By Faith Cheltenham
I’m Faith, a proud bisexual black woman. I was thoroughly honored to have the opportunity to be one of three out bisexuals invited to the White House for the 2010 LGBT Pride Month Reception, the second such event held at the White House by President Obama to celebrate LGBT Pride. (There were actually at least two others, but they were there representing trans organizations.) I arrived early at the Southeast entrance of the White House with BBWN’s own Ellyn Ruthstrom, who is also President of the Bisexual Resource Center. We joined many LGBT people of ALL COLORS excitedly waiting to be admitted. Upon entering, a nice man in military dress said, “Welcome to the White House!” And Ellyn and I just about died right there. Fortunately we had the foresight to keep our cameras out and snapping!
Before the President spoke we were allowed to roam the rooms and learn about White House history from docents who were stationed in every room. Many of the folks invited to this event were local, grassroots, youth and college activists and it was wondrous to be surrounded by activists of all colors, ages, sexes, genders and orientations in the “People’s House.” Amidst the historical antiques and portraits of presidents are seemingly new additions of African, Asian and American Indian art and sculptures. This was one of the nicest houses I’ve ever been in and I highly suggest that any and every activist visit the White House in the future. Once in a while we all need a reminder that our country is for people like us.
Ellyn and I got spots on the “rope line” and waited for the President to appear, hoping to get a good picture to share with all. When the President was announced, it seemed that all heads turned towards the announcer’s voice and away from the door the President had just opened. All but mine, so I stood there simply agog at him in front of me. He was as charmingly funny as he’s always seemed, quietly saying, “Well, here I am, guys, the President!” as he waited for folks to realize he’d entered the room. And I couldn’t help but tell him, “Dude, you totally are!” This got him laughing and it was a nice moment to share. He shook hands down the row and then went on to speak about what the administration has accomplished for the LGBT community.
Some folks feel it’s not fast enough, and I can understand the rush: raise your hand if you enjoy being a second-class citizen! It was hard to sustain my feelings of frustration as I heard the President of the United States mention by name audience members who had lost a loved one without even being able to say goodbye. I also found comfort in President Obama’s own stated frustration with the slow place in ending that abomination, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Listening, you got the feeling, in this place, in this House belonging to all Americans, changes are still rolling out. I’m not ready to sit by and wait so I’ll keep working for equality across all boundaries and borders. I’m compiling a list of all bisexual/pansexual/ fluid orgs nationwide to send to the White House for future invites to our community. Please email me at thefayth@gmail.com if you’d like your organization that works with or for the bisexual community listed!
Faith lives in Los Angeles and is Vice President of BiNet USA.
Featured image: Bi-identified activists at the White House: Faith, Gunner Scott, Ellyn and Nancy Nangeroni.