Author Archives: Jason Landau Goodman

About Jason Landau Goodman

Jason Landau Goodman is a law student at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Jason is a fifth generation Pennsylvanian from Lower Merion, PA.

House Adopts Child Abuse Prevention Reform Package

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Today the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted HB 435, the last bill of the Pennsylvania Task Force for Child Protection legislative package. HB 435 and seven other pieces of legislation were championed by House Children and Youth Committee Chair Rep. Kathy Watson (R-144, Warrington) and several other House members following the recommendations of the Task Force. The group of policy experts was convened by the General Assembly following the discovery of Jerry Sandusky’s crimes in order to bolster protection of children against sexual abuse.

HB 435 introduced by Rep. Dan Moul (R-91, Gettysburg) to expand the practice of background checks for anyone who closely works with or volunteers in a capacity where they supervise children. The bill was unanimously passed in the House.

Another bill passed today dealing with child abuse, but not explicitly part of the Task Force package, was HB 726. This legislation was sponsored by Rep. Scott Petri’s (R-178, Richboro) to clarify the definition of child abuse. Rep. Petri’s co-sponsorship memo on this bill circulated on December 18, 2012, with the following points that the legislation will:

-Bring the standard for physical abuse in line with the language defining “simple assault” in our Crimes Code. In other words, the same conduct that would constitute assault would constitute child abuse.
-Expand the definition of “sexual abuse or exploitation” to include conduct, with regard to a child, that would constitute the criminal offenses of institutional sexual assault, indecent assault and unlawful contact with a minor.
-Remove the term “non-accidental,” and replace it with varying standards of culpability (reckless, knowing and intentional), which relate to the conduct constituting “child abuse.”
-Make several technical corrections.
-Bring the standard for abuse that is committed by creating imminent risk for a child more in line with the language defining “endangering the welfare of a child” and “reckless endangerment” in our Crimes Code.
-Create an exception in the definition for the use of justifiable force by a parent, guardian or other person responsible for the care and supervision of a child. Again, this language is based on language in the Crimes Code, so that conduct constituting assault will constitute physical abuse of a child.

HB 726 garnered 24 co-sponsors – 14 Republicans and 10 Democrats. The bill passed the House with 191 votes in favor and six votes against the measure. Republicans Rep. Michele Brooks, Rep. Fred Keller, Rep. Tim Krieger, Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, Rep. Carl Metzgar, and Rep. Rosemarie Swanger voted against the legislation.

In review, the Task Force’s recommendation lead to the introduction of eight House bills. The bills are currently being considered in the State Senate. They were adopted as follows:

HB 430, HB 433, HB 434, HB 436 were adopted by the House on June 20, 2013.
HB 431 and HB 432 were adopted by the House on April 17, 2013.
HB 429 was adopted by the House on April 10, 2013.

PSEC Exec. Director’s Remarks at Marriage Equality Rally

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I usually do not post remarks that I made at events, but I thought sharing this online may capture part of the dynamic conversation going on right now with young LGBTQ leaders and marriage equality.

I honestly had apprehensions about speaking at the Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania rally in Harrisburg this afternoon, but I am glad I did. There were 100+ supporters present which included community leaders from different pockets of the state from Erie to Philadelphia.

The prime focus of the rally was on relationship recognition, which is not an issue I personally focus much on. As a youth activist, I rally first on issues such as youth homelessness, school violence, community health, and policing concerns. Yet, the emerging group which sponsored the event was hosting the first LGBTQ advocacy rally on the Capitol steps in a decade. When the call is made, you show up.

For my part, I chose to focus on individual responsibility as advocates and challenging the current institutions for LGBTQ work in Pennsylvania. Many of the things I said were clearly not part of the mainstream conversation. It was something I felt they needed to hear – as no one else was making similar remarks. I was the only speaker to bring up community stratification and privilege as key issues to address. Out of the dozen speakers, there was only one person of color and no trans identified folks.

I take many cues from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) of the 1960s. At 23 years old, SNCC Chairman John Lewis was the youngest person to speak at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His original speech called out Democrats for being inept and the President’s administration for stalling on certain issues. The adults censored his speech and he was forced to revise it. No one asked to approve my remarks beforehand. So here they are.

Good morning.

Thank you everyone for coming out today to create a better Pennsylvania, our home.

My name is Jason Landau Goodman. I am a student at the University of Pennsylvania and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition. PSEC represents our statewide LGBTQ youth organization – working as a coalition of high school and college GSAs across the Commonwealth.

I am here today as a queer-identified, young Pennsylvanian, working with other youth across the state who are invested in this fight and leading effective advocacy locally and at the state level.

We know our youth generation is well advanced on LGBTQ civil rights and marriage equality. For many young Pennsylvanians, Republican or Democrat, this is a non-issue.

I come before you today as well as a lobbyist on LGBTQ issues, working every day I am in Harrisburg on promoting legislation that reflect an affirming Commonwealth. Myself and the youth leaders we bring regularly to the Capitol – from Erie and McKean Counties – Scranton to Pittsburgh – Berks to Bucks Counties – know the front lines well.

After two years, we have found that we must be calculated and strategic to be effective. It is fantastic that we have this rally today, but waving our general support on this sidewalk may mean little more than the words spoken today. But it does not have to be. The legislature may not be in session today but these messages can be felt and taken home with you to organize with your local leaders. We need to deploy ourselves as troops in this struggle, and have community oversight on that.

We must remain focused that it will take 26 votes in the State Senate, 102 votes in the House of Representatives, and the support of the Governor to get anything done for social justice.

Through all of this, working full-time on LGBTQ advocacy, I have found the biggest change we face is not our ultra-opposition. We will never earn the support of those who express bigotry as a core value.

Our largest challenge does not exist with our strongest supporters. We often have charismatic leaders or organizations posturing to us for attention or campaign dollars. We can generally count on those votes.

The greatest obstacle we face is within ourselves. Let me explain why.

Our success in Pennsylvania will not be captured by a statewide LGBTQ organization, but us as independent agents taking individual responsibility for completing effective engagement with moderates.

Community based advocacy, where individuals spark fundamental change, will directly empower our success. This includes shifting the positions on LGBTQ equality with everyone in your networks. Having courageous conversations with your family at the dinner table, challenging comments made at your general store or civic association. We know laws alone will only secure part of our goal. Social progress must also be pressed for to execute civil rights laws.

With a majority of Pennsylvanians supporting the dignity of all, compassion will run over the General Assembly.

