Post submitted by Richard Càban Cubero, HRC Alabama Field Organizer

Over the past several months, HRC Alabama traveled around the state to interview LGBTQ Alabamians and allies for the “Love Your Neighbor” video storytelling campaign. The “Love Your Neighbor” campaign is an effort by HRC’s Project One America to celebrate the stories of LGBTQ southerners.

The Alabama outreach effort culminated in town halls on March 8 and 9 in both Mobile and Montgomery. Community members -- including veterans, clergy, survivors and others -- gathered to share their stories.

The group shared their experiences with mental health, so-called “conversion therapy,” coming out to friends and family and more.

The “Love Your Neighbor” town halls created an important opportunity for LGBTQ Alabamians to explore, define and redefine community and belonging. Through sharing their stories and reflecting on the commonalities and differences within their stories, participants in these town halls deepened their connection to one another. It is in these moments that we have an opportunity to take action to protect LGBTQ Alabamians along their journeys to safely and openly live their truths.

If you would like join HRC in working toward full LGBTQ equality in Alabama and around the U.S., please contact Eva Kendrick, HRC Alabama State Director, at eva.kendrick@hrc.org.