As part of the celebration of June's Pride Month, the Chargers organization is highlighting the impact of game changers across the Southern California community. Sarah Bradshaw is up next.
What is your name and what is your title/organization you work for?
My name is Sarah Bradshaw and I am the Public Affairs and Community Engagement Representative for the California School Boards Association.
How has your identity shaped the person you are today?
I would like to think that my identity has made me occasionally courageous, more accepting of others and has led me to be protective of those who are most vulnerable. As we are at a minimum 10% of the human race, I know that we are everywhere and therefore I can go anywhere and find community with others. I am part of a rainbow that is based on love and inclusion and that's pretty darn cool. I truly feel blessed to be what I am and who I am. Not saying it is always easy to fly the flag, but I am sure glad to be part of this team.
What inspired you to work in your field?
After migrating to the United States in the 1900's, my family educated their way off farms and out of factories. They moved from low-end jobs to the middle class over generations. I worked throughout my youth and earned scholarships that made my education possible. I want everyone to have that same opportunity. Working in public education allows me the honor of paying forward what I have been given by my ancestors, past taxpayers and well over a hundred teachers, professors, board members and administrators.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
The official Pride Month creates a platform for educational events, business opportunities, pep rallies, fundraisers, parties and parades. More importantly, Pride Month gives visibility and hope to those isolated in towns, states and countries that do not celebrate, and too often persecute, them. People often forget that our movement has had tremendous benefits for all communities. As we have gained rights and freedoms, we have gladly brought many along with us.
How do you celebrate Pride?
For me, every day is Pride Day. Being "in the closet" was the norm for many who came right before me, though there were always many for whom it was impossible to "pass." They suffered terribly in silence. I am lucky to be part of the generation that followed soon after LA's Black Cat and NYC's Stonewall events. Watching the arch of change gives me hope every day. When I was a kid, I never thought I could get married and have a kid. It simply wasn't in the cards because of who I was, then, through hard work, we changed the deck!
What message would you tell the next generation of LGBTQ+ community to help guide their efforts?
Blood has literally been shed and lives lost to get us where we are today. Learn about your community's history, build your support networks personally and professionally, get to know all colors of our beautiful rainbow. Recognize that as far as we have come, there is still much work to be done. There are those remaining who would gladly tear it all down in a hot minute. Find your joy but be safe out there! In fact, I would like to dedicate my participation in this Chargers Pride Month to Laurie Carlton, a San Bernardino mother and small business owner who was gunned down just two years ago because, as an ally, she flew the Pride flag at her store.
Tell us about a moment in history that shaped your career or life?
It has been a series of events that shaped who I am and what I do. As a daughter of Title IX, Billie Jean King's victory was a big one for all of us. Playing on the first girls' sports teams in my hometown was transformative. Geraldine Ferraro's inclusion on a Presidential ticket was a big step. The AIDS crisis and the lack of care and response left a searing impact. The day Los Angeles stopped to learn of Magic Johnson's diagnosis was heartbreaking. In California, the AB 101 marches were important. Matthew Sheppard's murder shocked the conscience. All of these events contributed to my desire to go upstream to change the future by making it more inclusive, more loving and better for all through public education.
