LGBT QUOTES: 40+ POWERFUL QUOTES ON PRIDE, EQUALITY, AND RIGHTS
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 and educator on 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."
"What matters most is not 'what' you are, but 'who' you are."
"It's terrifying to think you could become the next statistic."
"Reducing a group to a slur or stereotype reduces us all."
"Terror doesn't change people from gay to straight. It just hurts innocent people."
"It's not conversion 'therapy;' it's conversion brainwashing."
"Prejudice plunges you into a world of fear and hate. That's no way to live."
"Building bridges takes us further than building walls."
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."
"There is nothing 'honorable' or 'reasonable' in giving a pass to those who want to discriminate."
"Bigotry lives not just in our words, but in our actions, thoughts, and institutions."
"When you've grown up mis-educated, surrounded by fear and hate, unaware of your privilege, lies can sound like the truth."
"Bigotry is based on deception, of oneself and of others."
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."
"I've fought for religious freedom and I can tell you that anti-gay 'religious freedom' bills aren't it."
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."
"Love should never mean having to live in fear."
"Amazing how eye and skin color come in many shades yet many think sexuality is just gay or straight."
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."
"If you love your country, you must be willing to defend it from fraud, bigotry, and recklessness--even from a president."
"Prejudice is learned. What will you teach others through your actions and words?"
"Hate speech has no place in a multicultural society. We need to bring it to an end. Right here. Right now."
"If you'd combat bigotry, use honest language and call things out for what they really are."
"We must speak truth to power and confront ignorance with facts."
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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