Roots of Equality

Judy Chu, our favorite and only Chinese American congresswoman, was given the Equality Advocate Award this past weekend by EQCA at their Los Angeles Equality Awards. Thanks to Matt at Equal Roots, Diem and I had the pleasure of attending the event and witnessing Chu’s award speech.

Chu has been a longtime advocate for LGBT rights and dignities most notably with her bill earlier this decade protecting LGBT foster kids from discrimination.

Her acceptance speech was touching as usual and highlighted why the LGBT struggle is so important to her. Citing the tragedy of slain Taiwanese American Kenny Chiu by white supremacists in 2001, Chu said, “I cannot fight for the civil rights of one group without fighting for the civil rights of the other. Things will not change until people stand up and say strongly and unflinchingly that we will not tolerate making anybody in this state a second class citizen.”

We’re lucky to have such a staunch advocate for LGBT rights in Congress and in the 32nd district.