Exploring new and enduring tactics, strategies and methods of LGBTQIA2S+ activism, organizers from across generations will address how they push forward towards Queer liberation. Topics include: combating institutional racism and systemic marginalization; the challenges and openings from the COVID Pandemic, organizing online and the impact of the George Floyd protests of 2020, ….. and what we all can do to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Featuring panelists Leslie Cagan, Mx. Je’Jae Cleo Daniels, ABilly Jones-Hennin, Dwreck Ingram, & Jay W. Walker, Generations of Activism is the second in a series of five virtual events presented by Reclaim Pride Coalition and the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division in the weeks leading up to the Queer Liberation March, on Sunday, June 27th, 2021. In conjunction with these events, the Bureau’s online store now features a section devoted to titles recommended by Reclaim Pride Coalition members.​

A recording of this event can be viewed on the Bureau’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVdnCnardhc

Panelists’ biographies:

LESLIE CAGAN has worked in social justice and peace movements for over 50 years: from lesbian/queer liberation to nuclear disarmament, the wars in Vietnam and Iraq to racism at home, fighting sexism to working against U.S. military intervention. Her coalition-building and organizing skills have mobilized hundreds of thousands of people in many of the nation’s largest demonstrations and too many other protests to count. In 2019 Leslie was part of the core organizer team for the first Queer Liberation March in NYC. Leslie is currently the coordinator of the People’s Climate Movement-NY, serves on the leadership body of NY Renews (statewide climate coalition). She’s worked on several progressive electoral campaigns, including serving as the Field Director in the 1988 Dinkins NY Mayoral race.

MX. JE’JAE CLEO DANIELS, (they/them/Queen) is a Mizrahi Enby organizer, producer, and writer in NYC. They’re the founder of “NYC Queer Activists” and “Trans Writers Collective” two coalitions of activists, writers, and artists focusing on underrepresented folks in the queer community. Mx Cleo was nominated in 2021 for a year long fellowship as part of Equality NY & Pride Network’s “advocacy institutes” – a fellowship which includes rapid protest response, community arts programming, grants, and mobilizing virtual campaigns for city/state justice. They are a long time member of Voices4, Stonewall Dems, Audre Lorde Project, and of course Reclaim Pride Coalition as well as a long standing volunteer at local initiatives, such as Arts & Acceptance, Reelworks, and the Anti-Violence Project. From building sustainable farms through Americorps in NYCHA settlements, to building media literacy in public schools, to advancing youth programming as an out Nonbinary Community Board 3 member, Mx Cleo’s call to “tikkun olam” — repairing their home city — persists flamboyantly! You can follow their writing at https://mxenigmatic.tumblr.com/​ or @Mx. Enigma

ABILLY JONES-HENNIN is a bisexual+ activist in a same gender relationship for 44 years with his Bi+ partner, Christopher. A founding member of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians & Gays (NCBLG) and DC Gay/Bi Married Men Association (GAMMA), he is currently active with the National Association of Black & White Men Together (BWMT) and DC Disability Community.

DWRECK INGRAM is a Haitian American activist and co-founder of social advocacy group, Warriors in the Garden- a Collective of nonviolent activists dedicated to protect our community from all forms of systematic oppression.

JAY W. WALKER has been involved in activism surrounding LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS issues for over 20 years. In 1998, he helped form the October 19th Coalition which used direct action activism to raise awareness of hate crimes targeting LGBTQ communities. He also volunteered with GMHC’s NY Citizens AIDS Network legislative public policy initiative. A founding member of Gays Against Guns, Rise and Resist, Sing Out, Louise, March for the Dead, and a co-founder of the Reclaim Pride Coalition and The Queer Liberation March, over the last 20 years, Jay has conceived, produced and co-produced numerous fundraising events, public awareness campaigns, rallies, marches, and direct action protests focusing on hate crimes, Gun Violence Prevention, HIV/AIDS, Anti-fascism, Resistance to the trump administration, and, now, rebuilding our democracy in its wake. Jay recognizes the crucial role that intersectionality plays effective activism and resistance to the current political regime in Washington, DC. Much of his work within the organizations he belongs to has been in trying to develop synergies among them to work in concert.