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<\/a>Long time marriage equality activist and author Tracy Hollister will be moderating the February 24 panel discussion<\/p><\/div>Fighting for equality and dealing with gross inequities in human society has been a hot subject from the distant past through today, and it will no doubt continue far into the future. Over the centuries, many societal inequities have been addressed when the adversely impacted parties advocated for their own rights working with fair-minded allies. Here in the USA, we abolished slavery followed by the long and continuing journey for racial equality. We have seen that same gradual change with our female population starting with our granting the right to vote, continuing to address workplace equality, moving on now to tackle the unfortunate prevalence of sexual harassment. (See links to my blogs on these issues at the bottom on this blog.)<\/p>\n
And now one of the most stunning movements in modern American history has culminated in the Supreme Court granting marriage equality for same-gender couples across all 50 states, about a half century after homosexuality was removed from the American Psychiatric Association\u2019s classification of mental disorders. Given how long some of other equality battles have taken, this progress is extraordinary!<\/p>\n
Two recent books are now out on how engaged volunteers had tremendous impact in this marriage equality victory; they will be featured at a panel discussion at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, February 24th. (Link to information about the event.)<\/strong><\/a> The panel discussion, moderated by Tracy Hollister with David Collins, Mark Phariss, and Vic Holmes will examine the role volunteers and plaintiffs played in winning the right to marry for same-sex couples years before most thought possible. And how can the lessons they learned be applied to other LGBTQ causes? <\/p>\n IMPORTANT ADDITION ADDED APRIL 2018: <\/strong>A second event is being held at the LGBT Center of Raleigh on Saturday, April 14th 2:00 – 4:0PM. Link to info.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Tracy Hollister, longtime advocate and Marriage Equality USA staffer, will share her own and others\u2019 testimonies from THE PEOPLE’S VICTORY: STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINES IN THE FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY<\/strong><\/a> on how volunteers made a difference. \u201cThe People\u2019s Victory\u201d is an inspirational roadmap for anyone who has felt passionate about an issue, but has questioned whether one person\u2019s contribution can make a difference. Accidental activists Mark Phariss and Vic Holmes, pictured on this book cover, will participate in the February 24th panel discussion<\/p><\/div>David Collins, author of ACCIDENTAL ACTIVISTS: MARK PHARISS, VIC HOLMES, AND THEIR FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN TEXAS<\/strong><\/a>, will join with the subjects of his book, Mark Phariss and Vic Holmes, to tell of love too long denied recognition and the emotional pain that led them to sue Texas for the right to marry. Indeed, Mark Phariss and Vic Holmes were surprised be thrown into the limelight (hence the term \u201caccidental activists\u201d), being schooled by cultural messages that being gay would come at an extreme cost, include loss of family and friends, threats involving housing and job security, and even threats of physical violence.<\/p>\n This event is co-hosted by RBPN \u2013 Raleigh\u2019s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, HRC Triangle, PFLAG Triangle, Equality NC, and the LGBT Center of Raleigh.<\/p>\n Do consider attending this panel discussion and\/or obtaining these two books. As well as being inspired by this change for equality in America, you may learn several lessons that you can apply to the social or justice issues in your life.<\/p>\n If you would like to invite Tracy and David to come to your local bookstore, university or Employee Resource Group, Tracy can be reached at hollister.tracy@gmail.com and David can be reached at oldprof40@gmail.com.<\/em><\/p>\n # # # # #<\/p>\n Some of my previous blogs about race and gender social issues:<\/p>\n \u2022\tIn \u201cSexism, Racism and the Dynamics of Power,\u201d<\/strong><\/a> I examine the power dynamic as critical when we discuss the societal and workplace issues of sexism, sexual harassment and racism.<\/p>\n \u2022\tFive Provocative Recommendations to Address Sexual Harassment in the workplace. <\/strong><\/a>The latest fiasco with Harvey Weinstein followed by the “me too” social media campaign has raised the visibility of sexual harassment and predators. As an HR professional, I am very disconcerted about abuse in the workplace and wrote this blog in response.<\/p>\n \u2022\t\u201cDivided We Stand \u2013 Racism in America from Jamestown to Trump,\u201d<\/strong><\/a> reviews and summarizes a fascinating and important book by David R. Morse that chronicles the many forms of racism present within the USA from our founding days up to current times.<\/p>\n \u2022\tThough a good number of white people believe that the racial discrimination of the past is eradicated, the black community for the most part, as well as statistical realities, would indicate otherwise. See \u201cFacing the Truth \u2013 Racism Still Persists in the USA.\u201d<\/strong><\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fighting for equality and dealing with gross inequities in human society has been a hot subject from the distant past through today, and it will no doubt continue far into the future. Over the centuries, many societal inequities have been … Continue reading
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