Legacy Leaders Over 50 – The Promise of Stonewall*

By BEQ Pride Editorial Team

The dictionary defines Legacy as a gift or a bequest, that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. It is something descendible one comes into possession of that is transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor. In many ways, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Non-binary, Gender-Non-Conforming, Same-Gender-Loving, Plus community has always enjoyed a rich legacy of courageous, brilliant and creative people who have quietly and not-so-quietly built the foundation of the community and its culture.

When biological families fell short, many found the courage to create and build new families, communities and livelihoods that subsequently allowed others to feel safe, freely express themselves creatively, apply their mental or physical talents to solve difficult problems facing humanity, to compete at the highest levels or to build wealth. And, for the fortunate—those with affirming, loving and supportive families, good health and money—they too played a role by leveraging their privilege on behalf of the community.

Many of these people are celebrated in books, movies, history lessons or even commemorated on stamps. We regularly celebrate their accomplishments during LGBT History Month and Pride. These posthumous celebrations are wonderful, but BEQ Pride wants to celebrate the legacy that our leaders are building now—while we can show our appreciation for their hard work and how we intend to build on that foundation. It’s all about the legacy we’re leaving. Their hard work and perseverance are a gift, a bequest to us all.

Our Legacy Leaders embody a simple credo:

• Animo (courage)
• Officium (service)
• Dignitate (dignity)

To continue this article, see the profiles of our 50 LEGACY LEADERS and to receive more information about inspiring, self-empowered, LGBTQ+ business owners and change-makers Click Here