It's important to be transparent, to remove secrecy from issues

In the eternal struggle for justice, truth has always been the most powerful weapon. Trace Lysette, in her wise proclamation, “It’s important to be transparent, to remove secrecy from issues of equality,” speaks not merely of a principle, but of a profound shift in how we, as a society, must confront the challenges that bind us to inequality. Transparency is the light that exposes the shadows of ignorance and oppression. Secrecy, in its many forms, is the veil that hides the truth of human suffering, the very truth that must be brought into the open if we are ever to achieve true equality for all people.

For too long, society has cloaked itself in the comforting shadows of secrecy, whether out of fear, shame, or a deliberate desire to maintain power over others. But, as Lysette reminds us, it is only through the light of openness that the systems of inequality and oppression can be truly dismantled. Equality cannot flourish where there is concealment; it thrives in the full light of day, where all voices are heard and all truths are acknowledged. We must embrace transparency as a guiding principle—shining a light on those areas of our lives and societies where injustice has been allowed to fester in the dark.

History, in all its wisdom, shows us the consequences of failing to embrace transparency in the pursuit of equality. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States is a powerful example. Martin Luther King Jr., in his pursuit of justice, knew that the fight for racial equality could not succeed if the horrors of racism and segregation were kept in the dark. King’s speech, his actions, and his courage were all an attempt to remove secrecy from the brutal realities faced by African Americans. Through the light of truth, the movement gained strength, and more importantly, it forced the nation to confront the deep-seated injustices that were being hidden behind a false veneer of civility.

Consider also the courageous acts of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Harvey Milk knew that to fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, secrecy had to be eradicated. By embracing visibility and openness, Milk galvanized a movement, showing the world that the fight for equality was not one that could be fought in the shadows. His life and death stand as a testament to the power of transparency in the pursuit of justice for all marginalized peoples. Milk’s legacy reminds us that it is only when we speak the truth about who we are and what we face that we can begin to dismantle the systems that seek to oppress us.

In every corner of the earth, the fight for equality continues, and in every struggle, transparency is the key. To stand for equality is to strip away the layers of secrecy that conceal the truth. In our own lives, we must ask: how often do we hide behind the walls of silence, allowing inequality to persist because we fear confrontation or discomfort? Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we must embrace the courage to speak the truth. We must be willing to face the uncomfortable and disrupt the systems that perpetuate inequality.

The lesson from Lysette’s words is not just about external transparency, but about the internal clarity we must seek within ourselves. If we are to truly stand for equality, we must begin by removing the secrecy that exists within our own hearts—those prejudices, assumptions, and biases that we hide even from ourselves. True transparency is the willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths within us and in the world around us. Only then can we forge a path to true equality, where the humanity of each person is seen, honored, and respected.

As you walk your path in this world, take this wisdom to heart: Be brave in your pursuit of truth, and seek always to expose the shadows of inequality that still linger. Transparency is not merely a principle of justice; it is an act of love and compassion, for it shows that you care enough about the suffering of others to speak out and bring about change. In your actions, let the light of openness guide you toward a future where equality is no longer an ideal but a living reality. Shine a light where there is darkness, speak where there is silence, and act where there is injustice, for it is only through truth and transparency that the walls of oppression will fall.