This process of securing our civil equality must also foster the fire of our community spirit. Beyond any organization or label, because often they come and go, our resilience over generations, and inclusivity of all those fighting with us must prevail. Ensuring every voice is welcomed, regardless of privilege or experience, must be heard, and respected at the table. Together, we can build a better table.

Whatever happens with the Supreme Court, not much at all would change in Pennsylvania. We will still not have nondiscrimination, hate crimes protections, or safer schools. Next week, what we can do, is be ignited to contact your legislators to get us there. In Pennsylvania, this is incredibly easy – and every letter and email counts. When the legislature goes on recess this July – visit them in your district to articulate a convincing case as to why they should take a step forward on a key bill. And then, we can ask them to take another step, and another. With legislators across the state taking steps forward, we will reach our goals.

For marriage equality, the bill we have is SB 719. How many co-sponsors does this legislation have? Five. Five. There is no reason this bill should not have at least 20 co-sponsors.

In closing, let us define ourselves by how we overcome the barriers ahead – breaking down the fiefdoms we have around Pennsylvania, the silos that exist within our community – and choose to bind each other to improving our communities for everyone.

The movable middle, moderates, are waiting for our message.

So let us be clear: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all is what we want.

Pennsylvania is our home, so let us wake up and get to work.

House Advances Holocaust Education Legislation

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ClymerToday the House unanimously adopted a bill by Rep. Paul Clymer (R-145, Quakertown) providing for Holocaust education in Pennsylvania public schools.

HB 1424 empowers public school districts to offer curriculum dealing with the Holocaust, at any grade level. The legislation allows educators to receive continuing education credits for academic programs on the Holocaust that they attend.

The bill was championed by the Anti-Defamation League of Eastern Pennsylvania/Southern New Jersey working with Rep. Clymer who introduced the measure. HB 1424 had 35 co-sponsors – including Majority Leader Rep. Mike Turzai (noteworthy because he rarely co-sponsors legislation) – of which 18 were Republican and 17 were Democrat.

Every Jewish member of the Pennsylvania House was a co-sponsor of the bill. The three Jewish House members are: Rep. Michael Schlossberg (D-132, Allentown), Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202, Philadelphia), and Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23, Pittsburgh). As the bill was adopted, Rep. Schlossberg and Rep. Cohen took to the House floor to press the legislature to eventually adopt mandated education on the Holocaust, rather than a simple suggestion to school districts that they do so.

Yes, unfortunately, in no way does HB 1424 mandate the teaching of the Holocaust. Last session, Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-170, Philadelphia) introduced a similar measure in May 2012which would have required public school students to learn about the Holocaust. HB 2396 garnered 23 co-sponsors, including Rep. Clymer. There were five Republicans and 18 Democrats on the bill.

Rep. Boyle introduced an amendment on the floor to mandate the education,A02263, changing “may” to “shall” throughout the bill. Above you can see moving remarks delivered to House members by Rep. Schlossberg. The amendment failed in a 99-99 vote, with every Democrat voting for it. The Democrats were joined by the following nine Republicans in calling for Holocaust education to be mandated in the Commonwealth:


Rep. Mike Fleck (R-81, Huntingdon)
Rep. Mark Gillen (R-128, Reading)
Rep. Lee James (R-64, Senaca)
Rep. John Maher (R-40, Bethel Park)
Rep. Carl Metzgar (R-69, Somerset)
Rep. Thomas Murt (R-152, Hatboro)
Rep. Scott Petri (R-178, Richboro)
Rep. Mario Scavello (R-176, Stroudsburg)
Rep. Todd Stephens (R-151, North Wales)

HB 1424 now sits in the Senate Education Committee. We do not yet know if Senate Education Committee Chair Sen. Mike Folmer will take up the bill.

Pennsylvania funded Holocaust education in our Commonwealth’s schools until 2009, when Gov. Ed Rendell, who is Jewish, cut the $60,000 line item from the state budget. That funding was distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to the Pennsylvania Holocaust Education Council for educational programs and trainings.

CommonGround PA strongly supports a mandate of Holocaust education for every student in the commonwealth.



[Update: Video of Rhonda Fink-Whitman interviewing Pennsylvania public school graduates about the Holocaust added November 16, 2013]

Rep. Farina’s Suicide Prevention Bill Up for Committee Vote

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House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Clymer (R-145, Quakertown) has called a committee vote this coming Thursday, June 27th, on a landmark suicide prevention bill. HB 1559 was introduced today, June 20th, 2013, by freshman Rep. Frank Farina’s (D-115, Eynon). There are now 42 co-sponsors – 11 Republicans and 31 Democrats.

Co-Sponsors of HB 1559 (as of June 25, 2013): Rep. Frank Farina, Rep. Karen Boback, Rep. Edward Neilson, Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Rep. Greg Vitali, Rep. Mike Peifer, Rep. Mike Rozzi, Rep. Susan Helm, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Michelle Brownlee, Rep. Gerald Mullery, Rep. Daniel McNeil, Rep. Stephen McCarter, Rep. Sid Kavulich, Rep. Dan Truitt, Rep. Mike Vereb, Rep. Patty Kim, Rep. Marty Flynn, Rep. Mark Cohen, Rep. Tim Briggs, Rep. Vanessa Brown, Rep. Kevin Haggerty, Rep. Thomas Caltagirone, Rep. Dom Costa, Rep. Mark Longietti, Rep. Ryan Sankey, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, Rep. Bernie O’Neill, Rep. Tim Mahoney, Rep. Micheal McGeehan, Rep. Rosita Youngblood, Rep. Jaret Gibbons, Rep. Pat Harkins, Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, Rep. Mike O’Brien, Rep. Scott Conklin, Rep. James Clay, Rep. Joe Emrick, Rep. Thomas Murt, Rep. Ed Pashinski, Rep. Hal English, and Rep. Anthony DeLuca.

Rep. Farina’s suicide prevention bill would mandate all professional educators for students in grades 6 to 12 to have four hours of training on the issue every five years. If adopted by the State Senate, it would go into effect during the 2014-2015 school year.

On April 25, 2013, the House Education Committee under Rep. Clymer held a hearing on school bullying and youth suicide. CommonGround PA expects this measure to easily pass the House Education Committee next Thursday, and soon thereafter the full House. We await notice from the Senate Education Committee if they are interested in concurring on this bill.

Pittston Adopts LGBT Inclusive Nondiscrimination Law

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Tonight the Pittston City Council unanimously adopted a non-discrimination ordinance inclusive of protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Local organizers have worked on the ordinance with the council members since March 2013.

