I’m sitting on a plane flying from Vegas back to Seattle, WA. I have been in Vegas for 3 days for a work-related conference and have spent my nights into early mornings in my hotel room, sifting through emails, answering phone calls, and getting the word out. You know how sometimes you sit on a plane and end up in a nonstop conversation with the person next to you? And since their proximity is so close to you, there is no real way to stop the conversation without being rude. And none of us want to be rude to the person we are going to sit next to for the next 2-3 hours. Well the people behind me are in this predicament. They first started talking about what is truth, then shifted to truth in politics, and then I heard it… the statement that made me wake up from my attempt at sleeping, open this computer, and start writing: Someone asked “Have you heard of this protest thing happening? Have you heard of Join The Impact?” I must admit, I have now been rudely eavesdropping as these people continue the conversation. On a plane ride, flying across the country, two perfect strangers are talking about our rights!! Ladies and Gentleman, we have started something huge! Saturday is fast approaching and it’s time I share with you what we plan to do next.
It is the wish of the JoinTheImpact team to keep working with and for our community. Over this week, we have been contacted by multiple organizations and fellowships who want to work with us to continue this conversation, to drive this movement, to work harder than we’ve ever worked before and make a gigantic difference in this world! JoinTheImpact is about unifying as one and working together to bring about positive change. On November 4th, our opponents thought that they won. They thought we had fallen. On November 7th, a call to action was made and on November 15th our community WILL RISE! Moving forward, we will not step down, we will not be silenced, and we will not compromise our rights! JoinTheImpact will team up with other grass roots organizations like MillionGayMarch.com and other like-minded organizations that share our same goals - We will band together for rapid movement and ultimate coverage. Together with these organizations we are forming OFFER: the Organized Fellowship For Equal Rights. JoinTheImpact and other members of OFFER will help guide this movement, but we need you in the drivers seat! As I said on November 7th, we can not do this alone! This community is unifying and we need to act with one loud, proud, and strong voice!
Moving forward, JoinTheImpact will continue it’s work with WetPaint.com to give you a central location for organizing. Here you will have a venue to share video, images, and stories from November 15th and other national initiatives we have planned. This is also a venue to continue the conversation and engage in healthy debate. We hope to make this a source for your local community as well; local organizers will have the opportunity to display events and organize through this resource. Most importantly, JoinTheImpact will be a call to arms. We will plan many national demonstrations in order to engage people in the conversation and show the nation why we need these rights and that we WILL achieve equal rights! Beyond these national movements, we will be an emergency response team in any instance that our community needs us. If, God forbid, something violent happens to one of us, as what happened to Matthew Sheppard and many after, we will come together and respond on a level that no one has ever seen before! We will not rest until equal rights are available to all of us!
The following dates are set for national initiatives that will keep the conversation and let our country see what an IMPACT we can and do make:
December 10th 2008: Day Without a Gay. There was some confusion about the date, but two organizations proposed this great initiative and we combined into one. On December 10th, we ask that the LGBTQ community Call in Gay! Don’t go to work, don’t consume, don’t contribute to this economy at all… instead, contribute to your community through volunteer work, community outreach, and social outreach. We are taking a new spin on boycott. During the busy shopping season where analysts have year over year numbers, we want to watch the graph dip as we take our tax dollars and keep them. Instead, we will give to the organizations that need our time and help. We are taxpaying citizens who contribute to this economy. We deserve legal protections from our government and marriage provides 10,000+ legal protections that are not awarded to our families! Read Joel Stein’s Call to Action and Visit DayWithoutAGay.org (Remember the Date will be December 10th NOT the 5th)
January 10th, 2009: National Protest. Let’s do this again! We’ve done so much with only one week of planning. Now imagine what we can do with 2 months! It’s time we get out and protest all of the anti-gay ballot initiatives from 2008 AND the initiatives from 2004: DOMA. DOMA exists in 37 states throughout our country! Full equality will not exist with DOMA. We need to bring the nation’s attention back to this, keep their attention on Prop 8’s revoking of rights, and keep giving this country a reason to talk!
Also, we ask that everyone who can, show your support for equality: Light up this nation with the Blue For Equality Movement! Help us show the community that they are not alone! Get the word out and show your colors for equality!
Between now and then, what will we be doing you ask? This conversation will never stop! We will not take a day off. Going forward, here is what we ask of you: Try to engage in one respectful conversation a day in which you can plant the seed of change in an individual who is not like-minded. We have to respect every one’s rights to believe what they wish, but we can work towards asking that they keep their beliefs from infringing upon our lives. America’s population is 301,109,947 people. Given the statistic that 10% of the population is LGBTQ, imagine if all 30million of us had just 10 conversations. Now imagine if we had one every day! This movement is about all of us working toward one goal of outreach, education, and full equality. If we work together, we can change minds, change laws, and change lives! As such, I am proudly announcing the following goal for everyone involved: 10 months 10 Lives Changed.
This is about impacting the nation and driving a country-wide and even world-wide positive change! We can not let this country forget about the rights revoked when Proposition 8 passed. For too long we have stayed silent as states passed DOMA laws hindering our abilities to share insurance, visit our loved one in the hospital, and fully protect our families in case of emergency. Moving forward, JoinTheImpact will fight for our rights as a community; we MUST continue working toward them as a nation and not let our opponents divide and conquer anymore.
I don’t know about you, but I have had some amazing conversations on an airplane… even when I least expect it. I always try to look stand-offish, I try to bury my head in a book, but sure enough I sometimes find myself engaging in a conversation for the entire flight because somebody took the opportunity of proximity to bend my ear on the issue they were passionate about. The conversation behind me has stopped, and one mind WAS changed. Now two people, instead of one, will be there fighting with us on Saturday! There are a great deal of people out there avoiding this conversation and trying to look stand-offish. Many of them don’t even know what we are fighting for and only voted for DOMA or Prop 8 because they only heard one side of the story. These are the people who need to hear from us. So I ask of you, even if their head is buried in a book, give them some breathing room, let them use one of the arm rests, and take the opportunity to engage them. Soon enough, our flight will land in a country where there is truly freedom and equality for all!
80 Responses
look, i randomly followed a link on from the second fight prop 8 forward I’ve gotten from various activist lists. i keep thinking, yes! lets fight for our rights, but how is it that so many people can gather over this (very important don’t get me wrong!) issue and not over the war?????????????? or impeachment? I don’t know why I’m asking you, i havnt’ even looked at your bio i just glanced at your blog. I’m going to ask the same question of all my activist friends, but there it is. see you saturday (in spirit)
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I think it would be incredibly productive to very clearly organize information for people in each state to 1) write to their representatives and 2) write to President-Elect Obama with a standardized, uniform letter requesting certain things– including DOMA, Federal hate crime inclusion, etc.
