Today, the LGBTQ group was able to talk with Sandra Chapman about her work and life in the LGBTQ community. Her opinions were very interesting and it was very informative to talk to her about our topic.
LGBTQ group: How does this topic affect NYC, specifically?
Chap: “If you think about history the movement started here, in NYC, in fact in the west village. It started at Stonewall bar where the LGBTQ community fought against the police raid, making many people also say they wouldn’t accept the way their community was treated. This lead up to the first gay pride march in Christopher Street in the 1970’s.”
LGBTQ group: How seriously should people take this issue? In other words, are other communities affected, even non-directly?
Chap: “Think about how our country (us) works to fight for equal rights and then think about groups of people (girls, blacks, latino) who are still fighting, you realize how important it is for people are struggling to fight for their rights. If you are LGBTQ you’ll have many things, including family, friends, and education. Think about one LGBTQ member who doesn’t have rights and can’t be their true self. Our community affected by anyone not being who they really are.”
LGBTQ group: What are some put-downs specific to the gay community?
Chap: “Words like: faggot, pussy, dike, homo, even gentle and pretty can be extremely hurtful to anyone in the LGBTQ community. People say things to lesbian people like, “you’re so rough and hardcore.” And that can be damaging as well. there is often an assumption made that lesbians wants to be masculine or male buts that’s often untrue.
LGBTQ group: What work have you done with different LGBTQ organizations?
Chap: “When I was pregnant with Sophia I was co-chair with GLSEN, in the New York chapter. I also helped out with Lgbt groups trying to find what they wanted for themselves and that also taught me a lot about what’s going on in the city.”
It was amazing to hear Chap talk about her work and share her insight about this topic. She was so well informed and I’m so glad that we got the chance to interview her.
