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Making the connections between immigrant rights and Queer rights

Making the connections between immigrant rights and Queer rights
Radical Women's panel discussion highlights the issues both communities face by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid - SGN Staff Writer Queer & Immigrant Activists Unite! Radical Women and Freedom Socialist Party New Freeway Hall July 20th After the huge marches for immigrant rights back in April and May, Queer activists and activists in the Black communities have debated, sometimes heatedly, where the bridges between issues meet and how to build those bridges. This bridge building and strategizing was the topic at last week's panel discussion, 'Queer and Immigrant Activists Unite' put on by Radical Women at New Freeway Hall. Latino activist Florentino M. Lopez acting director of Entre Hermano, and activist in the LGBTQ communities spoke on the misconception by the general public that those who cross the Mexican border illegally were here for 'the good life'. "It's about economics, about our families and taking care of those we leave behind in our country when we cross the border," he said. He also thanked Radical Women for having the panel discussion and giving him a chance to speak, and to see that there was support for immigrant issues outside of the Latino community, and that bridges were possible. Adding to this discussion and bringing up the issue of how to open a larger discussion with those who don't know all of the issues, including Queer activists who may not realize when they're being racist, and how to work through this. "I'm interested in continuing the conversation," she added. Radical Women activist and organizer, Ann Slater spoke on the need for continuing to work collectively, the way RW has done for years, to build stronger bridges between different communities of color and the Queer community. And after the panel had finished their presentations, the floor was opened to those who had come for both the program and wonderful dinner, and people offered their opinions on how a stronger effort to confront racism, classism, and other issues in the immigrant and Queer communites could happen For more information on upcoming programs and the ongoing 'Sister Outsider' reading circle, call: 722-6057, or go to www.radicalwomen.org.