??
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Right on….I’ve already posted National Call in Gay Day to Democratic Underground and will begin a viral campaign to spread the word. Oh, I am SO looking to having a day off for a change!
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Blue lights? (Huh?) Asking people who get paid by the hour to call off work? Asking fatigued community organizers to stage yet another nationwide protest? I’m not excited. When you organize a Have a Conversation with Someone Who’s Threatened by Gay People Day, or National Week for White Gay People to Figure Out What Ethnic Groups in Their State Need from Them, please let me know.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl, that was one HELLUVA flight.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
We are organizing a coalition of groups in Los Angeles and Davis. We need to get in touch with each other to coordinate the coalition and figure out what the next steps.
Thanks,
David
NoOn8Campaign.org
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I’m all for the protests - I’ve been to three so far. But I don’t think ‘National Call in Gay Day’ is going to accomplish what it’s setting out to do. Yes, my office does depend on me. But why would I want to create resentment from my already supportive coworkers and employer? And given that gays are about 10% of the population, do you really think that if businesses even REALIZE a dip in sales, they’re going to attribute it to the lack of gay patrons? My dry cleaner isn’t going to know that it’s ‘National Call in Gay Day’ - of that I’m certain.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
No Gays for a Day is AMAZING. I love this idea, and as a small business owner and employer of 25 staff I can say this will have a real impact.
I love this movement. It’s real, and powerful, and it gives me such pride in the future.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I just wanted to add that it is not only LGBTQ people who need to be having those daily conversations…all of us straight allies need to be talking to people too. This is how a gay friend said it: “The very cool thing about this whole discussion is the number of people (who identify themselves as straight) who are having this discussion on a daily basis with their friends, coworkers and families. When the subject comes up, I am not the one leading the discussion or nudging people in a new direction of thinking”. The mistake many of us made was not having enough of those conversations BEFORE the election, we can only remedy that failure by having them NOW.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
[...] Join The Impact website - created after Prop Hate passed - is full of statements like this: We live in America TOO! We deserve legal protections from our government and marriage provides [...]
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I just want to shout out from the other side of the globe. Know that you are supported by millions, and I am proud to see this community that I love standing up against the systemic inequality you have faced. Were my feet wings, I would be protesting with you tonight!
Keep fighting, don’t let up, because the whisper has become a shout, and the shouts will become roars.
Renee
Straight, White, Australian Thespian, who ADORES her gays.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
First, to respond to Joe Miale, I’ve been working on an event centered around just that. I seem to be having difficulty getting people to respond to my requests for information/help though.
As for all of this, I have attempted to contact Join the Impact regarding their future plans and am glad to see that there are some. However, I’m a little upset to see that the focus is still primarily on marriage.
I have said again and again that this is the perfect opportunity to expand the goal to include full equality under federal law. Trust me when I say that I’m all for getting Proposition 8 and all it’s counterparts around the country overturned but don’t you think that an expansion of federal hate crime laws, inclusion in laws against employment and housing discrimination and the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” should be important too?
Please, you may have started this as a one issue fight but if you are going to get the entire country involved let’s expand it into a true nation-wide fight for full equality.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
(Oops, big mistake in my original post, corrected here.)
I think the No on 8 campaign needs to examine what really happened with the vote. I don’t think this proposition would have passed if the No people had listened more carefully to what was happening. First of all, the vote was very close, and didn’t match the polls, which showed it was NOT passing. I believe this is because the polls were right that the majority of straight people are in favor of equal marriage rights for gay people. Unfortunately, no one was listening to what the Yes on 8 ads were really implying and countering them. I heard people in the community, on the radio, on blogs, on t.v., saying essentially this: I don’t have any issue with gays, support their right to get married, but draw the line at gay marriage taught in schools. Here’s the thing: the Yes on 8 people made Prop 8 a referendum on whether gay marriage was going to be taught in school to young children. Understand, it is not a conflict for people to support gay marriage yet not support the teaching of gay marriage in school to very young children. Here’s why: The problem here is that explaining gay marriage to very young children brings in issues of sexuality which most people don’t want to have to talk seriously with their kids about at that age. Some parents don’t even like sex ed taught in school to older kids, they want to teach it themselves at a time that they deem appropriate. (And as far as I know, my local schools give parents the option of even their older kids not attending those classes.) Now, I don’t believe this was a true claim anyway (about the teaching in school), but the No on 8 people never did a good job of countering that. I heard and saw so many people who would otherwise have voted No on 8, who voted yes because they thought it would mean having to deal with sex education issues for their very young children (which is essentially what the Yes on 8 ads implied). The Yes on 8 ads were saying that if gay people got the right to marry, it would mean rights would be taken away from heterosexuals, from heterosexual parents. Prop 8 would have lost if it had just been about equal rights for gays, which really, most people support - the polls are right. And if the No on 8 people keep talking about it as only a rights issue as (not) supported by the majority in CA, they’re going to be tripping themselves up unnecessarily. In fact, I think the protests are a mistake, because they are alienating to the public who already support this issue. I think Prop 8 passed because the No people missed the boat on what was really going on. I think they should consider carefully how to proceed so that the conversation is where it really should be and affirms the majority support that was there all along.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I fear what these protests will lead to. For one thing, gays are not one voice any more than the other 90% of the country is one voice. There are many who are in favor of gay rights and combating prejudice all around, but not in favor of redefining marriage. I am one of them, and I have a dear friend (who is gay too) who is one of them. Your attempts to lump us all together around this proposition and knee-jerk in reaction might do more to polarize people on this issue than to get them to understand each other. Get real … your own article says to talk to 10 people and get them to change their minds, rather than first trying to understand them. I’m glad our new president elect will be smart enough to do more listening than dictating agenda in foreign policy. Maybe we should take a lesson from him. You are not listening. If you think that people who are not in favor of redefining marriage are all bigots who want to take away your rights, you are not listening. This nation is growing more and more polarized on this issue, and the people fighting for gay rights are not helping when we don’t listen and talk and just characterize all the opposition as the enemy. For example, you probably have no idea why I believe the way I do.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
We need a march on Washington DC.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
We need a national LGBT march on Washington DC.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
And PLEASE, Come Out Of The Closet!!!!
Visibility is key! Lose the shame!
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
First, let me be honest… I am what many would consider a Christian Fundamentalist. I believe the Bible means exactly what it says, and what it says is indisputable.
Second, a word on a few things the bible says. God’s Word says that hate is wrong. There are few things in this world that make me angrier than someone espousing hate and violence, then hiding behind their so called ‘Christian Beliefs’. The Bible also says that “all have sinned” and “the wages of sin is death”. Not most have sinned, or certain sins. All sin is given equal weight by the Bible, and I have never met anyone in my life who has not violated at least two of the Ten Commandments. Those today who single out specific people and call certain of their particular sins worse than anyone elses are wrong to do so.
