Dear Members of the GSV Community,
The killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other Black Americans, and moreover the persistent and pervasive racism that enables such acts of abuse, violence, and hate both large and small, call for a strong response. The Council of Trusted Elders of Gay Spirit Visions, Inc. joins in solidarity with those who are working to end the scourge of racism and oppression in all forms.
As an organization of men who love men, we acknowledge that the murder of George Floyd ignites within us our own tribal and personal stories of hate and oppression. We represent men with a shared vision of a world in which men who love men can come together, be authentic, and share our spiritual vision. We feel the need to create a safe place because we live in a world where we do not feel completely safe. We acknowledge and applaud the desire and efforts of anyone to change the world to allow people of any race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender, gender identity, or disability to feel safe.
We acknowledge that in our quest in creating a spiritual community, we are often faced with oppression which we seek to overcome. We do not always speak out, however, when confronted with hatred and prejudice as has been evidenced by the recent killings of black men and women, we resolve to stand together to seek a more just and equitable world for all.
As part of our commitment to support others in their spiritual growth, we feel it is important, especially because of the event related to the murder of George Floyd, to hear stories of spiritual growth in our community as it relates to prejudice, oppression, violence, injustice, and apathy. We recognize the importance of a lifelong examination of internalized racism as part of one’s spiritual growth.
We continue to work to create safe, sacred space for men who love men and know that this space can only exist where there is no hate. Although at times we are tempted to avoid efforts at social change and focus instead on making our own personal sphere safe, in truth, we wish for the whole world to be like the world we are working at creating for ourselves: a world in which anyone who loves anyone can come together to heal, nurture our gifts and potential, and live with integrity in the world.
Holding love in our hearts and life in our hands,
Your Council of Trusted Elders of Gay Spirit Visions, Inc.