WEBVTT

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[* cheers* ]

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Hello everyone!

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I just want to take this moment to...

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My name is Jerssay Arredondo,

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I am undocumented, queer, unashamed, and unafraid.

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I am sharing these identities with you right now

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because yesterday morning I was forced back into the closet.

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The Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project,

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a project of United We Dream,

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was invited by the Human Rights Campaign

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to speak at the rally to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA.

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Prior to getting on stage my speech was revised.

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I was told not to share the reality of what it means to be an undocuqueer immigrant in this country.

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Our real life struggles and daily challenges as LGBTQ people are not acknowledged,

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but rather continue to be pushed into the closet and excluded from the dominant narrative.

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It is not enough for LGBTQ communities to say that they are in solidarity with our struggle.

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Solidarity is love reflected through actions and support.

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Our intent yesterday was to share our stories, our struggles and our experiences,

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to shed light on the complexity of the issue,

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and we weren't even afforded that opportunity.

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As an immigrant youth movement, we hold each other accountable,

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and we will hold LGBTQ <i>and</i> immigrant rights organizations accountable

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to ensure that we are working towards social justice for all.

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In order to ensure continued solidarity,

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we are asking for a public apology from the Human Rights Campaign's leadership.