I want you to know that not all Christians believe that you are evil or that you deserve anything you get. I believe that our Nation must preserve a delicate balance between allowing people their first amendment rights while ensuring that by doing so we do not allow them to infringe on the rights of others.
Remember that when fighting against an idea such as taking away someones rights, you must not allow your self to become guilty of the same thing. I have seen few arguments where both parties did not believe they were in the right. Sometimes they are both right. While fighting hate, please, do not become guilty of hate.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
JT,
Our future work with OFFER and MillionGayMarch.com will achieve this… it is our goal to do a Million Gay March on Washington VERY SOON
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Please read the following. Please protest Cinemark.
This is for Sundance coming up in Park City, Utah.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/marc_malkin/b68992_sundance_film_fests_prop_8_headache.html
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
1. We need some constructive dialogue within our own little ‘niche’ groups and the wider movement as to where we are going after this show of protest. And I mean an agenda with set resolutions and goals. Making a whole bunch of noise and signs without a set theme/goal/idea is not very productive.
2. The non-profit is a good idea — What I don’t want to see is co-option of it by other useless LGBT organizations like HRC.
Any updates on funding? Donations?
If you need help with website work etc, let me know. Cheers and Keep up the good work Amy.
Posted on November 14th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I really like what this website is saying. I’m so impressed by the effort and care that’s been taken to try to make this something for everybody who cares about what happened to us this election year. And the energy! I look forward to having some of those “conversations” soon.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Dan — Will the group from Davis be rallying there or in Sacramento tomorrow?
I’m in Placer County, but had planned to go into Sac tomorrow morning. There were plenty of No voters out my way, but most aren’t the activist type.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 3:56 am
You’re doing a great job to create awareness and educate. Keep up the Good Work - Keep Up the Fight!
Margie, Owner
Quantum Units Education
http://www.quantumunitsed.com
Join Me On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=553863717&ref=profile
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 8:58 am
CORRECTION - IT’S MILLIONGAYMARCH.ORG NOT .COM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Straight/No on 8 wrote: “In fact, I think the protests are a mistake, because they are alienating to the public who already support this issue. I think Prop 8 passed because the No people missed the boat on what was really going on.”
…
We got outworked. I took for granted that 8 would not pass, and I suspect many others did, too. Meanwhile, Yes had their troops mobilized on Day One and struck with a 3-phase ground attack that we never countered. In fact, our only responses were to complain about out-of-state phone banks and misleading information being passed door-to-door by Yes volunteers.
On Wednesday morning, we woke up and realized what a golden opportunity we’d missed because we had not worked as hard as the other side. A lot of the anger is due not so much to the fact that we lost, but rather because we know we lost because we did not do all that we could to secure a victory.
Although you’re spot-on in the majority of your post, I disagree that there should be *no* protests. As long as we’re peaceful and respectful, people will be drawn to the message…a message that needs to be clearly defined before the next time it’s left up to the voters.
We definitely need better organization if this issue is to go back onto the ballot and I think rallies are a great way to find out who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to help the fight for equality.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
At the rallies on November 15th, we will be met by counter-protesters. It’s pretty much guaranteed. Be respectful. Don’t use anger to combat their claims, use information that is honest, backed by fact, provided with respect, and delivered with kindness! Nobody EVER changes my mind when they are yelling at me! Keep that in mind! Ask them questions (kindly) listen to their answers (patiently), provide your rebutle (calmly). Then, agree to disagree. Let them take that away with them so that they can mull it over later. That is how minds are changed. Gentle but consistent forces can cause flat rock to grow into mighty mountains!
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Whatever happens today, we definitely need to keep fighting. I, for one, will continue to blog from Providence. A march on Washington is a must. Now is the time!
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
One more thing…if this new civil rights movement is going to be successful, we need to stop the infighting. Regardless of whether you do or do not believe in marriage or feel that is an issue of assimiliation, the simple fact is that those GLBT persons who wish to have one should have the right to do so. It is a civil rights issue. Of course, going forward, our movement will also focus on ENDA, DOMA, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, etc. Let’s not get sidetracked by our own personal agendas. Let’s be of one voice - loud and clear.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I think the overall movement message needs to change or at least be supplemented. The message shouldn’tbe “give gays their rights” but “no special privileges/treatment for some.” It shouldn’t be “please let us in” but “Who the hell do they think they are?”
The battle should shift from allowing gays to be “married” to insisting that only “civil unions” should be performed by the State — for anyone and everyone: gay or straight. “Marriage” is a term that is so fraught with emotional and religious overtones; centering debate around that term makes it harder for people to be rational. SO: no more marriage! Our government is based on the separation of church and state. We should fight to change that State laws and constitutions so that only civil unions are recognized by the state…and are available to all its citizens equally. That’s the “American Way.” State statutes and constitutions, and they alone, should be the basis for state’s actions regarding taxation, inheritance, medical powers and access, adoption, you name it.
People who want to receive the “sacrament of marriage” (and it should be referred to that way) should receive it from their churches; they’re welcome to do so. But it should have no impact on their legal, civil status. This is consistent with our treatment of all other rites/sacraments. The US doesn’t recognize “confirmation” as the coming of age event that gives people the right to vote, drive, serve our country (or drink.) We don’t recognize other sacraments: bris or baptism doesn’t confer any civil rights, nor “first communion” nor ordination. What makes the sacrament/ceremony of marriage so unique? It has no business being part of the legal code. It’s a vestige / remnant / palimpsest of church involvement in state.
I think that’s a more direct message about equal rights for gays and one that will resonate with the majority of Americans and can minimize the religious/moral overtones of the debate.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Well, this worked in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We had 100 people show up on short notice at Calder Plaza. Grand Rapids Press newspaper was there, and maybe one TV station. Alot of young people, somewhat even mix of gender (maybe slightly more women), but pretty representative of GLBT local community.
Its good to get fired up and keep the pressure on, as the marriage equality rights now available in Massachusetts and Connecticut could be the next ones to be contested.
One thing to remember, this election boiled down to politics—to see who could get their side to vote their way in the election. The GLBT movement is up against some seasoned campaign professionals who know how to motivate voters. While “marriage equality” may be what is right as we see it, that message did not reach those going to the polls enough to effect a voting majority.
