At the recent Lambda Business Association March luncheon, Bishop Bonnie delivered a rousing and heartfelt speech, reminding the LGBTQ+ business community of the power found in unity. With humor, passion, and a sense of urgency, she challenged attendees to shift their mindset from "What now?" to "What do I do now?"—a call to action in the face of political and social uncertainty.
Finding Strength Amid Chaos
Bishop Bonnie opened with a moment of levity, sharing a relatable experience of waking up daily to the chaos of current events. "Every single day in the last few months, I wake up and think, ‘Oh my God, what now?’” she said, eliciting knowing laughter from the audience. “Maybe you grab your head, maybe you throw off your wig—maybe you start cussing. But I want to assure you, you’re not alone in that feeling.”
She acknowledged the widespread anxiety felt by many under the current political climate, particularly for marginalized communities, but urged the audience not to fall into despair. Instead, she encouraged them to take meaningful action to ensure a better future.
The Power of Community
One of the strongest themes in her speech was the necessity of knowing and supporting one’s community. "How many of you know your neighbors?" she asked. "We need to know who our neighbors are because someone besides you is experiencing the same chaos. And when we stand together, we are far more powerful."
Bishop Bonnie recounted receiving a late-night call from a young transgender individual in crisis after the recent election, illustrating the deep impact political decisions have on LGBTQ+ lives. "Many people have lost hope, but we must remember—there is unity in community. We must support each other."
Action Steps for Change
Rather than simply identifying problems, Bishop Bonnie provided actionable steps to create meaningful change.
1. Stay Informed but Not Overwhelmed
"We can’t afford to sleepwalk into fascism," she warned. While staying informed is crucial, she emphasized the importance of filtering out misinformation and not becoming paralyzed by the sheer weight of the news cycle.
2. Share Truthful, Factual Information
She urged attendees to counteract misinformation by supporting credible news sources and spreading facts within their networks. "The right-wing media has built an echo chamber of lies. It’s our job to share the truth—wisely and responsibly."
3. Engage with Elected Officials
"You should know who your elected officials are, and more importantly, they should know who you are!" she declared. Writing letters, making phone calls, and scheduling meetings with representatives are essential steps to holding them accountable.
4. Run for Office or Support Those Who Do
Bishop Bonnie encouraged the audience to consider running for public office or supporting candidates who align with their values. "The people in Congress aren’t any smarter than you and me. They were everyday people before they ran, just like us."
5. Support Pro-LGBTQ+ Businesses
"We have economic power. Where we spend our money matters," she said, listing companies that have stood by their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. She also encouraged attendees to donate to LGBTQ+ nonprofits making a difference.
6. Boycott Businesses That Harm Our Rights
Just as important as supporting allies is refusing to support businesses that roll back DEI policies. "Companies like Target, Walmart, and McDonald’s have caved to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure. We have the power to make them feel it in their wallets."
7. Organize Now for Future Elections
Bishop Bonnie emphasized the importance of planning ahead for elections, both local and national. "We can’t wait until the last minute. We need to start registering voters now and ensure we’re mobilizing for the next round of elections."
Creating a Conscious Culture
Beyond politics, she underscored the role of culture in shaping the future. "We need music, films, art, and media that protect and reflect our values. If you have a platform, use it to tell our stories. If you don’t, support the ones who do."
She also highlighted the need for long-term strategy, pointing out how conservatives have spent decades rolling back civil rights gains. "We need to do the same—build our own infrastructure, develop our own media, and create a future that works for us."
A Final Reminder: Unity is Our Strength
Bishop Bonnie concluded with a poignant reminder that the fight for equality is not an individual battle but a collective effort. "Together, we are unstoppable. The most powerful thing we can do is stand together because there is unity in community."
Her speech left the room energized and ready to take action, proving once again that when LGBTQ+ individuals and allies come together, real change is possible.