Pittston has become the 31st municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance.  The small city of about 8,000 is the first in Luzerne County and second in northeastern Pennsylvania to adopt this type of local law. Over two dozen community supporters of the ordinance attended the final vote this evening. Advocates present included members of the NEPA Rainbow Alliance board and PSEC.

Without an inclusive statewide non-discrimination law, Pennsylvanians who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), or those perceived as LGBT, can be legally discriminated against. Countless LGBT Pennsylvanians have been fired, evicted from their home, or denied a public accommodation on this basis.

Pittston’s State Representative, Rep. Mike Carroll, is a co-sponsor of HB 300 – the state’s leading non-discrimination legislation.

Currently 32% of Pennsylvania’s population (4.1 million residents) lives in the 31 municipalities with inclusive nondiscrimination laws.

For further information on local non-discrimination ordinances in Pennsylvania please visit the website of the Suburban and Rural Alliance of Pennsylvania (SARA of PA) at http://sarapennsylvania.org.

2012 Outgoing State House Member Equality Report

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Today we pay homage to the departure of 30 members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Here the KSV profiles the contributions and opposition these members presented to LGBTQ equality during their tenure. Their records are now complete and provide insight on the progress of equality advocacy within the Pennsylvania legislature spanning over three decades.

Votes are the most accurate way to track legislative support or conflict. While co-sponsoring LGBTQ inclusive legislation is important, and we do look at members’ support of HB 300, it can be a variable indicator of support. Sometimes a member could be counted to vote on the legislation, although may have missed the opportunity to put their name on the bill.

Pennsylvania loves our incumbents. Only one member, Rep. Quigley, lost a bid in the general election in November 2012. The average start term for the members closing out their tenure in 2012, was 1998, or a service of seven terms.

Rep. John Bear
House District 97
Serving: Lititz – Central Lancaster County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Retiring

Record: No voting record on LGBTQ equality.

Rep. Scott Boyd
House District 43
Serving: Lampeter – Central Lancaster County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2003
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Boyd was the lead sponsor who introduced HB 2381 in 2006 – a bill to ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania Constitution. He voted against an amendment to the bill to allow for civil unions in the future, and also against tabling the bill at the last moment before it passed.

Rep. Joseph Brennan
House District 133
Serving: Lehigh and Northampton Counties
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Retiring

Record: No voting record on LGBTQ equality.

A member of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus. Rep. Brennan has spoken at Lehigh Valley Pride in Allentown.

Rep. Ronald Buxton
House District 103
Serving: Harrisburg and Steelton
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1993
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Buxton was a co-sponsor of HB 300 to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations in his last session. Rep. Buxton voted to allow a legal window for same sex civil unions other than marriage while HB 2381 was in the House in 2006. He also voted to table the bill in a final attempt to stop it, and ultimately voted against the bill before it passed. In 2002, he was a co-sponsor, and voted for, the LGBTQ inclusive hate crimes bill which was passed in the House.

Rep. Buxton was the 2010 Grand Marshall for Central PA Pride in Harrisburg.

A member of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus.

Rep. Thomas Creighton
House District 37
Serving: Manheim – Central Lancaster County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2001
Departure: Retiring

Record: Not such a great record. He is a cosponsor of the bill to ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania Constitution (HB 1434). In 2010 while on the State Government Committee, he voted against HB 300, although it was ultimately voted out of committee. In 2006 he was a cosponsor, and voted for, the constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality. During the bill discussion on the House Floor he voted against the Nailor Amendment to allow state recognition of same sex couples other than marriage, as well as against a motion to table the vote. In 2002, he voted against the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the state ethnic intimidation law.

Rep. Lawrence Curry
House District 154
Serving: Jenkintown – Montgomery County
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1993
Departure: Retiring

Record: A long-time ally to LGBTQ issues, Rep. Curry is a co-sponsor of HB 300 – and was a leader in voting to get the bill out of the State Government Committee in 2010. He voted against the constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2006 – while voting for the Nailor amendment and for the bill to be recommitted to committee before it passed. He was a cosponsor and voted for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

A member of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus.

Rep. Eugene DePasquale
House District 95
Serving: York – Southern York County
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Elected Pennsylvania Auditor General

Record: From his time in the General Assembly for three sessions – we can expect strong support for LGBTQ equality from Auditor General DePasquale. He ran for the row office position under a campaign of full LGBTQ equality. As a State Representative, he cosponsored HB 300.

A member of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus.

Rep. William DeWeese
House District 50
Serving: Fayette, Green, and Washington Counties
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1976
Departure: Convicted of Criminal Charges

Record: Although a convicted criminal related to corruption, Rep. DeWeese has been a formidable leader in the General Assembly – and a mixed bag with LGBTQ issues. From rural Western PA, Rep. DeWeese served as Speaker of the House from 1993-1994. Even though he was in a trial, he was re-elected by a wide margin in November 2012. Upon his sentencing later that month, he resigned from his House seat. Rep. DeWeese was a co-sponsor of HB 300 this session. He voted for the constitutional ban on marriage equality, against the Nailor amendment to allow for other state recognitions for same sex couples, and against tabling the bill. He did vote for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. John Evans
House District 5
Serving: Edinboro – Central Erie County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2001
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Evans is also a mixed bag on LGBTQ issues. He voted for the ban on marriage equality in the state constitution in 2006 – while voting against the Nailor amendment and the motion to table the bill. He is not a co-sponsor of the current bill this session. Rep. Evans did vote for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. Richard Geist
House District 79
Serving: Altoona – Blair County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 1979
Departure: Lost Primary Election

Record: Rep. Geist had an abysmal record on LGBTQ issues. He was a cosponsor of the bill to ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania constitution, and voted for it. During the bill’s discussion he voted against the Nailor amendment and against tabling the bill. In 2002, he voted against the inclusive hate crimes bill.

Rep. Camille “Bud” George
House District 74
Serving: Clearfield County
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1975
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. George is completing a long and respected tenure as a state legislator. On LGBTQ issues, he was a mixed bag. Never a co-sponsor of HB 300, he voted for the bill to ban marriage equality in the state constitution – as well as against the Nailor amendment and against tabling the bill. However, he did vote for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. Michael Gerber
House District 148
Serving: Conshohocken, Lower Merion – Montgomery County
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2005
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Gerber is completing four terms supporting LGBTQ issues. An original co-sponsor of HB 300 this session, he voted against the ban on marriage equality in the state constitution. He additionally voted against the Nailor amendment and to recommit the bill to committee.

