By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter
The outpouring of opinions and disappointment continue to resurface due to MA-Senator Scott Brown’s absence in the Massachusetts Congressional delegation’s “It Gets Better” video. Many allies and LGBT community members remain critical of Brown’s lack of support for a video that, according to many, could help save lives in the LGBT community. “It is unfortunate that Senator Scott Brown chose not to participate in this important public service opportunity. Given the high rates of bullying, discrimination, and violence facing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people in this state and across the nation, the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign has become a highly visible opportunity for adults, especially those in positions of leadership, to give a message of hope and support as youth and adults join together to help make it better for all of us,” said Grace Sterling Stowell, Executive Director, BAGLY, Inc. (Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth). “Regardless of intent, Senator Brown’s lack of participation in this effort sends a negative message to some of the most vulnerable young members of our communities that their lives and the challenges they face are not among the Senator’s priorities.”
The leaders ‘concerns come from all parts of the commonwealth. They all have a commonality in their message, some even filled with aversion.
“With several well-publicized suicides as a result of anti-LGBT harassment having taken place in Massachusetts, it is criminal that Scott Brown could not spare a couple hours to support our state’s youth,” said Genny Beemyn, Ph.D., Director, the Stonewall Center, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
His actions strike at the heart of underrepresented groups, other official explained.
“It’s always a shame when elected officials can’t look past party lines to do right by those who are marginalized and discriminated against. It’s especially painful when those suffering are children,” said Boston Pride Deputy Director, Keri Aulita. “The protection of our children- regardless of their skin color, class status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion…regardless of anything- should be a natural priority.”
Under fire, due to his abandonment of issues that matter to the LGBT community, Sen. Brown has also disregarded important Transgender rights and legislation in Massachusetts.
“I am not surprised by Sen. Brown not appearing in the video, he has a history of silence,” said Gunner Scott, Executive Director, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. “He has not signed on to be a co-sponsor on Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA); he did not co-sponsor the Transgender Equal Rights Bill when he was a state senator.”
Brown’s failure to appear in the video and other stances the MA Senator has taken has shown other leaders his lack of compassion for LGBT youth.
“Elected officials are in office to speak up for those in the community who aren’t heard, who have no voice and do what’s best for them,” said Suzanne Seymour, Executive director, LGBT Coalition of Western MA. “Senator Brown’s inability to take a few minutes out of his day to show compassion for LGBT young people, who are struggling with their own existence, is completely unacceptable. We need leaders to show empathy for the most deserving amongst us. As a result, I believe Senator Brown has failed the LGBT community with his actions repeatedly.”
Focusing on the majority of the political leaders’ participation and support for LGBT issues in Massachusetts, Gunner Scott expressed is what is important.
“But the real story is the rest of the Massachusetts Delegation, stepping up and speaking out for our LGBT youth that is what really matters,” said Scott.
Others organization leaders congratulated the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for their support of the community, its youth and the heartfelt video.
“BAGLY applauds and commends the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for their participation in the ‘It Gets Better’ video campaign,” said Sterling Stowell. “Their participation sends an important message from our state’s highest elected representatives that all young people, including those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, deserve to have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, free of bullying, discrimination and violence. BAGLY and its program, the GLBT Youth Group Network of Massachusetts, is proud to be listed as the statewide resource in this video, and we thank this state’s Congressional Delegation for their support.”
