Dare to Dream: An Open Letter to the LGBT Community, our family and friends

Dare to Dream: An Open Letter to the LGBT Community, our family and friends

By Actor/Activist/CEO Maurice Jamal:


Today is set aside as a holiday of remembrance for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his tireless work for equality, civil rights and justice. As national and world events occur, one might take a moment and wonder about the current condition of peace, freedom and liberty.

Often when people speak of Dr. King, they discuss "the dream". Not only his landmark speech on civil rights, but the essence and content of his dream. I was reminded today that dreams are limitless. There are no boundaries, hurdles, fears or obstacles that can stand in our way. And dreams are not a child's folly. They are the power of the human spirit reminding us that we can rise above the obvious and move towards the great. Dreams make the impossible, possible.

The work that so many of you do, is part of this dream. It moves us towards a world where equality, acceptance, peace and justice are the norms and not the exceptions. Where regardless of background and sexual orientation, people are not only free to love, live and pursue their liberty, they are encouraged and supported to do so.

This year brought both highs and lows for our community; from the victory of DADT to youth suicides that shook us to our core. And each of you has made a fundamental difference for good in this march towards equity.

A dream is more than an idea, it is permission. It allows someone the ability to craft a world that has everything they could want and desire. It emboldens them to say not only "I can" but "I will" and most importantly "I am".

When we struggle, fight and are working to survive, remember that there are men, women and young people across this country who look at the work you do. They see YOU as evidence that their dream has merit. Your talent, work, dedication and perseverance make a difference. Everyday.

For me, I am honored to be the founder of the GLO Television Network and work alongside the men and women who are part of the team. And I grateful for the support of our subscribers. You aren't customers or fans...you're part of the GLO family. Your support makes it possible for us to create the socially relevant programming we are bringing to the network this spring.

GLO TV may appear to be a digital television network. But it is so much more than that.

It is a representation of the dreams of people in small towns, church congregations, school campuses and homes across this nation, who often need a voice to speak for them, an ear to hear them, arms to embrace them, and a heart to welcome them.

It is the reality of what our world can be.

As members of the LGBT community we have a special role to play. And our friends, families and allies do as well.

The road ahead is one that we will all walk down together. It is not always easy nor the path always cleared. But it is a road we walk down triumphantly, knowing that every step we take, gives our community permission to be bold enough, to dare to dream "I AM".

BE your dream!


Maurice Jamal