Rep. John Hornaman
House District 3
Serving: Erie
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Retiring

Record: No voting record on LGBTQ equality.

Rep. Scott Hutchinson
House District 64
Serving: Oil City – Butler and Venango Counties
Party: Republican
Served Since: 1993
Departure: Elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate

Record: As a State Representative, Rep. Hutchinson has not been too kind to LGBTQ equality issues. Rep. Hutchinson was a cosponsor and voted for HB 2381 – to ban marriage equality in the state constitution. He voted against the Nailor amendment and against tabling the legislation for further review. In 2002, he voted against the inclusive hate crimes bill. We hope that with changing public attitudes – the state legislator representing the communities featured in “Out in the Silence” will become more understanding and compassionate toward his constituents who are LGBTQ.

“So what I am asking is that we in Pennsylvania must prevent our State courts from thwarting the will of the people. The only way that we can protect our time-honored view of marriage is to embody it in the Pennsylvania State Constitution, and we must get that constitutional process under way quickly in order to protect this essential building block for a strong society in the future. We must empower the voters and not the courts to determine the definition of marriage now and in the future. I ask all of you to join me in supporting the marriage protection amendment.” –Rep. Hutchinson, 2006

“I guess to sum things up, I believe that sexual orientation does not deserve special legal recognition.” –Rep. Hutchinson, 2002

Rep. Kenyatta Johnson
House District 186
Serving: Philadelphia
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2009
Departure: Elected to Philadelphia City Council (January 2012)

Record: In his tenure as a state legislator of two sessions, Rep. Johnson was a cosponsor of HB 300.

Rep. Babette Josephs
House District 182
Serving: Philadelphia
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1984
Departure: Lost Primary Election

Record: Rep. Josephs is the longest serving LGBTQ ally in the history of the state legislature. She introduced the fourth ever equality legislation – regarding hate crimes in 1989 – and has allied herself closely on civil rights since. She introduced the last two major pieces of legislation for relationship recognition in the Pennsylvania – including the first marriage equality legislation in the Pennsylvania House.

As the Chairperson of the State Government Committee in 2010, she was a lead sponsor and the lead decision maker to get the bill out of committee. She is one of the first House committee chairs to move a piece of LGBTQ equality legislation. She voted against the ban on marriage equality in the state constitution in 2006 – and against the Nailor amendment and for the motion to table the vote. In 2002, she was an original cosponsor and voted for the inclusive hate crimes bill.

She has the longest span of introducing and supporting LGBTQ equality legislation of any member in the General Assembly’s history.

She is a founding Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus.

“Ms. JOSEPHS. I am a short politician. I will attempt to give a short speech.

I think this is a very sad day for this great institution for which I have great respect and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which historically led the way to greater liberties, greater civil rights, and greater freedoms with responsibility in this country.

I think it is not only sad from moral and ethical and personal reasons but from economic reasons as well. Several of the speakers who oppose this amendment have talked about the pall that it will place on our State. We will have a name across the country and across the world as being inhospitable, as being unconcerned about civil rights, as rushing forward to make judgment without the proper debate.

I do not know how we can bring business – excuse me, Mr. Speaker. I really would like some attention. I have not spoken—

The SPEAKER. The lady is entitled to be heard. Please keep the noise levels down.

Ms. JOSEPHS. I have not spoken very much on this bill, and I—

The SPEAKER. The gentlelady is correct. Please keep the noise down. Ms. Josephs.

Ms. JOSEPHS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I do not know how we can be expected to compete in a global economy, to bring businesses here, to bring the best kind of employees here and employers. We have this kind of amendment and this kind of image in front of the world.

I am also extremely distraught and distressed that our Constitution, which led the way for freedom and liberty – we were never like the United States Constitution and enshrined slavery and enshrined the disenfranchising of women; we never did those kinds of things – and now we are taking a step into a very murky, a very bad – I hope we are not taking this step – but even this debate I think is deleterious, is adverse, has a very negative impact not only on our image to the world but also in our own civic pride and our own pride and our history as being such a forefront of liberty and freedom.

I really do not understand except for the political reasons, which is to bring out the conservative vote when some people want the conservative vote out, why there is this rush to do this damage, this damage to families who are committed and loving, this damage to children, and this damage to our State and to our economic development in this Commonwealth.

I am not going to vote for this amendment, that is not a big surprise. I hope that a majority of my colleagues here, not a Republican issue, not a Democratic issue, will follow my lead.

I think our constituents admire us when they admire us for courage and for sticking to our principles, and for those of us who have principles, I recommend a “no” vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.” Rep. Babette Josephs, 2006

Rep. Jennifer Mann
House District 132
Serving: Allentown
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1999
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Mann has been an LGBTQ ally in the House for over a decade. As the Democratic Caucus Secretary – she is only the third woman in Pennsylvania history to serve in a democratic leadership position. A cosponsor of HB 300, she voted against the constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2006. She voted against the Nailor amendment and to recommit the bill to committee. She was a lead sponsor and voted for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. Kevin Murphy
House District 113
Serving: Scranton, Moosic, and Throop
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2009
Departure: Lost Primary Election

Record: No voting record on LGBTQ equality.

He was not a cosponsor of HB 300, when it would be expected he would as representing a municipality with a non-discrimination ordinance.

Rep. John Myers
House District 201
Serving: Philadelphia
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1995
Departure: Retiring

Record: A cosponsor of HB 300, he voted against the constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2006. He voted against the Nailor amendment and to recommit the bill to committee. He was a lead sponsor and voted for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. Tony Payton
House District 179
Serving: Philadelphia
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Payton is a cosponsor of HB 300. A member of the Pennsylvania LGBT Equality Caucus.

Rep. Scott Perry
House District 92
Serving: Dillsburg – Cumberland and York Counties
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Elected to the United State House of Representatives

Record: No voting record on LGBTQ equality.

On the campaign trail to replace outgoing US Rep. Todd Platts (R), Rep. Perry made clear that unlike his pro-LGBTQ equality predecessor, he would have voted against repealing “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and is against full marriage equality. However, he stated during a debate in October 2012 that he wants equal treatment for gay and lesbian people and would consider civil unions or other forms of relationship recognition that is not called “marriage.”

Rep. Joseph Preston
House District 24
Serving: Pittsburgh
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1983
Departure: Retiring

Record: A cosponsor of HB 300, he voted against the constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2006. He voted against the Nailor amendment and to recommit the bill to committee. He was a lead sponsor and voted for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. Preston introduced the sixth-ever equality legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1993 with HB 2312, a hate crimes bill inclusive of sexual orientation.

