López is executive director of San Diego Pride and lives in University Heights.
While some might look at the last four years and see a nation divided, I see that the roots of an intergenerational intersectional movement for unity is finally being able to take hold and remain steady in the face of White supremacy and direct internal and external attacks on our democracy.
If unity is our goal, then some Americans need to take a long, hard look within themselves if we are to collectively agree on even the most fundamental of promises this country has made and yet never fulfilled: “liberty and justice for all.” Who is included in that promise has certainly evolved jaggedly over time as a violent gory imperfect path to prosperity.
Because of that reality, some in power who have adhered to, benefited from, and lifted up systems that oppress minority and marginalized communities seem fearful that progress for these communities means vengeance. I believe, however, that what we are seeking is ability, not retaliation, intentionality, not tokenism, intersectionality, not silos. We are hopeful that our brilliant diversity can be celebrated for the vibrancy it adds to our region and country, or at minimum be approached with comionate curiosity. For a region that has historically been a breeding ground for anti-LGBTQ hate, xenophobic militias and White supremacist violence, I would almost be comforted by an exchange of radical apathy rather than the dire consequences of their animosity.
Unity doesn’t occur until we shift power dynamics and alter the social consciousness. New leadership in the city of San Diego and at the county, state and federal level must lead by example. We must listen to communities calling out for help, and lean into data and science-driven policy reforms that address disparity with equity as a goal. Throughout our nation’s history, policy has been intentionally crafted to uplift predominantly White cisgender heterosexual non-disabled Christian men and to oppress people based on their race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, national origin and immigration status. It isn’t enough to leave those realities unaddressed and call for unity.
We have to remake our boardrooms and classrooms in ways that reflect the humanity that exists all around us. We can’t ignore the stories, lives, history or talent of diverse communities in our textbooks, newspapers, cultural stages or entertainment platforms. That requires a massive amount of work, and I’m sorry, but an afternoon spent at a diversity, equity and inclusion workshop isn’t going to fix the problem. It takes individual, organizational and societal investment, labor and ability.
These efforts will be messy and imperfect, and require a balance of relentless advocacy and resolute humility. It will also require one of the hardest things of all, forgiveness. I would never be so bold as to explain to another person when, why or how they should forgive. I do know that we are all fallible, and that if we want to fight for change, we must then believe that systems and people can change. Otherwise, what are we fighting for? Let’s change our actions. Let’s act towards unity.
