Shane Bitney Crone

I wish this video wasn’t relevant again, but here we are. To those who say politics aren’t personal, my life tells a different story. In 2011, I lost my partner. Sadly, our love had not been legally recognized at the state or federal level, and in the raw aftermath of his death, I faced discrimination that compounded my grief. This experience ignited my journey advocating for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights, through public speaking, a documentary called “Bridegroom,” and my YouTube video, “It Could Happen To You.” I knew then, as I know now, that my story was not unique. This fight has always been, and will always be, deeply personal. Over the years, we have celebrated significant victories, like the repeal of Prop 8 in California and the nationwide end of DOMA. These hard-won rights came through decades of relentless advocacy and sacrifice by LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. But today, these gains are once again at risk. We must stay vigilant to protect them. The threat to marriage equality is not hypothetical. The President-elect has openly stated his intention to appoint Supreme Court justices who could dismantle marriage rights at a federal level. Meanwhile, Republican leadership across the country continues to oppose LGBTQ+ protections. Civil rights should never be contingent on geography. We must stand united in protecting these essential freedoms—not just for ourselves, but for future generations who deserve the dignity of equal treatment under the law. Together, let’s make sure that love, equality, and dignity remain protected for all. Our love, our families, our futures are worth fighting for. I know many of us feel hopeless and scared right now, but here are some ways you can take action to protect yourselves and the LGBTQ+ community RIGHT NOW. This is in no way comprehensive, merely a starting point for those who want/need it. PROTECTING OUR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY ACTION GUIDE 1. LEGAL PROTECTIONS A. Essential Documentation -Update your will -Name spouse/partner explicitly -Detail specific wishes for assets -Consider impact on family benefits B. Legal Safeguards -Create living trust -Secure medical power of attorney -Obtain financial power of attorney -Draft advance healthcare directives C. Family Protection -Complete second parent adoption -Update birth certificates -Secure guardianship documents -Create custody arrangements D. Legal Resources -Find LGBTQ+ friendly lawyers via lgbtqbar. org -Get free consultations when available -Keep copies of all documents in secure location -Share copies with trusted family/friends 2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT A. Financial Support -Human Rights Campaign (national advocacy) -Lambda Legal (legal defense) -GLAAD (media representation) -The Trevor Project (youth support) -Local LGBTQ+ centers and shelters B. Economic Action -Research and support LGBTQ+ owned businesses -Prioritize Black, BIPOC, and women/femme owned enterprises -Share recommendations within community networks -Avoid companies with anti-LGBTQ+ practices C. Active Participation -Attend local drag shows and cultural events -Support inclusive library programs -Join Pride organizing committees -Attend town hall meetings -Participate in local LGBTQ+ groups D. Advocacy & Organization -Join Indivisible. org chapters -Connect with local activists -Register voters -Monitor and respond to local legislation 3. SHARING YOUR STORY A. Personal Empowerment -Reclaim and affirm personal narratives -Amplify LGBTQ+ voices to challenge stereotypes -Educate others about discrimination -Build connections for support and solidarity B. Speaking Out -Share when safe and appropriate -Connect with advocacy groups -Write to local papers -Speak at community meetings -Use social media thoughtfully Need resources? Call: • Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 • LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564 • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #EqualLoveEqualRights

The irony isn’t lost on me seeing members of the LGBT community distancing themselves from the very movement that fought for decades to secure their rights. Some call themselves the “normal gays” now, seemingly forgetting that “normal” was a hard-won victory, not a starting point. This privilege of feeling “normal” exists precisely because previous generations of LGBTQ+ activists refused to be silent. Let’s be clear: This isn’t about partisan politics—it’s about recognizing real threats to our community. Just as Roe v. Wade was overturned, Obergefell v. Hodges could face similar challenges from a conservative-packed Supreme Court. These aren’t hypotheticals; they’re possibilities rooted in recent precedent. What’s particularly striking is how some members of our community seem to have forgotten that the freedoms they now take for granted—the right to marry, to live openly, to exist without fear—were secured through collective struggle. Every “normal” day they enjoy is built on the foundation of those who were proudly, unapologetically “abnormal” in their pursuit of equality. To those feeling confused or betrayed by this division within our community: Remember that those pushing us to be quieter, less visible, and more “normal” are reading from the same script that kept us in the closet for generations. True acceptance doesn’t come with conditions. It doesn’t require us to tone ourselves down or separate ourselves from our trans siblings and other members of our community. As Harvey Milk said, “Hope will never be silent.” Neither should we be—especially not when our rights and our unity as a community are at stake. We didn’t get this far by being quiet, and we won’t protect our progress by being quiet now. To those who’ve stepped away from the community: When the allies you’ve chosen show their true colors—as history suggests they will—know that your community will still be here. Because that’s what community means: standing together, even when it’s difficult, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it would be easier to look away. The strength of the LGBTQ+ movement has always been in its diversity and its refusal to leave anyone behind. That’s not a weakness to be ashamed of—it’s a power to be proud of.