Rep. Thomas Quigley
House District 146
Serving: Pottstown – Montgomery County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2005
Departure: Lost General Election

Record: In his first term as a Pennsylvania legislator, Rep. Quigley became a cosponsor and voted for the bill to ban on marriage equality in the state constitution. He voted against the Nailor amendment and to recommit the bill to committee.

Rep. Dante Santoni
House District 126
Serving: Reading – Berks County
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1993
Departure: Retiring

Record: A cosponsor of HB 300, he voted against the constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2006. He voted against the Nailor amendment and to recommit the bill to committee. He was a lead sponsor and voted for the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002.

Rep. Curt Schroeder
House District 155
Serving: Exton – Chester County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 1995
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Schroeder finishes a 17 year tenure in the state legislature having been against every measure for LGBTQ equality to come up to a vote. A current cosponsor of HB 1434 to ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania constitution, Rep. Schroeder was a lead cosponsor and voted for the ban that was passed by the house in 2006. He voted against the Nailor amendment and against the motion to recommit the bill to committee. In 2002, he voted against the inclusive hate crimes bill.

Rep. Ken Smith
House District 112
Serving: Dunmore – Lackawanna County
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Lost Primary Election

Record: In his three terms, Rep. Smith became a cosponsor of HB 300.

Rep. Edward Staback
House District 115
Serving: Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 1985
Departure: Retiring

Record: Rep. Staback was a cosponsor and voted for the House bill to ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania constitution. He voted for the Nailor amendment and against recommitting the bill to committee. In 2002, he voted for the inclusive hate crimes legislation.

Rep. Randy Vulakovich
House District 30
Serving: Northern Pittsburgh Suburbs – Allegheny County
Party: Republican
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Elected to Pennsylvania State Senate (Spring 2012)

Record: As a State Representative, Rep. Vulakovich became a co-sponsor of HB 1434 which would ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania constitution.

Rep. Chelsa Wagner
House District 22
Serving: Pittsburgh
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2007
Departure: Elected Allegheny County Controller

Record: In her tenure as a State Representative, Rep. Wagner became a co-sponsor of HB 300. In 2010, a bill she authored on sexual education, the Healthy Youth Act (HB 1162), was voted out of the House Education Committee by 14-11.

Rep. Jewell Williams
House District 197
Serving: Philadelphia
Party: Democrat
Served Since: 2001
Departure: Elected Philadelphia County Sheriff

Record: Rep. Williams has been a strong supporter of LGBTQ equality. He was a co-sponsor of HB 300 – as well as a cosponsor of the inclusive hate crimes bill in 2002 (which he voted for). Rep. Williams voted against the bill to ban marriage equality in the Pennsylvania constitution – and against the Nailor amendment and in support of recommitting the bill to committee.

First LGBT State Legislator in Pennsylvania Comes Out

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Press Release from PSEC:

BREAKING: First LGBT State Legislator in Pennsylvania Comes Out;

Republican Rep. Mike Fleck Becomes
First Openly Gay Legislator in Pennsylvania History

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) and LGBT youth across Pennsylvania commend Republican State Rep. Mike Fleck (R-81) for coming out today, becoming the first openly LGBT lawmaker in the Keystone State. Not only is Fleck the first and only legislator currently in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly who is openly gay, he is also one of only two openly gay Republican state legislators nationwide.

This is a historic and significant event for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A Pennsylvania General Assembly that reflects the true diversity of her citizens is a better state for us all. Fleck said he hopes his openness will help others better understand the journey people have to take to live an authentic life, according to the Huntington Daily News.

Rep. Fleck represents a largely conservative and rural district stretching over Blair, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties in Central Pennsylvania. In the breaking article in his local paper today, he noted that he remains committed to the same political ideals as before the announcement, as he has since he was first elected in 2006.

PSEC has been proud to work with Rep. Fleck. Prior to his big announcement, Rep. Fleck was already a friend of PSEC as a cosponsor of the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act (HB 2636), which is a landmark anti-bullying bill to update Pennsylvania’s weak safe schools statute. Supporters of the PASS Act have appreciated considerable diversity of cosponsors, in terms of political affiliation, gender, and now–as of today–sexual orientation.

“Rep. Fleck has made history in becoming the first openly gay member of the Pennsylvania legislature. We could not be more proud of his courageous decision to be open and affirming of his identity.” said PSEC Executive Director Jason Landau Goodman.

PSEC wrote personally to Rep. Fleck on the day of his announcement. “On behalf of the thousands of LGBT youth we represent across the state, we thank you for coming forward and becoming a role model for us.”

PSEC is excited to continue working with Rep. Fleck in helping make the Commonwealth a better place for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of their sexual orientation.

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The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) is Pennsylvania’s statewide LGBTQ youth organization.

Gay African-American Judge Nominated to Federal Bench

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This afternoon, President Barack Obama nominated out Judge William L. Thomas to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If confirmed, Judge Thomas would become the second out black federal judge, the first being Judge Deborah Batts of the Southern District of New York who was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1994.

This breaking news has close ties to Pennsylvania. The Honorable William L. Thomas is a 1991 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, located in Washington County, PA. While at W&J, he helped create the first student multi-cultural organization, the Cultural Awareness Support Enrichment Group.

Following his undergraduate studies, Judge Thomas went directly to Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia for his JD. He graduated in 1994 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995.

After graduating law school, he became an Assistant Public Defender in the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s office. From 1997-2005, he was an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Southern District of Florida. Since 2005, Judge Thomas is currently serving as a judge in Florida’s Eleventh Circuit.

The KSV is working to find out more information from his Pennsylvania roots and will post more information as it become available.

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PSEC State of the Movement Address

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Greetings all! This letter was sent to PSEC Coordinating Committee members in preparation for the Fall convening. The state youth meeting November 9-11 at Bucknell University is focused on leadership growth and adaptability. The PSEC Executive Committee asked us to post this publically for you to learn more about the successes and challenges which face youth-led organizing today. PSEC strives for transparency and accountability for the youth represented by the coalition.

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Dear Pennsylvania LGBTQ Youth Friends,

We are now at a critical turning point in our youth-led LGBTQ movement in Pennsylvania. The direction we will take together is to be decided directly by you and your organizations. Nothing can stop us if we all to rise up and work together toward the change we seek in our commonwealth.
 
To realize the power we have claimed as a generation, we must understand our coordinated effort as an integral part of our leadership. No longer can we see the full equality and safety of LGBTQ youth in Pennsylvania as an outside issue.
 
