Dear Ambush Nation,
As Pride month has come to an end, let us take time to reflect on the recent progress we have made and on the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality for all members of the LGBTQ community. Recently, the US Supreme Court ruled that Federal Civil Rights laws protect gay, lesbian and transgender workers from discrimination in the workplace. Before this ruling, only 21 states and the District of Columbia had laws protecting workers from discrimination based on gender identity. Now, all members of the LGBTQ community share in those protections. And while this is a huge step forward there is still work to be done. We see this in our community in the Black Lives Matter movement. And when we talk about black lives we must remember our trans brothers and sister of color. We must all work to make sure the most vulnerable among us are protected. No one is equal until we are all equal.
WEAR A DAMN MASK
I don’t know how this became such a political issue or why in America we think it is okay to debate science. All the research and medical professionals tell us that one of the best ways to fight the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a mask. And while there has been a lack of leadership on the federal level and in some states, we should all take responsibility to do all we can to protect our friends, neighbors and family. We all know people who have a pre-existing condition or a compromised immune system so we should do all we can to protect them. Wearing a mask is the simplest thing we can do along with taking social distancing seriously. In New Orleans, we have done a good job of stopping the rapid spread of the virus but we must remain vigilant. Please wear a mask whenever you go out in public, not because it is the rule but because it’s the right thing to do. Literally, the lives of our loved ones are at stake.
AMBUSH RADIO PODCAST
Recently, Ambush Magazine started a podcast hosted by George Bevin, Jr. We have had five episodes released so far this first season. The most recent episode included interviews with civil rights and LGBTQ activist Larry Bagnaris, Jr. talking about his experience as a gay person of color along with an interview of Ambush columnist and local historian Frank Perez about recent developments in New Orleans Pride. I encourage you to take a listen and let us know what you think. I think the Ambush Radio Podcast is a great opportunity to reach a wider audience and allows Ambush to cover more topics of the day. You can find the Ambush Radio Podcast on all major podcast platforms or on our website at Ambushmag.com/podcast. You can send feedback, advertising inquiries and stories you want to share to george@ambushpublishing.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
If you bought a calendar for 2020 it was most likely a waste of money. However, there is a date you should circle multiple times with your magic marker – November 2, 2020. It’s a Tuesday and it’s important because it’s Election Day. If things are going to change in America, we need laws to change as well. President Donald Trump’s administration has tried to roll back LGBTQ rights for the last three and a half years. Most recently, the Trump administration rolled back an Obama administration policy that banned healthcare providers from discrimination against transgender patients. This is unacceptable. We all need to be registered to vote and to make sure our voice is heard on Election Day. Encourage your friends and family to register to vote as well and make sure they show up on Election Day as well. For progress to be made, we need to make sure the laws represent the progress we want to see in the world. Do your part – VOTE!