The New York Times piece on the Mormon involvement was good. What was not covered in detail was that the amount of money originally estimated to be spent was not reached, but enough money came in when the Yes on 8 campaign was afraid they would lose, because they had a fear factor they could use to motivate religious donors. Likewise, when a basic religious message wasn’t sinking in with uncommitted voters, they effectively used scare tactics to encourage a “Yes on 8″ vote. The “No on 8″ campaign failed to respond with an equally compelling message to negate the scare ads. From my experience, campaign messages that carry a sympathetic message that motivates the committed rarely works with the uncommitted, uninvolved voter— people are motivated only if they think a vote will affect them directly. That is why the ads that brought up gay education in schools, the effect on churches and citizens being sued for not supporting same-sex marriages were so devastating. Those ads swung enough voters to bring the end result close to the original support level (55%) of the first marriage ban vote. Had the Yes on 8 campaign been ready to counter-act the scare ads and run enough ads to at least confuse voters, I think there would have been more people voting “No”, as studies show, voters who don’t understand or have doubts about ballot measures, tend to vote no.
The GLBT/marriage equality movement must now become as election savvy as they are internet savvy, but I do commend everyone for their hard work in defeating Prop. 8 (even a small group here in Grand Rapids was motivated to raise over $500 to support defeat) , as well as today’s responsive rallies.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
You know what? As long as we keep saying that morality is our’s to decide, how can we say that losing the right to marry is a travesty? We need to begin preaching moral absolutes rooted in something objective - objectively true. I wonder where we could find an objectively true standard for morality so that we wouldn’t have to make moral decisions a democratic process…
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Next steps: A Thanksgiving Day Action–a proposal
We need to start discussions about gay rights not just among those of us who already are close with gay people. We need to extend out to churches and “red areas” of the state and country. So on Thanksgiving, I suggest we print up yard signs and buttons with slogans along the lines of:
I’m Thankful for my gay son/daughter/mother/cousin/friend/colleague.
or
Ask me why I’m thankful for my gay son/daughter/mother/father/cousin/friend/colleague
The idea is to let everyone know that they know someone who is gay. I believe that the biggest shift in mindset comes when any despised minority goes from being a faceless other onto which people can project their greatest fears to just people. It’s happened in my own family. It’s happened with people I’ve worked with. We need this movement to include more than LGBT people who are angry about being second-class citizens. We need straight people motivated by love and familial protection.
We need to remind the public that being gay is about forming a family, and being part of a family.
I also believe we need to reach out to groups that have been discriminated against and encourage them to be public in their support. We need interracial couples to come out and be public about how grateful they are this Thanksgiving that they can marry. I think just that adds to the discussion. Something like:
I’m thankful I can marry the person I love, regardless of race.
I haven’t organized anything since college, but if anyone is interested in helping with this–graphic design, sending these out to family and friends–contact me at organizerheather at gmail dot com.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
hey, howabout we have a march on washington on
Jan 10
i believe that would be MOW #3
as i recall the others were 1978 and 1983(?)
i was at both of those.
were there any more after that?
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Just a reminder, there is no right to marry defined in the constitution. Marriage is a social construct that should be defined through the currently established legislative process. It should not…I repeat…should not be left to a judge to pull such a “right” out of thin air. Proposition 8 was a reaction to exactly that type of event. Marriage is an emotional issue on both sides (which usually precludes rational thought and discourse) and should not be left to be “legislated” through a proposition (which I consider a form of government by mass hysteria). If the community as a whole supports same sex marriage then it should be passed into law via the currently established legislative process. Anything else (on either side) is an abuse of the system. My 2 cents….
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
How about we, all who can afford, take a day off in protest. No work, no shopping just sit at home or do something for the cause. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
totally down with another national protest on jan 10th
http://queersunited.blogspot.com
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
“So on Thanksgiving, I suggest we print up yard signs and buttons with slogans along the lines of:
I’m Thankful for my gay son/daughter/mother/cousin/friend/colleague.
or
Ask me why I’m thankful for my gay son/daughter/mother/father/cousin/friend/colleague
The idea is to let everyone know that they know someone who is gay. “
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
England recognized the United States in 1783.
Americans across the Country today marched for civil equality under the law of the United States. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the process. I am proud of the progress my Country has made the past 222 years and look forward to a time when all American’s believe we’re created equal and we may all have the privilege of access to civil institutions. For many this civil privilege is called Marriage. So for as long as our state and federal governments are in the business of marrying, I’m sure the definition of marriage will continue to change. It has changed throughout England’s history and it will continue to change throughout ours. Learn your history, be inspired, and don’t ever ever forget how lucky we are to be Americans.
PS The gift of life takes many forms. Some of us reproduce, some of us don’t. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience. Hey, at least the Chicken’s in California got bigger cages!
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
If the LGBTQ community wants to win equality, they will need to partner with the moderates in the religious sector.
Proposition 8 (prop
proved that we have quite a few allies, but not a majority of thought on the issue. In order to combat this, we have to not only stand outside of religious centers but also reach inside them. So far, only LDS (Mormon) places of worship have been targets for our disappointment. However, other religious and faith groups backed proposition 8 as well. I fear we will start looking anti-mormon verses pro-human rights.
My own faith community, in its own way, supported Prop 8. Unlike the Mormons, there have been to repercussions for them. Which is why I hope at some point people find a minute to protest the Church State Council in Westlake Village, CA.
Beyond those concerns, protesting will only take us to the metaphorical gates, we need to reach inside the churches and find supporters there as well. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, since most people in the LGBTQ community think these people are already against us, but I promise that hearts have been stirred in our struggle for equality. I have seen the parents, siblings, and friends of LGBTQ people in the church stirred to action in our defense.
The first thing we should to is set up a non-profit, to collect tithe to be held in escrow until these religious institutions cease issuing public support for anti-LGBTQ issues. This would allow left and moderate christians, who are unwilling to contribute to our causes but do not wish to support hate, an outlet. We could show a running tally of such funds, and show that we do have support in the faith community. This would also start to put some pressure on religious groups to at least have a more open conversation about human rights, separate but equal, and biblical morality.
Even if we could convince these people to give a portion of there tithe, it would hurt faith groups. Church contributions tend to dip when the economy goes bad, and contributors who are willing to make public donations might sway others to do the same. Even though these donations would not support gay rights directly, they would allow people of faith to have an outlet for their frustrations.
I wish that we had some real strategy behind our future actions beyond the courts and more protesting. I Think both of those things are necessary to stave off hatred, but I also think that it will take some new ideas to find ways in overcoming the inequalities in the world around us. We have to think big, we need to reach far, we can make a difference.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Why don’t we take some guidance from THE Civil Rights movement and engage in non-violent civil disobedience? For example, on one day, gay people in cities in every state could simultaneously enter court houses, request marriage licenses, and refuse to leave until one is issued. That means a mass “sit in” where we don’t leave until we are arrested. This could be repeated weekly, monthly, whatever. Yes, this would likely result in getting arrested for trespassing when the court house closes for the day and we refuse to leave. But if we really believe that we deserve to be treated like human beings then we should be willing to risk arrest for it. If this happens frequently enough on a massive scale, it will show that we are serious when we say “No More Mr. Nice Gay.” Non-violent civil disobedience has worked in the past, so why not give it another try. One last comment: The bigots are again lying by claiming that we are being oh-so-awful by publishing boycott lists. Well, THEY did it first, remember? Yes on 8 threatened to publish a list of companies that donated to No on 8 unless those companies donated money to them. So…it’s ok when THEY do it, but when WE do it we are being “domestic terrorists”?
