In light of the recent Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruling, our radio show this month focused on the effects of the ruling, the persistent challenges faced by our LGBTQ community, and how to better support marginalized family members, friends, and neighbors.
In light of the recent Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruling, our radio show this month focused on the effects of the ruling, the persistent challenges faced by our LGBTQ community, and how to better support marginalized family members, friends, and neighbors.
Joining host Jim Williams, a member of our Board of Trustees, was Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County – a grantee of Community Foundation Boulder County – and psychologist Glenda Russell, who has conducted research on the psychological impact of political events on marginalized populations, and psychological resilience in the face of political attacks.
“Uncertainty keeps people vigilant and on guard about what’s going to happen,” said Glenda, referring to the ruling earlier this month. “There’s a lot of fear when you know you might be safe right now, but you might not be safe next week or next month.
“ […]We’ve really seen a rollback […] to hold back LGBTQ rights to the points that they don’t exist.” As a result, Glenda continued, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can often set in among those targeted in “everyday discrimination.”
Added Mardi, “I knew in my gut, no matter the [Supreme Court] decision, hate crimes would spike. And that’s exactly what happened. Hate crimes are up nationwide.”
But Out Boulder County has established a partnership with the District Attorney and seeks to “build that out so people have a sense of security.”
“Boulder is a place that people can go to find support,” agreed Glenda. “Not just from their community and organizations like Out Boulder County, but also from the mainstream community.
“Being involved in the community is a great source of […] resilience. All of our fates rise and fall with other people’s fates.”
Both guests further remarked on the importance of community allies. “Allies do a lot of work,” said Mardi. “As an out lesbian, I get targeted as having just one opinion. But allies have multiple opinions. So when they stand up for me […] or their kid in school, […] those acts of kindness and acts of responsibility change culture. Allies change hearts and minds.”
“Language matters a lot,” Glenda chimed in. “After the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision, I got mail and phone calls that said, ‘I’m standing with you.’ It was really nice to know that my straight friends were noticing…”
Similarly, “The Community Foundation sent out a missive […] it really does energize a community and offers support […] the feeling that we’re all in this together.”
Indeed, since 1996, Community Foundation Boulder County has stood with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community through the Open Door Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support and enhance the lives of LGBTQ community members living in Boulder County. Today – thanks to a strong, committed group of volunteers and donors – the Open Door Fund has reached its goal of a $1M endowment.
If you missed today’s broadcast, tune in here or listen the podcast on iTunes and other podcast apps. We hope you’ll join our next monthly radio show – July 23 at 8:35 a.m. – on KGNU’s “A Public Affair.”
