Black lesbian activists honored at Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
The local LGBTQ community gathered for the eighth annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Wednesday where they honored two longtime lesbian activists who are also prominent voices in the African American community.
A round of applause is being given to black lesbian activists Gail Christian and Lucy DeBardelaben. The couple was honored with the leadership award at the annual breakfast.
“We don’t advertise what we do. We naturally just go out and do it. We don’t have to think about diversity. We don’t have to think about equality. It’s always with us,” DeBardelaben said.
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The couple is known for their work in advancing social justice causes and connecting women of color within the LGBTQ community with events such as Dinah in Color, a party held during the Dinah Shore weekend to make sure their voices are heard.
“The gay movement floats at the top of the civil rights movement and we think that the people get that,” Christian said.
They are glad to see the diversity in sexual orientation and race at the event this year and want to make sure discussions on racial equality continue in and out of the LGBTQ community.
“Social justice is easier to work because you can legislate it. Equality is quite different. You have to change the hearts and minds of individuals and that’s an uphill battle and that’s what we’re working on today,” DeBardelaben said.
The couple says there’s one thing that can help continue progress and are pushing people to do it.
“They need to get out and vote. Voting is a right and it is a privilege. Vote and start locally,” DeBardelaben said.
