Thread by @TrinityResists

Last year on #NationalComingOutDay, a young man I know had a life altering effect on me when he became a statistic.

25% of youth who come out to their family immediately become homeless. If you’re POC, the statistic is higher.

Here’s Jack’s story from #NationalComingOutDay 2018

https://twitter.com/trinityresists/status/1050589797033472002

Last Sunday— October 6, 1998 was the 21st anniversary of the murder of Matthew Shepherd. He was driven to a remote, rural area in WY, robbed, pistol-whipped, tied to a fence, tortured & left to die all because he was gay.

He would’ve been 42 years old.

#NationalComingOutDay

Had the world had not known Matthew Shepherd & seen how hate let him be beaten, bruised & forgotten to die on a fence post—or Jack become homeless— days like #NationalComingOutDay or #Pride month wouldn’t need to exist.

I long for the day when there is no need to declare this.

We should never comprehend why we have to wait for tragic deaths & children becoming homeless to wake up.

People still live in real fear even today as they walk the streets, visit a doctor, or being fired & denied a livelihood. Simply for being born LGBT.

#NationalComingOutDay

Freedoms for LGBT are Not safe as long as we have a POTUS, homophobic VP & a SCOTUS that isn’t for equality.

In 2019: LGBT people who served in our military & were discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity are still being denied Vet benefits.

#NationalComingOutDay

2 days ago, the SCOTUS considered whether or not LGBT workers have rights under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

E.g, In 1976— GE v. Gilbert, SCOTUS held that firing pregnant employees was Not an unlawful form of sex discrimination under the same…

#NationalComingOutDay

Congress has the power to override SCOTUS decisions thru statutory amendment or enactment…

If we had an ERA like All of our Peer countries, the SCOTUS would Never be considering whether or not an LGBT person has equal rights under the law or can be fired.

#NationalComingOutDay

In response to that 1976 case under Carter, Congress overrode SCOTUS & enacted the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which prohibited termination/discipline of pregnant women.

This is one reason why elections matter: Democrats fight for human rights.

#NationalComingOutDay

The #ERA was passed in 1974—45 years ago. It ensures equal rights under the law regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It still hasn’t been ratified.

Today on #NationalComingOutDay I encourage you to call your 3 reps today on ratifying the ERA.

☎️ 202-224-3121

The beautiful lives of LGBTQ+ people have always existed. We’ve come a long way since the death of Matthew Shepherd 21 years ago…but as long as LGBT people like Jack are a statistic just one short year ago, we’ve still got an incredibly long way to go.

#NationalComingOutDay

Nothing is settled until everyone is safe under the law and bigotry is no longer tolerated. Hate & intolerance must Never be normalized.

That’s the world we all must continue to fight for.

#LoveIsLove
#LoveTrumpsHate
#NationalComingOutDay

If you choose to come out today on #NationalComingOutDay—
🏳️‍🌈Please know you have allies and you are loved
🏳️‍🌈This is one of the most courageous acts someone who is not “out” can do

And if you’re a parent, family or friend and someone comes out to you today, please just love them.

A few have asked for an update on Jack. He ended up staying with us for about a couple months. He’s in college now. Working and going to school.
As far as I know, he hasn’t spoken to his mother since the day he was kicked out on #NationalComingOutDay 2018

https://twitter.com/trinityresists/status/1056312337018236929?s=21