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
in reference to the call in gay day: it is far enough ahead that it would certainly be realistic to schedule accordingly. i can simply ask for that day off and work another in return. volunteering or keeping my money in the lgbt business community will be easy. in san diego we have a directory called the gsbda. what it is– a business directory for lgbt owned or lgbt friendly businesses in san diego county. it is a very useful tool when i want to stay within my community. i work for a major retailer and i very seldom shop there. it’s important to support other lgbt’s. dec 10 is 3 1/2 weeks away. no one said we had to make people view us as bad employees. just request off or use a vacation day if you’ve got it. AND GIVE BACK!!!!!
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I’m bummed that I didn’t get to go to this here in Nashville. I hurt my back and couldn’t get around very well. I’m so happy to see things like this happening. I hope the momentum keeps up.
Hearing others mention our straight allies, I can’t emphasize how important that is. I was traveling the day after Prop 8 passed, but one of my straight male colleagues told me that he had a long and deep conversation with a handful of our office mates. Today, an online friend went to the protest here even though she’s straight because for her it was the right thing to do. In my doctoral class we talked about GLBT rights and as the token lesbian, I was asked all the questions and everyone probably heard for the first time about the issues that impact our lives.
Yes, we have to keep talking and we have to keep moving forward. We have to keep up the good fight. One person at a time, we’ll change hearts and minds.
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I think this idea is GREAT ! I thought of it myself awhile back after seeing the movie “A Day Without Mexicans” . I am wondering though if enough word about this will get out. I plan to spread the info where I work (a LARGE national store), but to REALLY make an impact, all known “stereotypically gay” professions - hairdressers, THEATER, waiters, etc. would have to participate. Can we do this ?
Posted on November 15th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I think non-violent protesting is a good approach, and I will definitely call in Gay on the 10th. However, I think more radical action is needed. I think we need our own representation in Congress and I think I know how we can send two GLBT Senators and one GLBT Representative to the Congress. Wyoming has only about 250,000 registered voters. If you are an independent businessperson and are free to choose your location, choose Wyoming. If you have the means to establish a second home, choose Wyoming. If you are willing to move to support the cause, choose Wyoming. Find a way to establish a legal residence in Wyoming. Like every other place in America, Wyoming already has a gay community. But if 250,000 GLBT Americans establish legal residence in Wyoming, we can have a State constitution that explicity recognizes gay marriage, and a voice in Congress that has gay rights as a priority. The State constitution issue is especially important as the hate mongers will continue to push for a national amendment. If the State constitution already has the provision in place, the national amendment cannot invalidate it. If the provision is not there when the national amendment passes, it cannot be added later.
So, do like Joey and become a Wyoming voter. Do it for yourself and your loved ones–and do it for Matthew.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Dear Amy (Founder & Organizer of JoinTheImpact.com), FIRST, Thank You for National Protest Day (Nov.15) . Your vision and accomplishment is AMAZING! I look forward to your future calls to action. SECOND, Please forgive me for correcting you, however a marriage license on the federal level gives 1,138 rights, and another 200-300 rights, responsibilities, and privileges on the state level (depending on the state). So, my point is that instead of saying marriage gives 10,000+ rights, it would be more accurate to write that marriage give 1,000+ rights (which of course is still a huge amount of rights being denied lesbian women and gay men whose family structures are not recognized legally). Thank you again for all that you’ve done so far and will continue to do in This Civil Rights Movement in our request for EQUALITY under the Law.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:31 am
A question for the organizers at the national level. Why not have the next national protest on Sunday, January 18, the day before Martin Luther King Jr. day? MLK day celebrates the struggle for civil rights for all minorities, not just African Americans. And in the time between now and then, we should engage the black community in dialog. Hopefully we can garner more of there support than we did in the balloting of Prop 8 in California. Thanks - Randy in San Diego, CA
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:10 am
The Blue For Equality thing needs a Facebook group. It’ll spread quicker.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:45 am
“Beyond these national movements, we will be an emergency response team in any instance that our community needs us. If, God forbid, something violent happens to one of us, as what happened to Matthew Sheppard and many after, we will come together and respond on a level that no one has ever seen before!”
How about getting some coverage/attention/action going over Duanna Johnson, the Memphis trans woman who was brutally murdered last week just months after two policeman were fired for assaulting her in their station?
Seriously, I’m asking y’all.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:22 am
I tried to comment yesterday about why the call for action you mention in this post hasn’t gone out for Duanna Johnson or any of the trans people killed this year, but I see that comment nevver got out of moderation. Obviously you don’t consider us part of your community and not worth your outrage, so can you at least stop saying LGBT if the T is always silent? Some people have more to worry about than just their right to marry.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:39 am
Thanks for all your hard work, jointheimpact.com! I wonder if Prop 8 passing is the best thing that could have happened, ironically, for the issue of gay rights. In its passing, we’ve seen nationwide attention to the important issue of gay rights and have seen groups like yours mobilize to that end. Things happen for a reason - the Mormons may have done us a favor in pushing Prop 8 through. In the end, we MIGHT be better off for it (i.e., it will move gay rights forward more quickly).
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:08 am
There are many of us Heteros who are married who support you wholeheartedly.
WE need to STAND OUT I think apart as a community to show that we believe YOU as a community are afforded the same rights as us. We need to do the 10. (actually I do that already) We need to show up and visibly show that we are NOT gay-and WE will fight for the rights of others. I. for example, was not married in a church, but I am no less married than anyone else simply because I am married to a man. When I use this analogy-it comes down to religion-always.
I find constant roadblocks, it always comes back to religion and it’s like arguing abortion, there just isn’t common ground. It is extremely frustrating.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:21 am
In the past, theology and scripture has been used to justify slavery, the denial of equal rights for women, interracial marriage, etc. But antediluvian religious thought, especially patriarchal christian leadership, selectively uses scripture to support their preconceived ideas. Many of us who are clergy/religious workers have already become more proactive in engaging folks who do not share our understanding. This is a long term educational project that will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, painful, difficult work.
