Thursday, May 21, 2009

Is a National LGBT March on the way?


I just read from several blogs about the National LGBT March. David Mixner and Cleve Jones are on board and ready to go.

From David's blog, he states:

Our freedom can't be negotiated in the political offices of the White House and in the halls of Congress. Our goal is not to make their path easier but to ensure that young LGBT citizens will not be beaten, denied the right to serve, have their love demeaned in some sort of separate but equal system or excluded from giving their gifts and talents freely to this nation. At this moment, there is very little movement on any of these issues in the White House and it appears that some even believe we should be happy with just hate crimes legislation being passed this year.

I adore President Obama but not enough to allow his team to delay my freedom for political convenience or comfort. It is unacceptable.

My plea is for our LGBT leaders to call a March on Washington for Marriage Equality this November and if they won't do it, I appeal to our young to come together and provide the leadership.

Cleve had this to say (via Towleroad):

I applaud and endorse David Mixner's call for a national march with the following four suggestions:

— Schedule the march for the weekend of October 10 - 11, 2009. This is National Coming Out Day and the 30th anniversary of the first national march. Several subsequent marches and AIDS Memorial Quilt displays have also occurred on those dates. The Columbus Day holiday provides a three-day weekend for many and the weather is generally favorable.

— Have one demand only: “Full Equality Now - full and equal protection under the law for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.” Let's stop settling for fractions of equality. Every compromise undermines our humanity. We must declare our equality.

— Organize the march from the grassroots with a decentralized internet-based campaign. Keep it simple; avoid bloated budgets and cumbersome structures. The primary objective must be to turn out the largest possible crowd. We don't need elaborate and expensive staging or fabulous dinner parties and concerts - we need a million or more people in the street demanding equality now.

— Encourage and enlist our allies in the broader progressive movement to build the march. Involve the labor movement, racial, ethnic and immigrant communities, progressive faith leaders, peace and social justice advocates and other supporters. LGBT people of all ages and races recognize the challenges facing our nation and our planet. We are eager to stand, as equals, with our fellow citizens in meeting these challenges.

We are on the verge of a new chapter in the history of our country and our movement. There is a bold new spirit and a powerful new resolve within our communities. Now is the time. We are equal.

Okay, good stuff. Now comes the questions.

Are we really ready for this? This ain't a pride event or Folsom, this our reality. People have to be ready to roll with this.

What are the plans? Yes, Cleve laid out some things... but how would we put those suggestions into action?

Will folks show up? I know they will, but will it be effective? Will we have the visibility needed to make an impact?

And is this the right time?

I'm curious to know what y'all think. A march sounds good, but I also believe we need to think things through. We should feel ready and be ready for this. If we are not solid on the reasons and purpose, this can fail.



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I might be interested. Maybe do Amtrak down to DC and back for the march.

I could always drive, probably cheaper than Amtrak for two.

BLKSeaGoat said...

Having organized a march for Black Gay Pride in ATL, the logisitcs for such an event would be mind-numbing. However, it's not impossible. We'd have to have some local organizing chapters in each state, city, county, rural area, etc.

There would have to be a series townhalls all over the country to get the word out about the event. We should also include our allies and allied organizations. I can see it happening, but not sure the timing is going to be right.

D.J. said...

Here is a better question....should there be a march? President Obama is not moving fast enough on gay marriage, you have gone this long without you can wait a little longer. I would much rather you march for fixing the economy or healthcare. The house was on fire when Obama got it, he is trying to save the house from burning to the ground while you (not you personally) are measuring the windows for window treatments.

Glenn Ingersoll said...

If a march happens it's gotta be when Congress is in session and everybody's got to commit to lobbying their congresscritter.

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Viktor is a small town southern boy living in Los Angeles. You can find him on Twitter, writing about pop culture, politics, and comics. He’s the creator of the graphic novel StrangeLore and currently getting back into screenwriting.