We need more unity — in Israel, in the Middle East, in DC, in the USA, in our world. 🙏🏾✡️🏳️🌈
The leadership of today’s DC Dyke March has, like too many movements in the progressive left these days, shamefully, nonsensically and inexcusably banned Jewish pride flags (the Star of David on an iconic striped rainbow background) and goes so far as to claim a core, age-old symbol of the faith to be, as the 2017 Chicago Dyke March said in an event all-too-similar, a “threatening” and “triggering” symbol of “Zionist” aggression. We must rise up, speak out and demonstrate against poorly masked anti-Semitism here and always. In no way does support for or embrace of Judaism and the self-determination of the Jewish people threaten, harm or compromise anything or anyone. This regressive discrimination undermines the so-called “inclusive" mission of the DC Dyke March, the worthy cause, the welcoming space, the celebratory pride — and further excludes, isolates, diminishes and hurts an increasingly-targeted Jewish segment of the long-marginalized LGBTQ+ community and allies, who can and must do more in solidarity. No one must be forced to choose between, renounce or deny any element of their true identity — and the DC Dyke March organizers should immediately reverse this indefensible policy.
Robust, inclusive, ongoing movements for peace, social justice and equality for all are critical. It continues to prove an imperative that we proudly rally together and oppose the destructive forces, organizations, parties, platforms and people which attempt to divide— past, present and future; left, right and center; local, national and international. I recommit to vocally championing, actively standing for and inclusively working towards unity, equality, understanding, health and sustainability while actively opposing, wholly rejecting and deliberately fighting bigotry, hatred, violence and oppression on any basis, especially that which lays blame upon and despicably targets minorities, marginalized groups, historically-oppressed and vulnerable populations. The insidious hatred that leads to oppression and violence begins with discriminatory, divisive words, imagery and rhetoric.
We know the blatantly counterproductive, deeply painful, acutely dangerous consequences of extreme actions, leaders and statements that divide, segment and incite hatred within the very communities where we need each other to effectively fight homophobia, anti-Semitism, transphobia, bigotry, white supremacy, Islamophobia, racism, gender inequity, all of it.
Stand for unity, dignity, visibility, safety, authenticity, allyship. Stand against discrimination, anti-Semitism, homophobia, exclusion, division, bigotry. Stand with the truly progressive organizations like Zioness Movement, ADL - Anti-Defamation League, A Wider Bridge and countless more that build literal and metaphorical bridges, strength all of our movements, educate honestly and will proudly show up today to #LetMyPeopleMarch and where needed always!