‘A Day of Listening’ comes to Rossmoor
LGBTQ+ Alliance, partner clubs to host Oct. 2 symposium
By LGBTQ+ Alliance
Rossmoor’s LGBTQ+ Alliance, together with a number of co-sponsoring clubs and the support of the Rossmoor Fund and the Rossmoor Rotary Club, will host “A Day of Listening, Learning and Unity – Rossmoor Stands United Against Hate,” a three-hour community symposium on Friday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Event Center.
Free and open to residents and their guests, the gathering reinforces Rossmoor’s long tradition of inclusion and respect following several recent incidents that reminded residents of the importance of standing together. Registration is required on the Alliance website.
The symposium is designed to bring together Rossmoor residents for education, dialogue and constructive action. In its event registration statement, the Alliance emphasizes that “while everyone carries inherent biases, community strength comes from recognizing differences, celebrating shared humanity, and maintaining Rossmoor as the welcoming home residents chose.”
Partnering clubs are African Americans and Friends, Braver Angels, Chinese American Association of Rossmoor, Diversity Consciousness Committee, Democrats of Rossmoor, End Gun Violence Club of Rossmoor, Irish American Culture Club, Japanese American Club, Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity, Rossmoor Fund, Rossmoor Rotary, Rossmoor Gay Men’s Club, Rossmoor Lesbian Social Club, Rossmoor Pickleball Club, Rossmoor Tennis Club, Unitarian Universalists of Rossmoor and Voices for Justice in Palestine.
The program will open with remarks from Alliance and Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity leadership, followed by statements from Walnut Creek Mayor Kevin Wilk and Contra Costa County Chief Assistant District Attorney Simon O’Connell, representing the District Attorney’s Office. Other elected officials have been invited but were unconfirmed at press time.
Organizers will present a brief overview of recent Rossmoor incidents – including tire slashing, verbal harassment, obscene gestures and vandalism – without naming individuals or groups. The focus, they say, is on acknowledging harm and reaffirming community standards.
Two short films produced by the national organization Not In Our Town will illustrate how communities across the country have responded to biasmotivated incidents with solidarity and peaceful action.
The centerpiece of the day is a 60-minute interactive bystanderintervention training led by Right To Be, a national organization specializing in antiharassment education. The training covers the rise of hate incidents, the dynamics of privilege, and examples of antiLGBTQ+, antiBlack, antiIslam and antisemitic harassment. Participants will learn practical, safetyfocused strategies for responding when they witness harm.
The event will conclude with a call to actions to join RAD’s sixth annual Diversity Festival, Tuesday, Oct. 13, presented by the Diversity Consciousness Committee, Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity and RWC, at Rossmoor’s Event Center. In addition, attendees will be encouraged to join Rossmoor LGBTQ+ Alliance’s participation in the United Against Hate Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Rossmoor’s Peacock Plaza. Organizers will urge attendees to sign a Stand Against Hate pledge and to contact RAD Cares, if they experience incidents of harassment or discrimination at Rossmoor and would like support in processing them.
Rossmoor LGBTQ+ Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, advocates for equality and to create opportunities for community connection and support for all LGBTQ+ residents and allies within Rossmoor. Go to www.rossmoorlgbta.org for more information.