Sanctuary in San Francisco

Sanctuary in San Francisco
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As many of you know, I was born in the East Bay and came out as a teenager in San Francisco. It was not long after the time that so many queer folks from all over the country flocked here in search of a place where they could build authentic lives for themselves. We must remain mindful of this history while also ensuring that we don’t drop the ball. More than ever before, it is imperative that San Francisco continue to serve as a beacon of hope for peoples around the world. We must maintain our promise as a refugee city and not allow our city to be caricatured as something it is not. We know that no human being is illegal. Nadie es ilegal. We know that when undocumented people are respected and cherished within our community they are able to provide for themselves and their families, gain access to education and health care, and report crimes without fear of deportation. The compassionate path pursued by San Francisco and over 200 cities in 32 states across the country as sanctuary cities is the right way forward. Right now queer youth and adults are facing serious challenges around the world and across the country and many of them are seeking help in our city. In Russia - particularly Chechnya , homophobia continues and many in the LGBT community are in grave danger. Many are afraid to go back to their home where their sexual orientation or gender identity has made them victims of severe abuse. Globally, the charity Rainbow Railroad has been working hard to help LGBT people seek asylum who are targets of violence. We will not turn our backs on these refugees.

Across the United States our queer youth still dream of leaving home to follow the rainbow that glows over San Francisco. Though, the cost of living is so high that it is becoming more and more difficult to survive here. These are our kids and we need to be there for them. It is also true that many queer seniors are being evicted and not receiving the care they need in the current housing crisis. We need to fight for them as hard as they have fought for us. They are our heroes.

This year, for the first time I have chosen two groundbreaking nonprofits as beneficiaries for my annual Pride event, The Q Foundation (formerly AIDS Housing Alliance) and the LGBT Asylum Project. It is in the spirit of San Francisco’s status as a sanctuary city that the services of both the Q Foundation and the LGBT Asylum Project are inextricably woven like a safety net, whether in the form of asylum from persecution or housing assistance, for those most in need of calling our community home. Support organizations like these where ever you might be.

In San Francisco we lead with the heart and have given countless people around the world hope. That being said, we must always strive to be better. Our work continues. Let us learn from our elders, listen to our youth, and welcome refugees with open arms. San Francisco is and forever will be a sanctuary for all.

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