Some Good News

By Mark Segal of Philadelphia Gay News: That headline might surprise you. But it shouldn't.

Many in our community are deeply saddened - if not alarmed - by the current political climate. The Trump administration has attempted to erase our history, defund critical mental and physical health services, block Pride celebrations, and even cancel performances like the International Gay Chorus at the Kennedy Center during World Pride in Washington, D.C.

So yes, you have every reason to feel uneasy.

But - and this might sound strange - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Many nonprofit leaders and activists in our community say they've never seen such an aggressive backlash. And that's the key word: backlash. Backlashes only happen when a group has made real progress - enough to threaten what others see as the status quo.

This isn't our first.

We faced Anita Bryant, the Moral Majority, Ronald Reagan's refusal to even acknowledge HIV/AIDS, and George W. Bush campaigning against marriage equality with lines like "marriage is between one man and one woman." And don't forget the fight over LGBTQ+ military service.

And yet, look at us now.

We have marriage equality. We have LGBTQ+ people proudly serving in the military (though they're now targeting the "T"-and that's still being fought in court). We have nondiscrimination laws in over 20 states and thousands of cities. We stood up to Reagan and not only survived - we helped revolutionize how lifesaving drugs are developed, paving the way for things like the COVID vaccine.

Yes, this moment is hard.

But like those before it, this too shall pass.

And here's what makes this moment different:

We're not alone. Many other communities are being targeted and harmed by this administration. If we unite - if we stand together - then once again, we will persevere.

Mark Segal

Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column "Mark My Words," including best column by The National Newspaper Association, Suburban Newspaper Association and The Society of Professional Journalists.

About the Author

Mark Segal Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column "Mark My Words," including best column by The National Newspaper Association, Suburban Newspaper Association and The Society of Professional Journalists.