FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 12, 2004

A Tale of Two Nations

by Kate Kendell

(San Francisco, CA, October 12, 2004) — On November 3 we will awaken to one of two nations. A nation where differences are respected and the politics of division and denunciation diminish, a nation that understands that stubbornness is not a substitute for strength, a nation where enormous challenges will be met with thoughtfulness and intelligence. Conversely, we may awaken to a nation where division and difference are exploited and relished, where power is wielded without regard to consequence, a nation where the privileged never sacrifice or suffer but where the most marginalized continue to be stripped of what little they have.

It is a responsibility of virtually unprecedented magnitude for us to be deeply invested in actively shaping which world we will live in for the next four years. So many of us have done so much to assure that the nation we wake up to on November 3 is one where hope lives, so many of us can not quite bear the plausible thought of the alternative. Yet we know that in either world the challenges posed by these unmatched times will stress the talent and resources of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. We understand that the outcome of the 2004 election will make the road ahead one filled with challenges and opportunities or one filled with landmines and setbacks.

But make no mistake; regardless of the nation we inherit on November 3, NCLR is up to the challenge. The past few months have demonstrated that this organization that you have helped build does indeed have the depth, expertise, muscle and reflexes to respond to unprecedented historical moments and demands. Our legal staff, led by Legal Director Shannon Minter and Senior Staff Attorney Courtney Joslin, has masterfully spearheaded our lawsuit challenging marriage discrimination in California in the wake of the amazing events here in San Francisco in February and March. Recognizing the need to invest significantly in our own capacity, over the past few months we hired some new and very impressive staff. Lena Ayoub is our newest staff attorney and has already demonstrated the intellect and skill of a far more seasoned litigator. Karen Boyd is our first-ever Communications Director and her presence and talent immediately boosted our national profile. Desiree Buford, our new Events Assistant, and Trilce Santana, our Development Assistant, have provided much needed support to our development department and our ability to increase our outreach and resources. And long-time NCLR staff member Noemi Calonje became the Director of the Immigration Project. We are now well-positioned to deepen our immigration and asylum work in the coming year.

Never before have we faced a future so fraught with risk. And never before have we been better positioned to respond to whatever that future might bring. On November 3 we will be here, no matter what, and with your continuing, generous support we can face the dawn.