West’s outing gives gays opportunity to be active
Regardless of the outcome of the mayoral recall election, one question seems to be hovering over the gay and lesbian community: Where do we go from here?
Several attendees at the Nov. 19 public forum about the election and the impact of the Mayor Jim West story on the LGBTQ community asked the question, and several panelists (as well as an audience member or two) took a stab at answering. The suggestions revolved around staying active.
If West’s public outing juxtaposed with his legislative record as virulently anti-gay has spurred conversation, then keep the dialogue going. Those willing to ask for equality can use the West story as an example of how we often are treated in a fundamentally unfair fashion.
Dean Lynch, a retired social worker and former city council member, suggested we keep the conversation vibrant by getting involved with Equal Rights Washington or the Pride Foundation, statewide organizations focused on equality for LGBTQ folks. Locally, Inland Northwest Equality is gathering people to work for social justice at the city, regional and state level.
As a panelist on Saturday, Lynch also pointed out that the Washington State Supreme Court is poised to hand down a decision on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. No matter the outcome, he challenged us as a community to step forward with a reaction to the decision. (If the act is struck down, the court will have paved the way for equal marriage rights for all couples.) Inland Northwest Equality, in fact, is planning a rally in downtown Spokane for the day the opinion is heard. For information about the rally and how to get involved, contact Krista Benson at Brooke.PJALS@gmail.com.
Brad Read, former chair of the city’s Human Rights Commission and also a panelist, noted that if West is recalled, now is the time to advocate for fair-minded, socially progressive candidates for the mayor’s position and the council seat(s) that could be vacated. We can share our thoughts and hopes with the existing council members from our district because they will be responsible for filling vacancies by appointing new members.
Cat Carrel, a member of the forum audience, said her work for change will happen on a daily basis. She is out as a gay woman to her family, neighbors and co-workers and hopes that by living honestly before them they will think twice about supporting homophobic candidates or initiatives.
Whether we join organizations or work individually, West has given us a grand opportunity on which to capitalize. If he survives the recall and remains in office, the opportunity is the same: Fairness is an issue everyone can relate to. From here, we go toward a life more just and humane.