Remembering queer Romani life on this Roma Holocaust Memorial Day
To my beloved LGBTQIA+ Rom*nja and Sinti*zze siblings,
Today, on this European Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma, my heart weighs heavy with sorrow and fierce determination. As we come together to remember the immense suffering endured by our ancestors, I cannot help but feel the tremendous pain our LGBTQIA+ community has faced throughout history.
To those of you who have courageously dared to be your authentic selves, I want you to know that your bravery has not gone unnoticed. Your existence, your love, and your identity are a testament to the strength and resilience that beats within our community's heart. But my heart aches for the lives that were tragically cut short by bigotry and hatred simply because you chose to love differently, to express yourself differently.To those who have faced discrimination, violence, and rejection, I want to tell you that you are not alone. We stand united, holding each other close as we navigate this world that has not always been kind to us. Your identities are not a burden; they are a beautiful tapestry woven into the fabric of our community's history, a history that we will fiercely protect and preserve. Today, as we remember the struggles of our ancestors, let us also honour the memory of every LGBTQIA+ Roma individual who has lost their life because they dared to love and be loved, to express their truth and be authentic. Your lives were not lost in vain. Your light continues to shine through us, guiding us in our fight for a world that embraces every color of the rainbow, where love knows no boundaries, and where acceptance reigns supreme.I pledge to carry your memory in my heart, and I promise never to stop fighting for a world where your love is celebrated, cherished, and protected. We will stand together, arm in arm, hand in hand, and heart in heart, as we pave the way for a future of acceptance, understanding, and love for all LGBTQIA+ Roma individuals. In the face of adversity, our community has shown an unwavering spirit, a spirit that refuses to be silenced, a spirit that shines bright like a thousand stars. Together, we will continue to create a world where your authenticity is not only accepted but celebrated. You are worthy of love, of respect, of safety, and of joy. On this day, I send you all my love, my strength, and my commitment to stand with you, to uplift you, and to honour the lives that the darkness of discrimination has touched. May our collective love be a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a future where our LGBTQIA+ Roma siblings are embraced, celebrated, and loved for exactly who they are. OPRE ROMA! OPRE ROMA! OPRE ROMA!
With love, courage, and unwavering solidarity, Cat