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curate:

Today, we join members of the LGBTQ community in applauding Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision to declare Proposition 8 unconstitutional. This declaration is a victory against state regulation of our bodies and relationships and a step further towards building a culture where everyone’s lives are deeply valued.

In the weeks and months to come, we have a tremendous opportunity to build on this victory to challenge the many other ways in which the state continues to violently regulate the bodies and relationships of so many in our communities, both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ. On July 29, communities around the U.S. and beyond came together to refuse to comply with Arizona’s racist SB1070 and the broader set of local, state, and federal policies and laws unfolding throughout the country to criminalize and separate immigrant communities and families, such as the dangerous 287g and Secure Communities (S-Comm). These policies and laws increase ICE-police collaboration and create a culture of fear and scapegoating that leaves those of us most vulnerable more at risk than ever for arrest, detention, and deportation.

CUAV was proud to stand with our allies in the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Defense Committee to tell Attorney General Jerry Brown that California is no place for racism, and demand that he allow San Francisco to opt-out of S-Comm. LGBTQ people are sending a clear message that we will not comply with violence of any kind, anywhere.

In our celebration of Judge Walker’s decision to combat institutionalized discrimination, we recognize that this victory is the tip of the iceberg in addressing many forms of state violence that LGBTQ people face. When our communities come together and refuse to leave anyone behind, we can win big victories. We call on the LGBTQ movement to come out against all forms of state violence, and join with immigrant communities and communities of color in our ongoing quest for true justice and safety.

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To find out more about national immigrant rights organizing or to get involved, visit the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

Founded in 1979, Community United Against Violence (CUAV) works to build the power of LGBTQ communities to create safety. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you are not alone. Call (415) 333-HELP or come in during walk-in hours, Fridays 11am-5pm.

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