During one of the most challenging times in recent memory for the LGBT community, leadership is crucial. If there was a prototype for excellence in leadership, Christian Fuscarino would be it As the Executive Director of Garden State Equality, Christian has brought the organization to it’s new and beautiful home in Asbury Park, bringing with it a fresh voice to a community that seems to be growing by the day. I sat down with Christian, and despite it being what looks like a particularly dark time for our community and country, Christian is positive and hopeful for our future. From ways to work together during the next four years to how we can strengthen ourselves and be ready for the future, Fuscarino is a visionary and a model for the next generation.
You passionately supported President Obama and equally passionately, campaigned and supported the Hillary Clinton campaign. What are your best memories of both that administration and the administration that almost was? I first met Senator Obama in 2008. I signed up to campaign for him after he beat Hillary Clinton in the primaries. He was everything I ever wanted in a President, yet I was unsure of how he would lead on LGBT issues. At the time, he did not support gay marriage. I remember talking with one of his senior staff members about how frustrated I was that he would not support marriage equality. The response I got was one accompanied with a wink. Sure, politicians and campaigns lie all the time to get your vote, but eight years later we know that he meant everything he said and indirectly said! I'm married to a man who serves openly in the Marines. That sentence wouldn't have been possible eight years ago.
I supported Hillary Clinton so passionately because I honestly believe she was the most qualified candidate to ever run for President. I never understood those who disliked her, but what I would tell them is that she will protect Obama's legacy. So, dislike her all your want, but don't let these past eight years go down the drain. So much for that strategy...
Donald Trump being elected stunned us all. What do you think the job of the LGBT community is going forward during his tenure as President? We need to educate each other. We need to have difficult conversations with everyone who identifies as LGBT because it breaks my heart to see an LGBT person reach a level of success and then pull the ladder up behind them. We also need to understand the difference between conversations and arguments. I realize that at times it can be frustrating, but nothing is accomplished by telling off someone because they think differently than you. Does it feel great? Absolutely. Does it accomplish change? No. So, my response is all internal because that's where we need to focus our efforts these next four years. Strengthening and educating ourselves.
There are so many theories as to what the Democratic party can do, both in the mid term elections and in 2020 to take back some of the power we lost. What do you think the Democrats need to do to ensure victory next time? Well, I'm not a Democratic leader. I'm an LGBT leader, so I work with both sides. On a personal note, it seems the Democratic party is having an identity crisis. We have moderate leaders and we have liberal leaders. That tears the party apart when it comes to voting and supporting issues. The solution lies in education. I think we need to do a better job educating people how politics work. You can't have it your way all the time. You need to negotiate and compromise, but always stick to your values. It can be tricky and that's why I'm happy right where I am as an LGBT leader.
On the plus side, there are a number of talented up and comers in the Democratic party that could make some positive changes for us all in leadership. Who are some people that you think could really take on a national role and be a game changer? I'm really excited about the folks who are in there twenties and early thirties right now. I like the way they think about governance. Human rights, climate change, and immigration reform all seem like places they can agree. These issues are what I consider to be no-brainer issues that we spend too much time fighting for. Once we can all agree on those issues, we can focus on strengthening and improving the way we govern. I'm hopeful for our future.
Switching gears to you personally; when do you remember activism becoming such a large part of your life? I was really frustrated with the world at a young age. I didn't only grow up quickly because of my environment, I grew up quick because I wanted people to have the same opportunities as everyone else. Having a voice was important to me. Lifting up other voices was always important to me.
You founded The Pride Network and now you are the Executive Director at Garden State Equality. What makes you so passionate about keeping our community moving in the right direction? I never thought this would be my role. I was really talented in graphic design and television production. I loved working behind the scenes in television and creating something that people were moved emotionally by. I actually won a student Emmy award from the Academy of Arts and Sciences because of my early work. Ultimately, I decided I needed to wake up everyday and feel like I was helping people. Television didn't provide that for me.
I have been surrounded by some incredible mentors that have led me to the role I am in today. There is not a day that goes by where I am not grateful for those who believed in me and my work. As the youngest executive director of a statewide equality organization, I hope I inspire people my age to make change in their worlds. Too many people wait for others, when we all are equipped with the ability to make change and help one another.
Times as they say, are a changing. What advice can you give the community to get through the next four years?Be socially aware. Think critically. Be kind and understanding.
What form do you see your activism continuing to take? Any possibility you could run for office yourself? I have committed my life to public service, but I would much rather make change from the outside. I would only consider it if there was a void and people believed I could fill that void.
www.gardenstateequality.org/