Post submitted by Bruce Easop, Community Engagement Co-Chair

Last month, the HRC Greater Philadelphia Steering Committee hosted “Equality Today: The State of Non-Discrimination Laws and the LGBTQ Community” in the Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square.

A panel discussion drawing nearly 40 people, this event reminded me once again that the strength of the LGBTQ community lies in our diversity. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Representative Brian Sims spoke about the Equality Act and the Pennsylvania Fairness Act. Additionally, moderator Michael Colligan and panelists Fransisco Cortes, Youth Programs Manager at Galaei, Heath Fogg Davis, professor of political science at Temple University and author of Beyond Trans: Does Gender Matter?, Meanda Hall, Executive Board Member of UNITE HERE Philly; and Bethany Holmes, Organizing Director of UNITE HERE Philly examined the future of community organizing.

A highlight of the evening was the ‘Take Action’ reception, where people could sign postcards supporting the Pennsylvania Fairness Act thanks to our partners at ACLU-PA, learn more about HRC Rising and simply get to know one another over an incredible spread of food provided by Caviar.

Whether exploring opportunities to get involved or sharing our stories, these conversations were a great reminder that there are sources of hope all around us. Thanks to this great group of people, I came away with yet another reason to keep me going in the fight for full equality.