A. Latham Staples

2010

A. Latham Staples

Empowering Spirits Foundation

http://www.empoweringspirits.org

Civil and Human Rights

The Bold Idea:

Bold Idea: Fight negative stereotypes of LGBT individuals by organizing community service projects that join together LGBT and non-LGBT individuals to work together side-by-side and foster collaboration and encourage non-confrontational dialogue.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals across this country are facing increasing discrimination.  The FBI recently stated that LGBT hate crimes are the fastest growing hate crime.  Discrimination against the LGBT population results in many measurable hardships, including depression and suicide.  A recent study shows that LGBT youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers; and LGBT and questioning youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. 

The Empowering Spirits Foundation (ESF) is taking the struggle for LGBT equality into the next era, by fostering non-confrontational dialogue with individuals and institutions that previously did not support the LGBT population.  Instead of changing the laws, ESF is striving to change the hearts and minds of the voters that are ignored by LGBT organizations.  Research shows that interaction with even one LGBT individual increases the willingness of non-LGBT individuals to favor equal rights.

Biography:

A. Latham Staples has volunteered with various civil rights organizations.  Staples and his husband were one of the first same-sex couples to legally wed in California.  After the passage of Proposition 8, he sold his healthcare firm to focus solely on civil rights.  Staples diverse background includes working as Corporate Sales Manager at Dell, Vice President of PR and Marketing for a record label, and as a reporter in Texas.

Moment of Obligation: What experiences led to the desire to start your own organization?
I was a successful manager in charge of the development of new hires for a Fortune 50 company.  And though I excelled in my job, and my team was exceptionally profitable, I continually faced persecution by my peers due to my sexuality.  In 2007 my partner and I moved to California hoping to find a more tolerant environment.  Things seemed great – we were overjoyed when, on June 17, 2008, we became one of the first same-sex couples to legally wed in California.  But as the November, 2008 election neared, the referendum to ban same-sex marriage (Proposition 8) gained support.  On Election Day I volunteered all day at the polling location near my home with the goal of making sure voters understood what a yes or no vote meant, hoping to educate voters, and to negate some of the misinformation that had spread rampant throughout the campaign.  The day itself was tumultuous.  I had a drink poured on me, was told numerous times that I would 'burn in hell,' was spit on, and had a pastor shove me.  I couldn't believe the way people were acting.  As a Christian I believe in tolerance, love for one another, acceptance – and the manner in which these people were acting was abhorrent. I consistently found myself thinking 'Ok you don’t agree with my viewpoint, but is it really necessary to degrade a person because of their sexual orientation?'  That night Proposition 8 passed by a margin of 52% to 48%, making same-sex marriage illegal in the state of California.  I sat in my living room thinking back to the harassment I’d been subjected to for years, the names I had been called – that evening I came to a realization. I knew I could no longer sit back and wait; I knew that I had to take action on behalf of the LGBT community.

Gall to Think Big: What has given you the ability to dream big and take on deeply entrenched social and difficult problems? (Such as experiences, skills, events, etc.)
During college I studied the presidencies of both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.  Having attended school with very few minority groups, and having lived a fairly sheltered youth, I never witnessed discrimination.  I remember reading about LBJ and being impressed that though he knew his signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would signal the end of his presidency, he did it anyway believing that all should be treated equal.  It was at this very time that I began to face discrimination as I struggled with my sexuality.  I am lucky to have a family full of wonderful role models.  My mother and father are very successful business people who have always influenced me to try my best and excel in all that I do.  And my grandparents taught me to not give up regardless of how hard things can get.  I instinctively knew that my path was being chosen for me, and that I was responsible for helping to defend not only my rights, but those of my friends within the LGBT community.  And having been taught by my mother that though others may wish to tear you down you must continue to reach out; I knew I had to help change the tone of the dialogue on issues important to the LGBT community.

New and Untested: What's innovative about your new idea for social change?
There are many great organizations working tirelessly for LGBT equality.  They cover a range of issues from legislative action influenced by the Human Rights Campaign, to lobbying state politicians with the state-level equality organizations, the legal defense of LGBT individuals through Lambda Legal and NCLR representing LGBT families in court, to programs to protect LGBT youth through The Trevor Project, and various local groups holding annual pride parade festivities.    These organizations are making positive strides towards equality through court cases that set precedent, lobbying governmental officials, and coordinating community activities to bolster LGBT pride.  But the root of the problem, the lack of knowledge and fear by our non-LGBT neighbors, is rarely addressed.    ESF is unique in that we approach those against us to promote understanding of the LGBT community.  Instead of changing the laws, we strive to change the hearts and minds of individuals that existing LGBT organizations generally ignore.  We are addressing this issue from a unique perspective, in a way that benefits many causes.  The benefit of increased participation in service activities creates a positive image of the LGBT community through media coverage, betters society as a whole, and allows individuals with differing viewpoints to engage in meaningful dialogue in a positive environment.

Seeing Possibilities: What are the most important qualities to be a successful social entrepreneur?
Tenacity – Times will get tough, people won’t understand your vision, and others will choose to work against you.  You must remain true to the mission, stay focused on what you are trying to accomplish and remain true to yourself.     Ability to Listen – Part of knowing your audience and those who disagree with you is having the ability to listen.  By being a focused, interested, active listener, you can better understand other’s viewpoints, and be open to addressing their concerns.     Humility – Know that there is always someone smarter than you out there.  You can always learn something from someone else.

Which musical artists/albums get you going and keep you inspired?
I’m enamored by Lady Gaga.  The entertainment industry can be so cutthroat, and I appreciate that she’s stayed true to herself.  She’s also been a great advocate for the LGBT community, seeing similarities between discrimination she faced as a child and that which the LGBT community faces.  The soundtrack from Rent also continually inspires me. I became familiar with this soundtrack when I performed in an off-Broadway version in my early 20’s and the power of the lyrics and music has stuck with me.

What books do you recommend (pleasure, work and anything in between)?
The Master of the Senate – Robert Caro (great read on the rapid accession of Lyndon B. Johnson in politics and civil rights history).  Art of War – Sun Tzu (a great read on how to manage conflict)  A Long Walk to Freedom (autobiography of Nelson Mandela)  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey  And for pleasure I read the Bible, and love anything by David Baldacci or John Grisham

Which websites do you visit often (work and/or personal)?
www.sdgln.com (a news outlet of Hale Media which I’m proud to contribute to)  www.nytimes.com  www.talkingpointsmemo.com   www.myoutspirit.com  www.huffingtonpost.com  www.facebook.com (who doesn’t these days)  www.echoinggreen.org

What advice or quote do you keep close to your heart as a social change leader?
My grandfather was my idol, the person I looked-up to the most during my youth.  He taught me that no matter how hard a situation is that I must be the better person, continue to help my fellow man, and to just be true to myself and the rest will fall into place.  He was a lover of English literature, and especially William Shakespeare, and he would often share with me the following passage from Shakespeare’s Hamlet:  This above all:  To thine own self be true,  for it must follow as dost the night the day,  that canst not then be false to any man.