When we began our joint effort last year to build an authentic LGBTQ youth advocacy community in Pennsylvania, some adults laughed at us. A statewide youth-led LGBTQ advocacy organization had never been attempted before. Many leaders of mainstream equality organizations only saw youth then as pawns for fundraising, incapable of creating change. A small group of us banded together and declared that it was finally our time to rise up and take full ownership of our role in advancing the dignity and equal access for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians.
 
Since then, our partnership with the LGBTQ movement as a whole has experienced incredible progress. We have solidified our bonds with thousands of LGBTQ youth across the state. Our landmark anti-bullying bill, the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act, has become hallmark legislation in securing the safety of all young people in our commonwealth. We have held numerous statewide conferences to coordinate our efforts. Our presence is deeply felt in Harrisburg and in the communities we have helped change through policy.
 
However, our darkest times are yet to come. We will all be tested in our endurance and strength — by both the oppression we face in society, as well as within the LGBTQ community. It will be up to each of us to remain resilient as we meet our future opposition.
 
If I were to personally respond to all the acts of aggression I have witnessed and been subject to as a youth organizer, I would have little time to do anything else. Indeed, our storyline is so much more than merely a plea to support LGBTQ youth advocacy in spite of the barriers we face because of our age. That would not lift our spirits up as high as we are meant to go. While it is important to be aware of our shared struggle, it will be our self-determination that moves us toward victory. Our perseverance and commitment toward justice will be both our testimony and our source of strength — that a group of young upstarts can indeed lead a state and our county — into a new dawn of meaningful youth empowerment.
 
While PSEC directly represents nearly 50 member organizations in over 30 counties, we see new youth leaders facing difficulty in understanding the gravity of our joint efforts. This is the most prevalent issue which plagues youth organizing: sustainability of effective leaders. For two years since I began this work, I have consistently rejected the notion that youth are weak or unreliable — instead choosing to believe that each of us more powerful than we know.
 
Many of your organizations have new executive boards. At times, some leaders did not effectively transition information to new affiliate members about what it is we are doing together. Let us clarify any misinformation. Your former leaders were official delegates from your community who voted unanimously to form PSEC, wrote the organization’s constitution and founding principles, and believed firmly in our ability to work together toward common goals as GSAs in Pennsylvania.
 
It is deeply concerning to our coalition leaders to learn that some of your organization members have begun to see our collective movement as “outsiders coming in.” We are here because your predecessors willed this coalition into existence. We are here because there is too much unfinished work for us to face alone. PSEC is you, and always has been. Your commitment and vision for a better Pennsylvania is where the promise of our coalition now rests.
 
The time for us to have conversations about the relevance of coming together is now over. It has to – it must be – realized by you. No other individual will light your flame; you must find your own spark and march. As an organizer, my job is only to help provide you the tools which you need. You are the ones to define your destiny.
 
Our collective force is based on the tenant that we are stronger together than we are divided. Whether it is improving our lives on our campuses, coming to the assistance of others in our network, or forming a collective strategy for sweeping change across our commonwealth; the interconnection of our futures is undeniable. When one of us is struck with injustice, so are we all.
 
When a trans youth is beaten after school in rural Crawford County — we are called to unite. When a lesbian student in Scranton is forced out of her foster home and onto the street — we must help her. When a gay teen is bullied to such an extreme he takes his last step in front of a tractor trailer along the Susquehanna River — we must be there to give him hope.
 
We are together in our journey as LGBTQ youth. Our lives are interwoven throughout the farmlands and skylines across the Keystone state. The blood of our community runs through you just as it runs through me. We cannot allow our unity to be perceived so narrowly, as an external presence or merely as an outsourced responsibility for a first year student on your executive board. This must be your own leadership. The stakes have become too high: they are our very lives and futures. All young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians are invested in our coalition — whether they believe in our cause or not.
 
The new leaders we are concerned with have begun varying levels of dissociation in the push toward equality, which has led to uneven levels of participation. We have learned that there is no substitute for full, active, and authentic participation. Without it — in absence of your leadership — our coalition disintegrates. That is why the founding members made attendance as merits for voting power. All member organizations are expected to show up to the table to make informed decisions that drive us forward. Without your input, others are burdened in making decisions on your behalf. Trust amongst us as peers cannot occur if others make decisions for you. These are expectations we must place on ourselves to build an effective advocacy coalition.
 
These new leaders take issue with PSEC as a chore. That between homework, jobs, and on-campus events there is hardly time or interest to involve themselves in connecting their campus organizations with the state. Yet, this assertion distinctly fails to point out the very forms of oppression which lead to youth self-defeatism. Young people are told all through our childhood and school years that we are not strong enough to take on executive leadership. We are put through training programs which are intended to make us ‘the leaders of tomorrow’ instead of the leaders of today.
 
The messages we get as youth are that we are consultants and clients to the non-profit organizations that serve us, and at best, can intern with the organizations that we have interest in. Making excuses time and again for being unable to attend meetings and actions is to accept the labels which society has placed on us: that we are powerless and just do not care enough. In turn, to identify that our greatest challenge lies in our ability to lead our own movement is a difficult task. Bigotry must be combated with unyielding love and driven away — however, our true empowerment can only be generated when personal accountability is met with an unwavering vision for a better tomorrow.
 
We are one with the generations of youth before us who challenged society to lean forward into progress. It was only 50 years ago when students exactly like you and I, sacrificed their lives to have a voice in social justice communities. The women’s suffrage movement of the 1910s and civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s were not driven by charismatic leaders or political action committees — they were secured by ordinary folks like you and I. Their youth components proved to be essential to legislative victories. Together, youth were more than a picket and protest outlet but a coordinated force of change agents. From Stonewall to Act UP — we must not allow our generation to be disempowered or disengaged with our own call to action.
 
As those trusted with the legacy of LGBTQ youth for generations to come, we must realize change starts at home. In many cases, the activities within our organizations have all been done before. We continue to bring the same dozen speakers and performers to our campuses. We screen the same movies year after year. If we continue to reinvent the wheel of our organizations, the change we seek will never become bigger than the auditorium walls holding our largest drag show. We should consider a paradigm shift of our organizations in order to grow our communities. What has never been attempted — until now — is communicating between our groups to build a bold framework for our community. Now, we are raising our power up to the level where legislators listen to our voices, as we unite in Harrisburg, and in Washington DC, to fight for equality.
 
