SIUE’s Dorsey Awarded for Supporting Social Justice and LGBTQ Rights
An award for doing the right thing? This response, in part, came from Dominic Dorsey II, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville director of Disability Support Services, after receiving the Champions of Community Engagement Award.
The award was presented by Empower Indy Inc. and Powerhouse Church of Deliverance in Indianapolis at the Second Annual EmPOWERment Gala held May 18 at the Sheraton in Indianapolis.
“It’s humbling, but a little sad,” Dorsey said of his social justice work that originated in his hometown of Indianapolis. “I don’t think we should have to reward people for doing what’s right. It should be in us. It should be common sense.”
In 2014, Dorsey founded DONT SLEEP, a non-profit organization that addresses dismantling systems of oppression. The organization’s mission reads, “By embracing our unified struggle for equity, we seek to put an end to incidents of social injustice and political indifference that affect us as citizens by deconstructing oppression now through solidarity, liberation, empowerment, equity and perseverance.”
It is for this ongoing work and Dorsey’s presence of heart and mind that he was celebrated. Pastor Keith McQueen, CEO of Empower Indy Inc., wrote, “It is with great pleasure to announce that you have been selected to receive the Champions of Community Engagement Award for your unfailing fight and commitment to social equality. Because of your inspiring vision to empower the marginalized through your life, especially as it pertains to the LGBT community and gender equality, it is our great pleasure to honor you for your amazing work.”
McQueen and his husband, Derrick Howell-McQueen, pastor the only open and gay affirming church in Indianapolis, according to Dorsey.
“I’ve worked with members of their congregation on matters of social justice and issues pertaining to LGBTQ rights,” said Dorsey. “Considering I stand out in those crowds as a straight, black, cisgender male, who doesn’t care about being mislabeled and sees freedom as an all or none achievement, they wanted to recognize that.”
Among other things, Dorsey has worked to set up dialogue between local churches, pastors and the LGBTQ community in Indianapolis.
“We’ve all heard the saying of ‘Hate the sin and love the sinner,’” repeated Dorsey. “But how do you reconcile hatred toward who a person is? Being gay is not an elective. How can we bring healing to those who have been hurt? It is going to take people coming together face-to-face. Everyone may not all come away with the same conclusions, but how can we have a true and honest dialogue and move forward in understanding?”
“It’s going to take all of use to get involved with social justice, because oppression and inequity affect everyone, whether they know it or not,” he continued. “Lack of freedom is a human issue.”
Photo: Dominic Dorsey II, director of SIUE Disability Support Services.
