Lisa Sanders and Mayor Jerry Sanders have long been advocates for the rights of all, including the GLBT community. Mayor Sanders and Lisa took time out to share how they viewed activism and taking action and what it means to them and their family. Although at one time Mayor Sanders was not as supportive as he is and has been, he is a true testament to the fact that people can change and that love will always be stronger than any other bond. Talking to Lisa or her father you quickly realize just how close these two are. When you see pictures of them or the two of them at events, they are never very far from each other.

Enough cannot be said of the caliber of man Mayor Jerry Sanders is. He has repeatedly stood up against colleagues, friends and other opposition to stand out as an individual and man who has more conviction than most that you are likely to meet. Lisa has most likely got that same dose of conviction and strong set of beliefs from her father. When she speaks it is from the heart and without any sense of arrogance. In her eyes she is another person who struggles for her fundamental rights and gives back as much as she can. Her father is a man who watches not only his daughter struggle but a whole community and has done everything possible to ensure the day when we have the same equal rights as everyone else.

They were both more than happy to do this interview and encourage others to come together as a community and support one another. Lisa who is a very strong GLBT activist and arguably the most visible lesbian activist in southern California has dedicated her life to helping others and communities, much like her father has done. We thank them both for answering our questions and taking the time out of their busy schedules to speak with The Gay & Lesbian Times.

GLT: How do you feel about the stay being upheld until at least December 6th?

LS: It is very disappointing. Thousands and thousands of couples who are in love and want to get married and who deserved to get married at least momentarily will not be able too. I was also set to get married again to Meaghan in California, because we both live here and this is where I am from, so we are also very disappointed, not only for ourselves but also for the community. I do have hope however that the judge will do the right thing and that possibly this will ensure more rights for more people even in other states, by going about it in this way. I have not lost hope.

GLT: Activism seems to be a large portion of your family’s life. How did that all start?

MS: Rana and I have always been active, especially when it comes to issues involving equal rights. We have taken pride in watching our daughters pursue these same causes.

GLT: What inspired you to become an activist?

LS: As I got older and I understood the injustices that went on in the world around me, and that people were without rights and how that affects their quality of life, it inspired me to do something about it. I think watching my father, who has always been involved in many different communities, reach out to them and advocate for them, I wanted to do the same. I think once you see it and know it is there it is hard to ignore.

GLT: Do you believe that there is something that everybody can do to ensure their rights and the rights of others?

MS: It’s always a good starting point to have less overheated, prejudice-based rhetoric and more reasoned, intelligent discussion. That’s also true for a lot of other issues facing this country today.

GLT: What would you say to those in the community that claim to have no time for activism or giving back?

LS: I would say that there is always time to do your part. It does not have to be giving money or leading a parade, just being open and having a conversation helps. For example, try helping set up at The Center for an event. I feel that everyone has a place in our community and something to give.

GLT: How do you feel about the decision that was made at the 9th Circuit, and how does it directly affect your life?

MS: My stance on the blatantly discriminatory Prop. 8 is clear at this point. That said, I didn’t find the 9th Circuit ruling particularly surprising, given that this case seems destined to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

GLT: Would you like to see more young people involved and taking charge in the GLBT community?

LS: Oh yeah! Guidance from the older generation is great, however it is also our responsibility to contribute and lead where they left off.

GLT: Do you believe that this is the time and place for GLBT’s to fight a bit harder for their rights?

MS: I can’t imagine the gay and lesbian community fighting any harder than they already have on this issue. I’m constantly inspired by the sheer force and passion of their efforts to make sure they enjoy the same basic rights as heterosexuals, including the fundamental right to marry the person you love. I find it sad that such efforts are still necessary in the 21st century.

GLT: Do you feel that we should have more young GLBT activists than we do at the moment?

LS: Yes I think we should always have more. Who would not want to participate and say that they were an activist in this time and place in history? I think everybody who is able should be involved because it is our future and it should be in our hands.

GLT: With so many in the GLBT community mourning the loss of marriage rights yet again, at least for a while, what would you say to the GLBT community?

MS: While there have been setbacks, there is no doubt in my mind that we will win the war.

GLT: Are there any places that you would suggest someone starting if they wanted to take action or help?

LS: I would have to say The Center and The HRC as they have been around for a long time and help so many people in the community.

GLT: What do you define as an activist?

LS: Someone who does not sit around waiting for their rights or waiting for it to happen. To be an activist you need to be someone who is willing to speak out and be part of creating change in the community.

I thank you both for taking the time to speak with The Gay & Lesbian Times and sharing your thoughts. You both are amazing people and the community could not thank you enough.