This Holiday Season: Spread Love, Stop Hate.
By Bailey Harris
 Nearly half a century has passed since President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, and our nation has made great progress toward equality since then. It would be easy to think that, in the 21st Century, discrimination is a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that's just not true. According to a recent FBI report, more than 6,600 hate crimes were reported in the United States in 2009, 90% of which were related to race, religion, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes in Colorado have increased by 25% since 2008.
The epidemic of suicides among gay teens as a result of bullying is all the harrowing proof one needs that hate is still alive and well in today's society. But many believe that bullying in schools isn't the only thing to blame for the pressure that drove nearly half a dozen teens to take their own lives this fall. With the recent failure of a Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal, the verbal abuse toward LGBT communities by religious groups and public officials, and the failure for those in power to protect the citizens of this country from discrimination, it's easy to see where those bullies may have learned to hate homosexuals.
 In Iowa, the National Organization for marriage funneled nearly one million dollars into a campaign to oust three justices up for a retention vote, because those justices were part of the unanimous landmark Varnum v. Brien decision which legalized gay marriage in the state. In North Carolina, members of the Westboro Baptist church protested at the funeral of Elizabeth Edwards, holding signs that said things like "God Hates Fags," and "Thank God for Breast Cancer."
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Why Your Support Matters!
"They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." -Andy Warhol
Acts of exclusion and hate aren't always far from home: they still happen in our community. Last month, Citizens Project received a call from a concerned local educator when a school nurse distributed tickets to her students for a frightening Halloween church production. The production was a dramatic enactment of what happens on "Judgment Day," warning the audience that: "...they will be sentenced to eternity."
 Imagine being a young, impressionable child of any faith-or none at all-and hearing fearsome messages of judgment from the people you look up to most. Or, like one local man who called our office for help in September, imagine losing your job because of your ethnic heritage. Imagine being constantly bullied at school, or in the office, because of who you love.
This holiday season and beyond, Citizens Project is taking steps to guarantee that all community members are valued, no matter what their faith, heritage, background, or way of life. With your help, we have: 
- Produced three election forums which were attended by more than 100 community members, simulcast online and rebroadcast on HDTV, educating the public on local candidates, local issues, and statewide ballot measures
- Distributed more than 100,000 copies of our nonpartisan voter guide, and opposed ballot measures 60, 61, 62, and 101, all of which met significant defeat
- Provided 200 local schools with the December Dilemma, reminding educators of church/state laws in public schools, and providing resources to respect all children,
- And much, much more!
 Dedicated supporters like you help Citizens Project create a better tomorrow; promoting safer schools for all children, a more joyous holiday season for people of all faiths or no faith, and a more inclusive and cohesive community for all citizens. Almost fifty years after the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, Citizens Project believes that those goals are well within our reach. You are making it possible. On behalf of all of us at Citizens Project, Happy New Year and thank you for your support.
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Get Involved
The Pikes Peak Gay & Lesbian Community Center is currently accepting nominations for their GLBTA Community Awards, to be presented at the Pride Center Masquerade Ball on February 19, 2011. You may nominate a deserving person, organization, or business here. |
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Make a Difference: Give!
Don't forget, the Indy Give! Campaign is under way, and Citizens Project is proud to be one of the lucky nonprofits included again this year! There has never been a better time to give to Citizens Project! Have a family member that's impossible to buy for this holiday season? You can donate to your favorite organizations in his/her name and get AWESOME rewards that you can give as gifts or enjoy yourself. Everybody wins when you donate through Indy Give!
Donations of $25 or more automatically receive more than $75 worth of fantastic rewards! It's the perfect time to Give! where you live! A HUGE "Thank you!" to all who have already donated to Citizens Project, via Give! or otherwise. We truly couldn't continue our important work toward voter education, equality, diversity, and separation of church and state without all of you. Happy Holidays! |
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Articles of Interest
Atheist Ads on Buses Rattle Fort Worth
December 13, 2010
The New York Times
First Latina, Openly Gay Colorado Supreme Court Justice
December 13, 2010
Fox News Latino
Tolerance Isn't Good Enough: The Need for Mutual Respect in Interfaith Relations
December 11, 2010
Huffington Post
Did Religion Matter in the Election? |
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Recent CP Blog Posts
Join the Conversation
Citizens Project Give! Open House
Citizens Project Receives Bequest
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Upcoming Events
One Colorado Media Training
Learn how you can tell your family's story to the media in order to advance equality for LGBT people!
January 11, 2011
6 - 7:30pm
Pikes Peak Community Center, 2508 East Bijou St.
All People's Breakfast: A Celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 17, 2011 8:00am Colorado College's Cornerstone Arts Center The theme will be "Immigration Reform: Today's Civil Rights Struggle." Tickets are $7 at the door To RSVP, get more information or join the event team, contact Steve at dynamic@ppjpc.org.
Educating Children of Color Summit January 21-22, 2011 University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Open to high school students, parents, educators, juvenile justice and child welfare professionals. Free for parents and students, $25 cost for professionals. Credit is available.
GLBTA Community Awards Masquerade Ball
Sat, February 19, 2011 5:00pm - midnight
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