FYI to JTI folks: there are several mainline, historic churches that have opposed Prop 8, including the United Church of Christ (ucc.org), the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (uua.org), and the Episcopal Church. We also have good support in many Presbyterian, Methodist and Disciples of Christ congregations, as well as Reform Synagogues (urj.org) and Buddhist sanghas. MCC is a given. I encourage local, self-selected JTI leadership to seek out Pastors, Rabbis and Priests for support. Build a relationship–we need loving, open clergy as friends and advocates. And remember, when someone says their “Religion” makes them think a certain way that is hurtful or even hateful, that is not the end the conversation. Arm yourself: http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian
Prop 8 has provided an opportunity to transform a intellectually vapid LGBT movement around marriage equality. But it this can also be about changing DADT, discrimination in the tax codes, insurance benefits, etc. Finally, please, no violence, personal attacks, or hate-speech. Be safe! And let them know us by our love.
(Thanks, TL for the heads-up on Cinemark. I guess I’ll use the discount tickets I bought at Costco and that will be it!)
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
@Paige: The ‘T’ is welcome.
@Peter: The sit-in idea is excellent. I suggest Valentine’s Day for the first one. I’m just getting started on learning more about how THE Civil Rights movement made their progress. It was, like ours, two steps forward, one step back. We have to stay open minded to all non-violent ways to advance our causes.
@All. Remember, like someone else said, this is a nationwide movement, and it’s not just about Prop 8, as bad as that was. Here in Florida, we got thumped with Amendment 2; Arizona, Prop 102. There was that anti-adoption initiative in Arkansas. It’s not just about California.
@All. We need full and equal marriage rights (just call it marriage, okay, and settle for a better, not perfect, world), and complete employment and housing non-discrimination, including gender identity and including military service; i.e., full civil rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Those together make the prize we have to keep our eyes on.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I loved the nationwide protest yesterday. it was amazing!
But PLEASE coordianate. if there are various groups all calling for big actions every month or so, it will dillute the message, as peoplea re torn and must decide just which big event they attend.
rally on sat nov 15 day sick day dec. 10 rally jan 10 there are countless groups all vying for gay people to join in and make a stand. but dilluted we make many small stands. please get together. coalition! we are a strong bunch of people, but some of us have to work sometimes, too
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
[...] to it failing. And then it didn’t. But the fight’s not over yet. JoinTheImpact has plans for the future, and local groups will surely be organizing their own [...]
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I noticed on your home page that you do not have listed the huge rally on the Capitol in Sacramento on Nov. 22nd. Your website would be great to get the news out about that rally!! I am a mom with a gay son who deserves the same rights that I have & will definitely be at that rally.
Thanks!
Delynne Rogers
Pres. PFLAG North Bay
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Hi there
Now that the protests are over and done with, and even my straight brother went to the one in Colorado Springs. We have to start planning a march in Washington dc and around the world at all the major embassies.
Thanks
Roy braunstein
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
#
Lori & Ilya says:
November 16th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Conversation starters!
Hi All,
We made and passed out over 650 rainbow lapel ribbons at the Oakland and San Francisco rallies. We have been wearing these ourselves over the last few days and they are great conversation starters. Carrying them around and passing them out to allies feels good and seems to give our allies a concrete way to participate daily.
We made them like the AIDS, breast cancer and troops awareness ribbons. You might recall that the original AIDS ribbon was a reminder of the life threatening nature of it. We feel that our cause has been and is of this same caliber. A concrete example to share with friends is the teen suicide rate, the vast majority of which are LGBTQI youth.
Here’re the ribbon materials: 1/2 to 5/8 inch rainbow ribbon, cut to 3-1/2 to 4 inch lengths. Mini safety pin sizes 0 and 00
It took 3 of us about 3 hours to make 650! Think what you can do!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
2 things:
1. Thx to AB for going for it and making yesterday possible…great work!
2. Add me to those who would say no to ‘day without a gay’, for all the reasons listed so far. I think it would be a big mistake.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Wow! The sleeping lion has awakened - and it’s about time!!!! I remember protesting in Los Angeles in the early days of HIV/AIDS. I believe that we would not be where we are today with HIV/AIDS policy (and we’ve still got a long way to go) had it not been for some very angry people willing to speak out (in a non-violent way) on behalf of those who couldn’t.
For those of you who are uncomfortable speaking up and speaking out loud for yourself, just know that YOU, too, benefit from those of us who organize publicly and loudly to DEMAND that all of us be treated equally under the law. Some of us are more comfortable with our sexual orientation than others (and that’s understandable – it’s a process), but please try to be introspective and examine your own feelings and comfort around who you are, rather than try to discourage others of us from fighting LOUDLY for what should never have been an issue to begin with.
These national protests weren’t at about alienating our straight supporters, but about protesting those who voted FOR ant-gay discrimination laws. If someone who supports gay rights mistakenly interprets our outrage as outrage toward them, too – that is their issue, and not my responsibility to comfort them when I want to speak out in protest (my right) against discrimination - whether intentional or “just” uninformed. Although I was disheartened by the lack of visibility by our community before the election (no disrespect to those of us who were), I don’t buy the excuse that more than half of California (and Florida) would cast a vote one way when they verbalized in poles another view entirely because they didn’t understand the wording and/or there were media outlets misleading them about gay marriages being discussed in school. IF heterosexual marriage is taught in school, then gay marriage should be taught, also. IS heterosexual marriage taught in school? I don’t know. But I’d certainly research that if a radio station told me to vote based upon the assertion that gay marriage would be. If you don’t understand the wording of a LAW you’re voting on, then do the research. Ignorance is no excuse. Try using the “I didn’t know” excuse when you’re pulled over by a cop.
While it is wonderful that the polls showed a majority of heterosexuals actually in favor of No on 8 (the same was true here in Florida), that’s the way is SHOUD be. I’m not giving credit to people for “thinking” of me the way they should be thinking about me in the first place – especially when they then vote another way. I don’t give “credit” to a partner who has chosen to honor his commitment of monogamy to me, when that’s what is inherently expected of him when I enter into a relationship – especially when his behavior is in complete opposition of that mutual expectation. I give people extra credit when they go out of their way do more than is expected – when they do more than just the right thing.
Just as a hate crime toward one gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person speaks hate to the entire GLBT community (an argument for hate crime laws), regular national protests speak volumes to those in our community who are not as far along as others of us on the “coming out” continuum. They offer comfort through cohesiveness and, thereby, instill confidence and esteem for so many who still receive covert (and not so covert) messages that their sexual orientation makes them second class citizens. 25 years later, I still get nervous about showing up at a rally/protest until I’m there and I realize that there are others just as outraged as I am. Are protests the ONLY answer? Of course not – but they certainly mobilize and empower us all to finally get off our butts and do more.
And I’m not giving the gay community extra credit for doing this, either. It’s what we (myself included) should have been doing all along. I’m happy the lion’s up and ready to roar. I’m right there with him/her – and in a respectful, but loud and firm way (let’s not blame the gay community for being put in this position in the first place). I hope that we’ll all just support that, even if we’re more comfortable on the outside of the pen.
