Jewelle Gomez, 1948
Dear OLOC Friend, December 2008
It was my greatest pleasure to share my 60th birthday with OLOC at the National Gathering this year. I'm still glowing from the wonderful feeling of celebration, as well as the renewed sense of activism I took from that weekend. That activism is exactly what we need right now as the economy is uncertain and conservative forces regroup after losing the presidential election.
Not to be lost in all that big news is that fact that not just me, but so many others turned 60 this year. And many of us are turning 70 and turning 80 and turning 90! All these Old Lesbians are a gift and Old Lesbians Organizing for Change is the organization that has been steadfast in providing a place for us to come together.
One consistent fact that emerges from interviews and studies on aging is that isolation among old people is an incredibly destructive force. Stepping back from community engagement reduces the quality of our lives. OLOC and its commitment is the antidote to that isolation. It brings us together and keeps us connected.
Two great memories stay with me from the OLOC weekend: women hoisting their banners to march for the impeachment of President Bush – just a little something to do over lunch! And dancing on Saturday night. Women danced in high heels, on crutches, and in chairs! We danced to slow music and fast. We were changing the world with each step or even if we were just humming along, because we were together. We were finding the power in the numbers of us and not staying at home alone.
In my keynote speech at the OLOC Gathering, I said: "Making the act of change a natural part of my life is what I strive for. I think it's what we must all strive for or risk leaving ourselves behind." I hope you'll join those who are insisting on change and contribute to OLOC.
Lesbian poet Audre Lorde said, "Life is very short and what we have to do must be done in the now." Do it now – send a tax-deductible contribution or go online at www.oloc.org using PayPal.
Let's work for change together.
Jewelle Gomez, 1948
Author, activist, keynote speaker, 2008 OLOC National Gathering
