COALITION BUILDING REVISITED

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

A few days ago I wrote about coalition building. As is sometimes the case when I write, a subject takes on a life of its own and leads me down a previously unanticipated path. I painted the case for coalitions in much broader strokes than I had originally intended. It was the global view, if that is an accurate descriptive. There is, however, another, shall we say, ”local” perspective that demands equal attention. The microscopic as opposed to the macroscopic, as it were.

These two different perspectives are certainly not mutually exclusive. That we need to look beyond parochialism and separatism does not belie the need to energize local, state, national, and global LGBTI groups to work together for change. We have common goals. We can effect greater change if we understand what makes each of us tick and accept our differences without letting them divide us.

As a member of the transgender community, I have seen many attempts towards unity, within our community, thwarted by ego manifestation. We quibble over details: who is in charge, who gets to sit at the table, where we should meet. We argue over which issue is more important and why this person or that person does not represent the other. We wonder why there is so much left unaccomplished and hurl acrimonious quips at each other. We question, amongst ourselves, why we have not received inclusion from gay and lesbian organizations in their quest for diversity and hate crimes legislation.

The truth is that things ARE changing, albeit slowly. Transgender persons are learning more about diverse groups within the TG umbrella. There is more solidarity between disparate communities than ever before. We are each learning what it means to be transgender, or gay, or lesbian. Organizations working towards equality legislation for LGBTI issues are more likely to include a spectrum of interests and a variety of representatives. One cannot ask to be included unless one is willing to sit down at the table. Of late, we are seeing this more as the rule than as the exception. As we become more inclusive, we build coalitions that really acquire a formidable sense of being able to contend against intolerance and disenfranchisement. These coalitions have strength in numbers, diversity of membership and therefore gain credibility and clout.

We see evidence that change abounds. Recent rulings in New Jersey and Ohio and the first ever transgender school board member elected in Hawaii are indicative of those changes. We have barely melted the iceberg of hate in the sea of intolerance but it is becoming more exposed each and every day. As the sun of equality rises higher and higher in the sky, that iceberg will continue to dissipate and the sea will one day run dry. What remains will be a fertile bed in which the seeds of acceptance and inclusion can take root and grow strong.

What is needed most is for us to leave our egos at the door and to see a broader set of goals. This movement is bigger than any of us as single individuals. This is not to say that we do not value individuality…we do. However, when we remove ego attachments, our possibilities become ultimately manifold. The potential energy of this movement can become kinetic energy that has the magnitude of power to bring about extraordinary changes: openness to diversity, a sense of tolerance and inclusion, and end to fear mongering and hate.

Let us dedicate ourselves, as we approach a new year, to setting aside partisan considerations. Let us make the commitment to not get bagged down in trivialities. Let us set a goal to be more inclusive, more tolerant of each other, more willing to accept each other’s points of view even if we do not completely understand them. Let us put into practice, amongst ourselves, those very same values and virtues we would choose to see all peoples embrace. It is time to put our money where are mouths are!!