On June 20th the Trump Administration signed an executive order apparently stopping their policy of separating families at the border. This is a false victory, with severe repercussions. The executive order, known as “Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation,” still allows for continued prosecution of immigrant families and will encourage their indefinite incarceration–only now, together. There is much work to be done to protect our immigrant communities, which include thousands of LGBTQ individuals and families escaping persecution.
If this inhumane executive order stands, babies and innocent children will continue to be incarcerated in tent cities, cages, and even federal jails indefinitely, while families are criminally prosecuted awaiting the outcome of their deportation cases. Furthermore, this order does not provide any redress to families that have already been separated, nor does it include any plans to reunite children with their parents.
We must continue to vigorously oppose any threats to the safety and well-being of all families at every opportunity, which brings us to “Pride with Action.”
As you know, we’ll be marching in the San Francisco Pride Parade this Sunday, June 24th:
Contingent #22, meeting on Steuart between Mission and Howard as of 9am
We are humbled to have been awarded SF Pride’s José Sarria History Maker Award for our work helping to advance LGBTQ inclusion in California schools. It is fitting, then, to remember: history is made up of what we do–or don’t do–every day, and likewise history will judge us for those actions–or that inaction.
We remember that Pride commemorates a riot that launched the modern LGBTQ liberation movement, whose accomplishments make so much of the comfort and mobility of our queer lives possible. Let us reclaim the streets on Sunday and in the days coming, in solidarity with all our community, inspired to continue the necessary work before us.
What can you do?
TODAY
- Call your elected official and demand a NO vote on Paul Ryan’s Immigration Bill, which is designed to exploit this crisis and enshrine family separation. The vote has been postponed ‘til next week and its passage would be disastrous.
- SUPPORT SB 3036
- Dial 202-224-3121
- Say your ZIP Code
- When connected, simply say: “I LIVE IN City, State AND I SUPPORT SB3036”
THIS SUNDAY AT PRIDE
- Bring signs in solidarity. Remember the struggle is intersectional; let’s call attention to all marginalized voices
GOING FORWARD
- Supoort Our Family Coalition and local partners who are leading local and statewide immigration efforts.
- Mujeres Unidas
- Centro Legal de la Raza
- California Immigrant Policy Center
- Transgender Law Center
And may we all continue to educate ourselves, our families, and friends in our journeys toward being effective allies to all marginalized communities. We are, more than ever, in this together.