See ya’ll at the next rally!!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:39 am
The best idea you’ve got here is the 10 months 10 Lives Changed concept. It’s great to set concrete goals for this sort of action. Two suggestions to help drive this to success:
1. Provide a way online for people to track how close they are to this goal, share stories about the conversations they have had for shared inspiration, and show the community how much is being done toward this goal.
2. Provide resources to help people who want to do this know how they can have the conversation respectfully and persuasively. Our opposition has a very clear set of arguments that I think are being taught to their supporters for every day debate situations. A resource where you could for instance catalog common opposition arguments and detail why they are incorrect / suggest some responses would be valuable indeed. I don’t mean that want to see all of us using canned responses, but a clear discussion of the debate points + community driven suggestions for response would be invaluable.
ps. awesome job. san diego march was just perfect. Now we have to keep that momentum!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:46 am
How about trying to organize a series of concerts with big names just as they did for Earth Day some months ago? Maybe have a weekend with concerts going on in Los Angeles and New York. This would certainly bring HUGE attention to the cause and show that straights are part of the movement. Recently there have been many straight artists and actors who have shared their outspoken support. I would have no idea how to go about organizing this but I’m sure some high profile artists/performers and sponsors would be willing to participate in a concert promoting civil rights. Madonna, for example, clearly expressed her support in her L.A. concert. It seems it could be a great way to spread our message. What do you guys think?
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 2:25 am
A letter to Predsident-Elect Obama’s transition team: This past weekend, several hundred thousand members from the LGBT, as well as their friends, families and supporters rallied across America to protest the passage of discrimintory initiatives in four states. I was one of them.
As an organizer of the events in Long Beach, CA, I have been in contact with numerous other organizers across the US; we have been discussing what we should do next. It has been suggested we march on Washington, it has been rumored that we will have a nationwide boycott, etc.
I have suggested that all the nation-wide organizers from this past week’s events have a townhall meeting with President-Elect Obama - a meeting that would discuss what Mr. Obama is willing to do for the LGBT community now that he has been elected. A meeting that will set the tone for our relations over the next four years. A meeting that will give us closure on the terrible injustice that has been imposed upon us by our states.
Would Mr. Obama be willing to particiapte in such a meeting?
We await your reply.
Very truly yours,
Brian Frederick
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:48 am
As far as “A Day Without A Gay”…I get the concept…and understand that if there REALLY was a day without Gays…the impact would be huge. But my concern is that this seems like we are pandering to the bigots. “Seeeeee, you would hate it if we weren’t here.” And come off as childish. Like a child running away from home. “If you don’t give me what I want, then I’m running away from home. Then you’ll be sorry.” But in the end, the child comes back home, and still is gounded. Do you really think this will make a difference in their way of thinking? At this point, those people had their chance to do whats right…and they didn’t. “A Day Without A Gay” may have been a great idea to get voters who were unsure which way to vote on Prop 8 to see how it would feel to live in a world without us. They may have been swayed to our cause. But now, what they think of us isn’t the issue. Well, it is, but its also beyond that now. Now is the time to be seen! Now is the time to come out!! Of course, If “A Day Without a Gay” is happening, I will participate. No matter what my opinion of it is, I will stand united with my community.
I am no community leader, by any means, but I have an idea. How about “Shine Your Lights for Equal Rights! - A Silent Peaceful March”? Every person who participates carries some light-giving object. (candle, flashlight, lantern, glow sticks, etc.) No protest posters. Maybe a huge “Shine Your Lights for Equal Rights!” banner up front. No chants. Maybe a rally before. Maybe get supporting organizations involved. They can carry an organization banner lit by someone holding a flashlight…or something like that. And they can march as a group. So it has a kind of silent parade look. And make it a nice long march. Not in a circle but from…I don’t know…Silver Lake to the Mormon church…or something like that. Just throwing it out there. Make sense? And sometimes silence is louder than words.
Anyway, just an idea.
Keep up the great work! It’s great to see UNITY and REAL PRIDE in our community again!!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Visibility is good, and is absolutely necessary for equality. The marches that have taken place (outside of the predominantly gay areas of the cities) I believe have been effective (I’m in San Diego and was with my husband among the 20,000+) and have caused a great many people in California to re-think their position on why they voted yes on Prop 8. I am very concerned though in the push to have repeated marches and days of protest.
The CA Supreme Court has 4 cases in front of it to consider (they could dismiss them - but I doubt they will, at least not all of them) and I believe it would be very wise to relax for a little bit and allow the Court a chance to do the job it is designed to do. Targeted marches (perhaps a peaceful march at the CaSC building, or CA state capitol) might be very effective to keep the momentum.
My concern is that it is VERY difficult to maintain momentum over the long-term, and I applaud the effort to do this. If we attempt to do protests/marches/gatherings repeatedly, we run the risk of complacency becoming the norm and it could be difficult to re-build the momentum. Another concern that I have is that events such as this are disruptive to other people, people who are our allies or could become allies. If you disrupt their lives repeatedly then they may grow tired and quit listening.
Large events like what we had the past two weeks have been effective in building awareness, but it is way too early to call for a march on Washington. There are reasons why cases have not been filed in the US Supreme Court, there is too much risk that the Court will dismiss the case or give an unfavorable ruling based upon the current structure. It is fortunate that “rogue” cases (brought by “low-quality” attorneys, or even opponents) have not made it to the US Supreme Court. Now that we have a democratic Congress and President, we have very good chances of making progress (but not until action is taken to improve the economy - that will be #1 when the new admin. takes over).
So, I would like to see us all keep ideas flowing, keep talking to friends and family members on WHY Prop 8 was so wrong (the first time in US history that a constitution was used to take away existing rights from a group of people, while leaving the rights for others - how can you get more disgusting), and focus on “localized” events that keep attention on the Court and on state legislatures that are open to change. Just my thoughts.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
After posting the above note, I was “contacted” by a member of Join the Impact. The person explained to me the expected Impact of “A Day without A Gay”. Thank you Impact!
I will definitely be participating!!!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
What happened Saturday was outstanding and was a milestone for the movement nationally. Huge thanks to the organizers of the Raleigh NC rally! It was historic and was great to be a part of. There was so much energy in the crowd and I hope it can grow even more over time.
