Each week we're counting down to our Cheers to Liberty event by spotlighting ACLU of South Dakota members. All of us here at the ACLU of South Dakota feel incredibly thankful to have the support of one of our most dedicated volunteers, Adam Jorgensen.
I stand with the ACLU of South Dakota because...
The ACLU has my back. The team in South Dakota is passionate about making our state safer for all of us, regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. I'm personally very passionate about LGBT equality and love seeing the service they provide throughout the year to this particular community, such as Know Your Rights trainings and their work throughout the legislative session.
I am proud to be a member of the ACLU because...
I know my support, whether that's financial or serviced based (volunteering), does something. I know that being a card carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union means that I play a part in ensuring our civil liberties are not compromised, and that means I can breathe easier.
A memorable moment for me as a member of the ACLU is...
June 26, 2015: The day love won! I remember, vividly, standing in downtown Sioux Falls with the ACLU of South Dakota and the Center for Equality (a local LGBT organization) handing out cake amid rainbow flags, and happy tears, and great people, celebrating the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. We were part of something that affected people on a national level that day, which was an incredible feeling.
Another notable moment was when the ACLU partnered again with the Center for Equality to advocate for transgender South Dakotans and strike down discriminatory HB 1008. I firmly believe it was this collaborative effort that defeated this bad legislation and sent the message to our governor and our elected officials that South Dakota will not tolerate legislation that targets the LGBT community for discrimination. I am eager to see what the future has in store as we move forward together and engage in more community teamwork across the state!
Find Adam on Twitter: @adamdalej, Instagram: @adamdalej, and Facebook: @adamdalej.
