacy.
We’ve moved on and stepped up as members of the group of folks who want to contribute to a more vigorous life powered by new ideas. And we have a few more because we’ve grown up knowing that we need a Plan B to work around the roadblocks we find along the path.
Our distinctive perspective on problem-solving can help you realize what you’re capable of when you’re undecided. So ask. We’re here. Connect and see.