A couple thoughts about strategy regarding what to do next …
I think the big story about what happened Saturday is that this was a *national* protest (organized in record time) against what happened in one state with prop 8. Whenever there is a major legislative, executive, or legal decision in *any* state that affects the GLBTQ community, positive or negative, we should call jointheimpact to action and rally nationally. It seems like jointheimpact is planning a protest on Jan 10 for DOMA which is both a national and state issue. It’s important to march for national issues, but we also need to stay on *national* TV and print when a state issue is decided,
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
(continued)… even if it’s not in our state and even if the decision is positive for the community (e.g. if a state like NY were to approve gay marriage next year, we should all rally nationally to celebrate but also point out the inequality of marriage rights in other states). One of the reasons that national politicians, both Republican and Democratic, were able to keep us appeased and quiet over the last several years (and also wiggle out of taking a stand) is because they often shoved us under the rug by claiming many gay rights issues should be left to the states. We need to continue making *any* state decision national news. United we stand!
I also think that we should continue to reach out peacefully to other communites on a national level. There is a balance between protest and outreach in the struggle for equality and we should be aware of that. Even something as simple as a coordinated canned food drive at one of the upcoming events would show our collective humanity as we struggle.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
First off a huge thank you to the „Join the impact“ founders, city organizers, and most importantly those of you who actually stood out there and made that impact reality. I am so proud of everyone for Saturdays success.
I have been involved in this fight for equality ever since I married my German husband, and will continue to fight for our right to move home. Being forced to live in Germany, split from friends and family by the law is cruel and equality MUST prevail NOW. We have been waiting WAY to long to reunite with friends and family. We must not stop here!
We need to stay on our toes and react quickly like we did last week to anything harmful to our equality and move our agenda froward for „true“ equality for the LGBT community. Its been too long people… By not acting we are accepting discrimination and inequality.
Keep the ball rolling while it is action. We can not always sit back and just react to the unfair laws that are passed aginst us, we need to be alot more proactive.
I suggest we post a project list to engage in the reality of these amazing ideas everyone has posted to get comities together to make it happen. As well as a „wanted“ form to help in the execution of these projects. Then an event calender to list what is happening when to keep everyone updated.
Thanks to HRC and all they have done as well as a few other organizations, but we need to be heard and felt in every community. I think Join the Impact is a louder more progressive voice that has gained the support of so many in such a short time, we are obviously tired of waiting.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I think that Andrew Sullivan has a point about the impact of our demonstrations. We in California need to be organizing “sit ins” at our city halls where marriages are performed. I think it would be more productive and get the focus on the State which is where we really want it. We want the rights of marriage that the State affords. No church is going to be able to give us these rights. That said, we will be able to engage those individuals involved in these well-known churches to open their hearts and minds to our cause. In this way, we will be able to move the cause forward. I like the idea of working for change among just 10 people. So far, I have at least 3 people on my radar and have started discussions with them. There are other, more challenging, “targets” that I am still wondering how to engage. I think visibility is entirely important. “Hi, I’m (your name) I’m gay, lez, bi, trans, etc.” when first meeting someone, shaking their hand, looking them in the eye and making a connection. Just an idea. In any case, talk, talk, talk everywhere and anywhere. People will listen. This is what we want. So listen to yourself, too.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
HRC just released a list of California companies who contributed to the yes on 8. we need to research these companies, expose their foolishness, and boycott. You might be surprised who you will find there. Addicted to the cause of equality for ALL!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Another idea…along the lines of visibility: Let’s fly our Rainbow flag - on freeway overpasses
It is something that small groups of people can do together. Choose a day and time, let everyone know (maybe jointheimpact will organize it), gather your group of friends, and fly the flag on the overpass of your choice - mine would be the Lafayette/Walnut Creek overpass on Hwy 24. Make it a regular event - once a month? week? What is possible?
Make up tag teams at locations so that you can switch off to keep the visibility going.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Hi, I’m all in favour of boycotting companies and such, but I think some of the boycotts went a bit too far, i.e. El Coyote. That could have been handled far better. Also, I think on the whole the peaceful protests have been carried out superbly, but if you can, keep an eye out for ‘hyper’ protestors - you don’t want to give the opposition any fuel.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
[...] of 300 protest actions across the USA in what is being widely hailed as the 2nd Stonewall Movement. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER ACTIONS - IT’S NOT OVER!!! Here are the [...]
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I have a suggestion when we decide to do a march in Washington D.C. It would be so awesome if we could get Mildred Loving to speak. She has spoken in support of gay rights and I think would be very beneficial in reaching out to the black community that supports the ban on gay marriage.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Just to put this in context I’ll start by saying I’m a straight white guy from Orange County California. I’m also a strong supporter of this cause. I don’t see this as a gay issue at all, (okay maybe a little but it seems to me a bit beside the point) I see this as a basic U.S. constitutional issue i.e. equal protection under the law, and in my mind this means EVERYBODY, not just people like yourself. So there’s your preface.
As far as a call in gay to work day, I think it’s a bad idea in as much as 1) “a day without a Mexican” did no good at all, it proved nothing and had the affect of easing traffic in L.A. and O.C. in the end most people I talked to felt like it was a joke, and I run with a radically liberal crowd and 2) it does not allow for your straight allies to support your actions as I can hardly see myself calling in gay to work. If we are to win this struggle we need to work together to fight institutional discrimination, if the gay community thinks they can go it alone then you may as well “get over it” and accept your roll as self segregating 2nd class citizens. I’ll support you, I’ll take to the street with you, I’ll talk to people and help change minds, (this is my main tactic anyway). Please reach out to your allies, there are many of us out there, be inclusive, we want to help.
How about this, a massive organized video campaign for YouTube to appeal to our new President asking for help and support with this struggle for equal rights. a single massive video or perhaps a never ending series of videos week after week. Something with a single format that can be recognized week after week. Something organized edited and published through a single source. Something that will not go away, yet is always changing. The Obama campaign used YouTube and recognizes its power and voice. The Obama Presidency will continue to make use of this powerful tool. It is a forum for the world he won’t be able to ignore it and the world will see it and know our president sees it as well. Videos could be sent to a central location, (jointheimpact?) for compilation and relentless weekly uploads. Just a thought off the top of my pointy head…
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I have a suggestion…when we do the next March on Washington please do it on a WEEKDAY when they are actually THERE. The last march I think occured when Clinton was in office - on a weekned. He went out of town then shotrly thereafter passed DOMA….I think we would get more attention at least on a weekday.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
How about coordinating some peaceful, candlelight vigils to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk? This happens on Thanksgiving, I believe, and vigils could be tied in with the release of the movie “Milk.” Harvey was a hero to so many gay people, myself included, and he would surely be on the front lines of the Prop 8 battle if he were alive today.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I think Donovan’s (Nov 18th comment) about a YouTube collaborative project directed to Obama and his team is a great idea. He’s right, the new president-elect used this media wisely and look where it got him. He understands it’s power. Anyway, I’m all for a YouTube blitz campaign involving lots of different LGBTG organizations. Let’s do it!
Posted on December 4th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
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