I started this blog at least 10 different ways, and none of them felt appropriate. How do you tell people that the Federal government is crafting policy that can impact their daily life, but we don’t know what that looks like or when it will affect life as they know it? At PROMO, we have a job to do. We keep you informed on the most important issues impacting the LGBT community. But, what happens when the professionals are stumped by this trumped up action to discriminate? We stay vigilant. We stay engaged. We stay empowered to resist. Together. All of us.
Yesterday was a heavy day for Americans everywhere. The President signed a very broad religious freedom Executive Order (EO) that has potential to create barriers for LGBT Americans at every intersection of life. The House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This new health care policy threatens to impact millions of Americans ability to access quality affordable health insurance coverage. The potential impact of the AHCA has detrimental effects on people with preexisting conditions, women, and transgender people.
We could put out a bunch of speculation about how 45’s EO will impact your life, your family, or your aging parents, but what good will that do anyone? The truth is that your LGBT movement leaders are working to exhaustion to try and understand the potential threats caused by this EO. We are working with legal organizations like the ACLU to understand the legal and constitutional challenges that could be brought in retribution. However, until the people exercise the freedoms granted by this EO, we do not know the extend of the law in defense or support. We will keep you informed in whatever that capacity that looks like. Sometimes the message will be clear and specific. Sometimes the message will be to just hang in there, and we will let you know something as soon as we have an understanding of the implications.
Everyone must get involved in the process. There is no more time for passive civic engagement. We need every single person working for justice. If your privilege has allowed you to remain disengaged, what are you waiting for? If you are not able to give time, please give treasure. If you have neither, what is your special skill? How can you use what you have to create change and be part of the movement? Everyone is capable of creating change. You just need to decide to participate.
What do you do now? Live your life. Love with your whole self. And, laugh with great joy. We need to work hard and play harder. PROMO is hosting our largest fundraiser of the year on May 13, 2017 at the Grandel Theater. This event is 20% of our operating budget . Please consider joining us to celebrate LGBT equality victories,engage with the work that PROMO does in our state defending anti-LGBT legislation, and dance, eat, and play with new and old friends as we raise necessary funds to ensure that PROMO continues to exist to protect LGBT Missourians now and for years to come.
We have work to do, Missouri. PROMO is ready and will never back down. Who’s with us?