Commitment to Anti-Racism 

2021 July

In July 2020, the Bridging Voices Board of Directors affirmed our commitment to #BlackLivesMatter. As we continue to demonstrate our support of black lives, we also wish to show up for the lives of all BIPOC identified people. Therefore Bridging Voices continues to pledge our commitment to anti-racism by way of action within and beyond our organization.

Bridging Voices exists as a space of safety for all LGBTQ+ youth and allies, but it is time for us to more fully embrace intersectionality and to include in our mission the hard work of anti-racism. To do this, we must examine the myriad of ways that systemic racism manifests in our society—both nationally and locally—and also within the Bridging Voices organization.

As we resume in-person choral activities, we will demonstrate our commitment to anti-racism by:

• Including in all programs material written, arranged, or originally performed by BIPOC artists.

• Offering at least one education session each season to highlight the intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community with other marginalized groups. 

• Prioritizing diversity and inclusion efforts in order to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our chorus members and also our leadership team.

• Developing a mission statement related to intersectionality and make this effort clear on our website.

• Seeking meaningful partnerships with organizations serving the BIPOC community, in Portland and elsewhere, to better serve LGBTQ+ youth in those communities.

We stand in solidarity with marginalized communities everywhere, and we understand that words are empty without action. It is our hope that through the measures above, we can help build a community that celebrates humanity within every life.

Isa Kellett, Board Chair

Kate Rubick, Board Treasurer

Nathan Meckley, Board Secretary

Heidi Esbensen, Board Member

Michael Hammerstrom, Board Member

Pascal Tower, Board Member

Erik Gullickson, Artistic Director (ex-officio)