Friend,
Every year at the beginning of Pride Month, I reflect upon my husband Steven's courage in delivering what many believe was the first sermon ever preached about homosexuality in a synagogue.
It was in early 1968 in Miami that he spoke of this then-minority community to begin deepening understanding of these little known, recognized, and embraced members of the Greater Miami community.
What followed was a period of struggle marked by the riots that came when the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn in June 1969 and birthed the gay rights movement; even then, the anti-gay culture war of the late 1970s, centered in Miami-Dade County, proved extremely hostile.
The struggle for equal rights has brought gains in rights for LGBTQ+ persons and families that we celebrate. Yet we have often experienced that with rights achieved comes their dismantling by those who feel threatened by them. Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work necessary to protect those gains.
When I look into Steven's eyes, they are ones of steely resolve to continue the work of protecting the rights and dignity of all. The work seemingly has grown more difficult, yet at the same time, made more hopeful by so many more since 1968 who are speaking out courageously alongside our LGBTQ+ siblings.
I know that together, we shall prevail.
Happy Pride,
Betty
