LGBT QUOTES
Powerful, inspirational, and known for digging deep beneath the surface, Dr. DaShanne Stokes has been quoted globally by world leaders and the media. As a bi and trans researcher of LGBT and equality issues, his work is cited in books, newspapers, and sermons worldwide. Collected here are 40+ of his most memorable LGBT quotes.
On Equality and Human Rights
"You're not under attack when others gain rights and privileges you've always had."
"Never be content to sit back and watch as others' rights are trampled upon. Your rights could be next."
"Fear is the intended result of codifying homophobia into law."
"Tolerance of intolerance enables oppression."
"Calling for an end to hate shouldn't be treated as a punishable offense."
On Understanding Privilege
"Privilege doesn't just insulate people from the consequences of their prejudice, it cuts them off from their humanity."
"Privilege is not knowing that you're hurting others and not listening when they tell you."
"Privilege is when you contribute to the oppression of others and then claim that you are the one being discriminated against."
"People often call fighting discrimination being 'PC' because they don't want their own unearned privileges challenged."
"Privilege is when you can afford to sit back and watch as others' rights are trampled upon."
On Religion and Freedom
"When we hide discrimination under the guise of 'religious freedom,' we make a mockery of human rights."
"If you think your religion requires discrimination, you're probably misreading your faith."
"What does religious freedom mean if we would use it as a cover for hate and privilege?"
"Same-sex marriage has not created problems for religious institutions; religious institutions have created problems for same-sex marriage."
"Today's 'religious freedom' policies should not be seen as a problem limited to LGBT people but as a co-optation of religion that affects us all."
On Love and Inclusion
"What does love mean if we would deny it to others?"
"The world could use more love. Why deny it to others?"
"The power of love is that it sees all people."
"Urging an organization to be inclusive is not an attack. It's progress."
"People think that LGBTs adopting children will hurt them, but it's not being in loving homes that hurts children most."
On Activism and Speaking Out
"Only by speaking out can we create lasting change. And that change begins with coming out."
"We must speak truth to power and confront ignorance with facts."
"The minute we look away, the minute we stop fighting back, that's the minute bigotry wins."
"One of the best ways you can fight discrimination is by taking good care of yourself. Your survival is not just important; it's an act of revolution."
NOTE ON ATTRIBUTION AND USE
Dr. Stokes is pleased and humbled that people have found value in his thoughts and words to have quoted him on an array of merchandise, videos, and other products. Please contact Dr. Stokes before using his name, likeness, and quotes prior to use for any desired sales, advertising, promotions, merchandising, or other political or commercial products and ensure that your use of his name, likeness, and quotes do not imply his involvement, association, or endorsement.
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