Lousy Leadership - Lame Results

IT has been a long time since I have had the motivation to write like this. I also just got a new computer, so the resources help fuel the desire, I am learning..

I attended the APD Deadly Force Protest yesterday evening, and something that has been bothering me for a while struck hard in my head while marching.

For a little background, Albuquerque Police Department is under investigation it would seem, and needs to be under extremely high scrutiny for major issues of over-use of force within the last 4 years. One of the highest cities in the country, it would seem, for fatal shootings from police officers(based on per capita numbers)-community members took to the streets to call for action and accountability.

I looked around the crowd, professionally dressed young people, hipsters and tattooed youth, senior citizens leftover from hippies times, and seniors who most likely had not engaged in a protest in years-if ever. Well dressed lawyers and State Legislators, and casually dressed middle-aged folks who reminded me of my mama. All with a similar rallying cry, it's time to take back the streets and hold Police Officers accountable....

Among the many messages(some much more on point than others) were the cries to Fire Chief Eden and Mayor Berry. IT occurred to me then, that most of these folks had that chance only a few months ago, and we had the lowest voter turnout in years for an ABQ Mayoral election... There are many reasons for low turnout I realize, but the opportunity was there-none the less...

In my months back in the activism field I’ve encountered so many leaders within our own LGBT community who’s distrust in the political system is frightening. I realize I’m an advocate for a system lots of people dislike, but hear me out anyway... Its the one we live in right now!

Lots of folks who were at this rally will never truly engage, and will spend their time yelling and marching, not voting or attending meetings, fair enough. But the Leadership in the LGBT community, and the communities of color highly affected by this type of activity-are ignoring one of their many responsibilities. Engaging in this political process is one of many ways to create lasting systemic change on these issues. And it is time for LGBT Leadership and POC Leadership to come together and encourage engagement in this process, rather than derailing people from it.

Case in point: _____(Insert name of non-profit here) is a non political organization, our only focus is to educate people about HIV and provide funding/food/shelter/medications for people living with HIV who cannot afford them. **ahem** Everything said there is political. Congress and State Legislatures are responsible for providing adequate healthcare coverage and income support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Why would an organization that raises the money to feed poor people living with HIV, not want to learn and educate others about how to create a world where its not necessary to do that!?!? I don't mind raising the money, and in fact love doing it. But I’d love even more, not doing it because there is no need...

______________(Insert name of non profit organization here) is a non political organization, our only focus is to educate the public about LGBT issues and create a safe space for LGBT individuals to celebrate their diversity and be welcomed by the community at large. **ahem** Why would a huge LGBT organization, that organizes and communicates with tens of thousands of Queer and Queer Friendly people from around the state not be interested in engaging with the organization that works to pass/protect LGBT Equality laws such as the right of same-sex couples to be married!? You really believe that as leaders of the community your only job is to provide a parade and party and lets the queers figure out on their own how to make their lives better and more equal to their hetero peers?!?!?

This rant can go on and on... Suffice it say that YES there is a need for direct services to be provided, people need help in their hand in the moment, not a referral to policy-change methodology. When the person in front of you has no food, give them food. But at the same time, give them the letters, the phone numbers and the empowerment to call the people who make decisions about their access to food, and help them help the system improve! Register them to vote! Tell them to vote! Tell them who they should vote for based on the issues they are facing, or at least how to find out who stands where on those issues...

Leadership is a nice title, for anyone who wants it. But it rings empty in many communities today. Leaders empower their communities to make change in many ways-including using a broken political system that -like it or not – is the system that we have today.