#PrideofLions

Jessica Stern | 2 | #ColumbiaPride

We're operating LGBTQIA rights into Columbia's curriculum is not just a good idea. It's essential.

Because LGBTQIA people around the world are often used as the canary in the coal mine. Let's test out how strong the arm of oppression can

be. Let's see how far we can push people into the shadows through mass arrests. The deregistering of LGBTQIA

organizations. The raids. On Pride events and community gatherings and also you know torture

and killing so the LGBTQOIA people especially human rights defenders so caring about LGBTQIA issues is not just a matter of placating LGBTQI

students or doing something that feels good. It is a matter of understanding how governments have shifted their discourse.

Towards populist ethno nationalism and who is most impacted by those policies. And so if we don't look at how out

LGBTIQ people are being treated if we don't look at the shift in law and public policy and if we don't look at community based solutions. Then we not only risk seeing more

violence against LGBTIQ people but we risk misunderstanding the growing targeting of minorities and the attacks on democracy.

Incorporating LGBTQI studies into the University curriculum is not just a good idea, says OutRight director Jessica Stern—it’s essential.
When governments shift toward nationalist rhetoric and policies, LGBTQI people are often among the first minorities targeted.