As a long-time gamer who’s seen countless battles and quests unfold on both digital and real-world screens, I find the speeches delivered by Mark Ruffalo and Harper Steele at the ACLU Bill of Rights Awards to be strikingly reminiscent of epic in-game cutscenes. The election results, like a formidable boss we haven’t been able to defeat yet, have left many of us feeling demoralized and uncertain about the future.
On Sunday evening, Mark Ruffalo, Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and the Griner sisters (Brittney and Cherelle) were all celebrated at the ACLU of Southern California’s Bill of Rights Awards. The event centered largely on the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the future.
Mark Ruffalo, a vocal advocate for Kamala Harris and known for his activism in Hollywood, stood before the crowd at the Beverly Hilton and confessed, “We suffered a defeat. Adversity doesn’t destroy you; it strengthens you, although sometimes you need a moment of rest before you can rise again. It was tough to be here tonight, I must admit.
It’s significant that we’re gathered here, as it reflects what each of us holds dear in life. I want to express my gratitude for your values, and I understand and empathize with the sorrow and fear you might be experiencing right now, because I feel it too,” the celebrity went on. “We’ve endured a heavy loss, one that resonates with much of our efforts, aspirations, and dreams we’ve nurtured for so long.” He then invited everyone present to rise and offer their neighbor a comforting hug and a heartfelt ‘I love you.’
Mark Ruffalo expressed that we suffered a significant defeat in the election,” or “Mark Ruffalo stated that we faced a tough loss during the election.
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 11, 2024
In his 20-minute speech, Ruffalo underscored that as longtime liberal advocates, “We’re no strangers to this fight; we understand what must be done, and it’s us who will carry it out. We already know the way, we’ve been treading it, and now, let’s deepen our bonds with each other and welcome those fresh faces who are eager to join our ranks.” He further urged kindness over cynicism and resisted calls for further division, stating that “Those who aim to harm us, they too share a connection, we’re kin, and they’re kin to us. We’re all part of the same family; they might have strayed, lost their way.
He summarized, “I’ve experienced demoralization and despair numerous times throughout this journey, and the recurring theme seems to be: when you’re losing hope, it means you’re not giving enough or doing enough. It’s action that counteracts despair.
Steele, who was the central figure in the Netflix documentary “Will & Harper” and previously served as a chief scriptwriter for Saturday Night Live, identified as a trans woman in 2021. During her speech, she acknowledged that despite being a comedy writer, this particular week wasn’t filled with much humor for her.
As I’ve been navigating my daily life lately, questions like “Who are these folks and can I rely on them?” or “What are their true feelings towards me?” have crossed my mind. It seems we all have experienced a shake-up recently. I can’t help but wonder, what do fellow gamers think about us?
In a discussion following the ACLU SoCal Bill of Rights Awards, Harper Steele shares insights about the legitimate concerns within the transgender community post-election.
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 11, 2024
Once more, I found myself filled with unease, that familiar sensation of alienation rearing its head again. Yet, it’s not about me this time. This wave of fear sweeping through me is shared by countless others across our nation who, unlike me, don’t have the advantage of white privilege. They have every right to be afraid because their healthcare, their families, their doctors, their support systems, their schools, their very identity are under siege. And the attackers have grown bolder.
Instead of retreating or becoming angry, Steele urged the crowd to express their solidarity and affection towards the transgender community. She pledged, “I will find my self-assurance again. I will utilize my brief moment in the spotlight to demonstrate my compassion.
Alongside Kerry Washington, Zoe Saldaña, Ke Huy Quan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Josh Greenbaum (director of Will & Harper), several other well-known figures participated in an event that functions as a significant fundraiser for ACLU SoCal’s crusades for liberty.
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2024-11-11 11:54