A youth coalition works only when our organizations’ members understand why it is important to turn our struggle into collective action. Like a ship carrying us to freedom, if all of us do not get on board and do what we can to steer us to safety: our boat will not cross any ocean, and injustice will continue to harm those left behind.
 
If new leaders lose sight of this path, organizations will begin to stand in apathy on the sidelines. Indeed, there are those who misunderstand what a coalition is, by expecting it to provide them with services without putting in effort into the collective. Others channel selfishness into their work — individuals for whom personal power and ego is the only thing that matters. I am unable to keep track of how many people have collected community awards by discussing the issues we face, but halting to step into the trenches where we work. These leaders must be guided toward group-centered leadership and shown that progress is possible when we all put in the necessary energy toward our goals.
 
Harvey Milk was a hero to many of us because he stood against those who would seek to make their egos larger than the issues, or make politics out of simple coordination. Milk once said: “Last week I got a phone call from Altoona, Pennsylvania, and my election gave somebody else, one more person, hope. And after all, that’s what this is all about. It’s not about personal gain, not about ego, not about power — it’s about giving those young people out there in the Altoona, Pennsylvanias, hope. You gotta give them hope.”
 
As we were forming our coalition, we knew that our calling has great importance. Believing that we could successfully challenge the LGBTQ movement’s expectations of youth, we knew we had no other choice but to follow through with our plans. While we knew it would be a difficult journey — we took the necessary preparations to ready ourselves for the battles ahead. We started to play with the ‘big boys’ and became an established force.
 
We have sat in numerous meetings with agencies trying to start LGBTQ youth programs that consistently execute programs which patronize or pathologize the LGBTQ youth experience. Many of these fail to address intersectionality, privilege, and the root causes of our issues. We need to be angry, because if not, we are complacent with the current programs which limit our engagement and commodify our identities.
 
As some of you know, our formation was not as seamless as we had hoped. Your organizations stood up to the adult bullies who tried to eliminate us as we were forming PSEC. For years we found ourselves the targets of false agreements by our adult leaders who assured us change in their organizations. Channeling the lockstep of how the National Women’s Party and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee formed from their establishment counterparts, we spent countless hours discussing the weighted decision. Following depraved indifference and explicit harassment by some adult leaders, we opted to transform our informal social network into an independent advocacy coalition.
 
At times, we continue to be intimidated both personally and professionally by members of other non-profit organizations. They see us as uncontrollable kids who could challenge their power. It is the idea of ‘unmanaged’ youth which frightens them. For years they have made profit off of our image — proclaiming they work on our behalf without truly representing us. Our only response has been to meet the adults with an unending capacity for love. In taking the higher road and not responding to their attacks, we become stronger ourselves.
 
I am at a loss as to whether we will ever know why some adults had such contempt for us — or that a limited few number of youth do not yet understand the gravity of these actions. We can presuppose it relates to their leaders’ egos and lust for power. It is non-profit politics, and surely we do not need to engage with it. We may face intimidation, but we must be strong. Political gain is not why I came here to fight, and I certainly do not believe any of us should be concerned with it either. So let us move on.
 
While some may look back on our decision and ask us why we elected to be independent, we can firmly respond with clarity: it was our fate to rise up. They may say, would it not have been easier to rely on adults for your power? The answer is no. Adults cannot speak for youth, only we can. As Audre Lorde said, “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” As youth are relatively unattached people, we are highly mobile and adaptable. Creating our distinct community has helped complement the equality movement as a whole. When there are multiple voices behind a social movement we all become louder. Multiple constituencies employing a variety of tactics can make a highly effective organizing front.
 
We in fact became the first youth-led statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization in the nation. We believed that if we can be successful in Pennsylvania, our model of youth advocacy can be deployed to other states. Should we prove ourselves sustainable, we potentially have a national movement in our grasp.
 
Unfortunately, adultism is just one of many internal challenges within the broader LGBTQ equality movement. Unlike the beginnings of many social justice movements in past eras, the LGBTQ equality community has become a series of well funded non-profit organizations battling each other for limited financial resources and messaging power. Independent grassroots organizing is at a very low level.

How did our movement become a playground for privileged non-profit groups? Dr. Frank Kameny lived a life of modesty and poverty. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would share motel rooms with other leaders when he traveled. I would respond that it was when we, the average young folks on the ground, accepted this as our reality for the LGBTQ equality movement. It was when we settled for letting our boldest actions to be wearing purple one day a year, or signing an online petition that would never be read by the targeted politician. That we were only to be consulted by these groups in determining an agenda. Our journey with PSEC challenges this entire system by saying: as LGBTQ youth, without being paid, and sacrificing all the resources we can, we are active leaders in this fight.

The mission of our coalition is to make our bonds so close, and our collective vision so clear, that no challenge can be too large for us. The truth is that our state has lagged for far too long on the journey toward fairness and equality. The first LGBTQ equality legislation was a bare bones non-discrimination bill in 1976. Although 69 pieces of equality legislation having been introduced in the General Assembly since that time, not one statutory law currently protects LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. Thirty municipalities have non-discrimination ordinances and a sprinkling of domestic partner benefit policies exist, but again, the larger movement for LGBTQ equality has yet to even begin in the Keystone state.

We have been delayed for decades in our quest to form this movement. Pennsylvanians have been denied the social progress that has been advanced in other states. The absence of progress can only be explained by the sheer lack of coordination and interest of our forbearers. Let us not be classified by historical trajectories or perceptions of youth as unreliable. The time is now, not later, to press on.

Patience to fit this movement into your schedules cannot be a valid option for us anymore. Our lives — and those of thousands of LGBTQ youth – are on the line. It may be easy to dismiss their pleas if you have never been at the end of a rope. However, as LGBTQ youth, we are all inextricably linked with the fact that we have come out. We were faced with societal forces which we were told limited us — made us different or shameful in some way. Together with our many beautiful and different identities we can push together to address racism, ableism, classism, sexism, and religious intolerance. We should know that our actions can directly help save others’ lives. Many of us did not have a support system. Our convergence is a giant helping hand stretching across our state to isolated youth — giving them hope that they are not alone.

I trust in you an admission of our most significant challenge ahead. It is your organization’s very commitment to this common good. We must work to empower all young people – to lift the veil that covers their eyes to the importance of our unity. To those who would feel that this struggle is not relevant to them or not worth their time are themselves the very obstruction that holds our full power back. If we can secure their dedication, our river will flow over any dam that tries to stop us.