I’m genuinely curious—are you aware that the president-elect has openly stated his intent to appoint Supreme Court justices who would seek to revoke the federally protected marriage rights you currently enjoy? I’m trying to understand the reasoning behind supporting someone who, while perhaps personally accepting of LGB individuals, surrounds himself with administration members actively working to roll back LGBTQ+ rights and protections. The Republican Party has consistently opposed LGBTQ+ rights, from blocking marriage equality to denying same-sex couples equal protections under the law. If the president-elect appoints more conservative justices, potentially putting federal marriage equality at risk, will you commit to actively advocating for the restoration of these rights and using your platform to address this critical issue? With a sincere desire to understand, I wonder: why do so many in the LGBTQ+ community choose to support a political party whose policies and actions often undermine our rights and humanity, treating us as less than equal? @GayRepublicSwag @ScottPresler @JarrodRodrigue1

I understand the frustration some feel with the Democratic Party, but I struggle to understand why any LGBTQ+ person would choose to support the Republican Party. I’ve spoken with people from across the political spectrum. Some view the president-elect’s legal issues as baseless, seeing the charges against him as politically motivated. Others defend his business practices as typical for a billionaire. Some favor leaving reproductive rights to the states, while many believe the GOP will better protect free speech, secure the border, and bolster the economy. I respect differing viewpoints. But here’s the core of my concern: how do we reconcile these justifications with the GOP’s long-standing opposition to LGBTQ+ rights? The Democratic Party has consistently fought for civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and racial minorities, often at a political cost. In stark contrast, the GOP has actively worked to roll back these protections—from employment and healthcare to marriage equality. Why support a party that has consistently sought to deny us equality? The president-elect has openly pledged to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn marriage equality and dismantle federal protections for LGBTQ+ people. If that happens, will LGBTQ+ Republicans regret their choice? Will they fight to restore the rights they once enjoyed, or will they let them go for other perceived gains? When hard-won protections are stripped away, will it have truly been worth it for LGBTQ+ individuals who backed Republican leaders, including the president-elect? Consider what’s truly at stake—not only for our community today, but for every LGBTQ+ person whose future now hangs in the balance. Are those who voted for this prepared to face the consequences—and, if necessary, to stand up and fight back?

In honor of #Pride & #BlackLivesMatter, I want to recommend an amazing doc on @netflix called “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson.” Marsha was an integral part of the Stonewall Uprising, paving the way for the Pride celebration we know and love today. youtu.be/pADsuuPd79E

“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” - James Baldwin

.@RayvonOwen always says I don’t post enough... This morning, he said: “A selfie or two once in awhile won’t kill you.” 😂 Sending love to everyone! Hope you’re having a wonderful summer! 😊❤️ instagram.com/p/B1cGaZYgm33/…

As promised, here is my story of reconnection, one I thought would never happen. So glad I was able to partner with @Verizon & @PFLAG to encourage reconnection. If you want to learn more about PFLAG: pflag.org/lovecallsback #ConnectedByPride

Today’s episode with @adamlambert, @MamaBearOk, @ShaneBitney and @RayvonOwen was not only funny but it was also so moving! If you missed it don’t worry, it’s live on our YouTube channel now: youtube.com/watch?v=TsIxjh…

Tomorrow on #RuPaulShow we have @adamlambert and motivational stories from Parker Cunningham, @MamaBearOk @RayvonOwen and @ShaneBitney

MONDAY... ♥️ #rupaulshow

I'm proud to partner with @Verizon and @PFLAG to let people know that it’s never too late to call back. Check out this beautiful and emotional film about reconnection. I'll be sharing my own reconnection story next week. ❤️ Learn more on ConnectedByPride.com #ConnectedByPride

I have been working on some projects about which I am beyond excited and have found that for me personally, it’s best to take a step away from social media and devote myself entirely to what I’m working on. Sending love to all of you! 💙

I have been taking a break from social media these past few months but I appreciate those of you who have reached out to check in with me. I am good!

Thinking of Tom today, and reflecting on the last eight years since he passed. I’ll forever be grateful that so many of you got to know him and witness the extraordinary soul he is, was and, forever will be. 💙

I am so proud and humbled to be part of this amazing, beautiful project. Here’s to a future world in which love is unconditional, parents fully accept their children, and LGBTQ people can accept themselves. Please watch and share. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Love wins in India today!!! 🏳️‍🌈 #EqualLoveEqualRights #LoveIsLove #LoveIsLouder #LoveWins #NOH8

@natalieeemartin @verizon @RayMcHale @sbutcher84 @Aquaryan1972 @HorseBoy28 @cindogg88 @Jon_girl88 @DavidU @Whitney49256405 @LeenaRegan @TatCarrier: I’m so happy y’all like the video! Have you joined the digital Pride parade yet??? 😀🏳️‍🌈 vz.to/2ljjUHq #ConnectedByPride

Happy Pride month is right!!! I know a lot of you don’t live close to a pride parade, so I’ve teamed up with @Verizon to bring you the first ever digital parade so we can march together. Join me here: vz.to/2ljjUHq #ConnectedByPride

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Pride month! instagram.com/p/BjvMXBihMLs/ ❤️🏳️‍🌈🧡🏳️‍🌈💛🏳️‍🌈💚🏳️‍🌈💙🏳️‍🌈💜 📷: @booshoe37