TVA manager Robert Morris has lost gay friends, relatives and partners to sexual discrimination, the AIDS disease and even suicide over the past half century since the modern day gay rights movement was birthed from the Stonewall riots.
But on the 50th anniversary of the protests at the Stonewall Inn in New York City by gay patrons who the police attempted to arrest, Morris told a gathering of Chattanooga leaders gathered to celebrate gay pride month that he has been welcomed in Chattanooga since moving here three years ago. Morris, a director of communications and marketing operations at TVA who helps lead a TVA employee resource group for LGBTQ workers, said his own family and experience shows the progress that has been achieved and the need to embrace diversity in sexual orientation.
“The thousands of people who have come before us – and sometimes died – for our rights compels me to speak out,” Morris said. “By speaking out and speaking up, I hope to normalize the conversation, personalize the face of the LGBTQ community for my co workers, friends and family with a constant reminder that “Love is Love.'”
Morris said the faith community at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and his employer, TVA, have embraced him and his partner and spouse, Jeff, in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga business, faith and political leaders sought to welcome Morris and other LGBTQ individuals Friday during a rally and networking party in Miller Plaza to celebrate Pride Month and mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.