It is time for us all to have the courageous and honest conversations with those in our organizations about solidarity. We assuredly have our different opinions — but being unenthusiastic about change is the seed which leads to divestment. It is not why any of us were elected to our leadership posts. Healthy debate amongst us regarding which tactics to employ and campaigns to launch reflects a strong community. However, for us to have leaders in our midst who believe that “equality will eventually come” and “I am not one to do activist things” leaves our cause mired. As we find ourselves less as a meeting of delegates but truly as each other’s keeper — nothing can stand in our way from combating prejudice and bigotry where it exists.

I understand these may be bold claims to make. That some of you may be overwhelmed by, or even taken aback by these assertions. I did not intend to make any of us feel discouraged. Many of us are stretched thin with all our obligations. But we must not lose our hope. For as leaders we carry that hope for countless young people who look us for guidance. Nevertheless, we must deal with these issues openly. We can continue to treat the symptoms of a disease, but only when we all agree to take the antidote will we be able to heal and move forward.

I have been to your campuses. I have walked your hallways and entered your student unions. While visiting I embrace every moment and dream of the day when we organize masses of students to march for the equal rights of all people. Who will come forward to lead your community toward that day? Let us show the world that our capacity to love is stronger than any obstacle in our way.

There is so much for us to discuss and I greatly look forward to seeing you and your representatives at our next state meeting. I have the utmost respect for your leadership and am humbled to take our next steps together to ensure a brighter future for us all.

 

Yours in solidarity,
Jason Landau Goodman
PSEC, Executive Director

Opinion: Purplewashing

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Last Friday, thousands of students and adults donned purple in solidarity with LGBTQ youth who are bullied in school. While I support the effort to raise visibility of the violence we face in our schools – I struggle with the issue becoming a commodity. Allow me to coin a term:

Purplewashing: the act of branding anti-LGBTQ bullying as an issue to be professionally marketed.

The harassment faced by LGBTQ students (and youth perceived to be LGBTQ) is widespread. You know the statistics.

Spirit Day may be a red-letter way of showing unity in some communities. However, I urge LGBTQ advocates to approach the day with caution. The idea is spreading that trendy activities such as wearing purple could be standalone ways to combat bullying, rather than accepting ownership of systemic and institutional causes of school violence.

Spirit Day was created through grassroots efforts back in 2010. That autumn, the mainstream media took hold of the suicides of gay youth for the first time. These tragedies included the back-to-back deaths of Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh, Raymond Chase, Asher Brown, William Lukas, Justin Aaberg, and others. It was a very sad time as the general public was learning about how frequent LGBTQ youth suicide is.

Our Pennsylvania LGBTQ youth network supported over 25 vigils that October, called Pennsylvania Night to Live, to remember the countless youth who had been driven to end their lives related to extreme bullying. Vigils, concerts, and memorial services were held in communities across the country. Later that month, the idea organically spread through social media and celebrities to wear purple for a day in solidarity against anti-LGBTQ bullying, which became a national event. The non-profit media organization GLAAD eventually won the bid to take the reins of the day now known as ‘Spirit Day.’

This year I began to notice the day being driven by adult service providers and adult-run organizations more than the past two years. The adults in many major LGBTQ non-profit organizations posted pictures online of their staff all in purple. I even saw Esurance in my Facebook mini-feed about the importance of wearing purple. It was viral.

These concerns are not new to visibility movements. In the early 1990s, the breast cancer awareness and prevention community was struggling. Women were experiencing barriers to treatment and social stigma.  They were mad and things needed to be done – and so they marched in protest. Great progress was made with healthcare providers and insurance companies, and we were finally able to see breast cancer prevention become a national conversation. The rallies changed over time. The marches became fundraising races and walks.

Over the past two decades, breast cancer awareness advocates have promoted pink to become a multi-million dollar advocacy industry. These efforts are truly important to raise critical funds for prevention and research for a cure. However, some critics claim the global pink ribbon culture has become a professional fundraising machine. Numerous articles, books, and documentaries have been made on how the pink marketplace may be more interested in funding sources than direct service. Breast Cancer Action’s Think Before You Pink campaign has been advocating for more fundraising transparency over the past decade. Indeed, we’ve seen what happens when so much pink power goes to one organization with Susan G. Komen’s disastrous decision (and reversal) to cut funding to Planned Parenthood earlier this year.

Cities from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia light up their skylines pink this month. Perhaps one day soon they will go purple too.

Our efforts for visibility must be tied with direct action. This year it was a struggle working with several partners to convince them that we must wear more than purple to change policies and combat hatred. Some folks may feel like they are “doing their part” just by wearing a color. It’s a start, but having courageous conversations and getting involved with advocacy for safer schools can more directly lead to the change we seek. Instead of organizing to wear a color, I would press LGBTQ advocates to be more angry that often too little is being done.

We must realize the potential ramifications of marketing anti-LGBTQ bullying as a topical issue. The serious plight of youth who suffer from anti-LGBTQ bullying can be easily glossed over with high-fashion fundraising events that fail to address intersectionality and privilege. My mind races thinking of the Purple Walks ahead of us.

“Suicide is now sexy”, is how I’ve heard a friend from New York City regard LGBTQ donor culture today – that more gay male socialites are tending to flock to cocktail parties for the Trevor Project over other groups. Yes, clearly that’s an endgame for social change, when anti-LGBTQ bullying organizations are securing penthouse floors for their Manhattan headquarters by hosting the hottest VIP fundraisers in town.

We need to be angry, because if not, we are complacent.

Join an organization in marching. Help run a community-wide forum on bullying at your local school. We should not believe that sending money at an issue, or wearing a color alone, will entirely shift a cultural stigma – especially when the issue is intricately linked to policy.

A lesson learned from last week: the bigots also went national on Spirit Day. The Illinois Family Institute flooded the East Aurora School District board of directors with emails to strip the protections they recently put in place for trans students. On Spirit Day they voted to remove those policies and discuss firing the staff who proposed them. Imagine, if everyone who wore purple wrote letters to school boards that day, maybe, more communities could preserve and advance protections for LGBTQ students. Absolutely, visibility is needed, but policies and action certainly help.

Before the swarm of non-profits start planning on how to go even more purple next year, let us think critically to ensure that LGBTQ youth and bullying is not just an issue to be bought, traded, or sold. We, the students, are the youth struggling with this violence. We are strong and resilient too.

Please, don’t take wearing purple as taking a final stand. Our boldest moves will come when national safe schools action is driven by the students ourselves.

Jason Landau Goodman is a student at the University of Pennsylvania and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition. He can be reached at jgoodman@pennsec.org.