Yesterday David Mixner ( don't ask, and I will never tell) came out in support of a new GLBT March on Washington this fall. Mr. Mixner is a long time civil rights activists who worked with the Clinton Administration on Gay and Lesbian issues.
"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."
Today Cleve Jones , another glbt activist, came out in support. There is something in the air supporting this. I am a little bit torn.. which is new for me.
Number one, who are LGBT leaders ?? Contrary to popular belief we do not hold meetings like the Moose or Elk's, and believe it or not we don't all know each other. I found out this year that there is more or less a vacuum of leadership , at least here in upstate NY . A leader is pretty much anyone who will step up to the plate and use facebook.
There have been two MAJOR GLBT marches on Washington. 1979 was the first, and the numbers were not that large , but the " shock value" was there. It was a success. The second was October 11 1987, the apex of the Aids epidemic - the end of Ronald Reagan and the ACT UP years. Gay Americans were PISSED off.. as well they should have been. A huge success at showing the uncaring Reagan White House , impending death can be a good rallying tool. There were other smaller , less successful marches on Washington , 1993 being one.
IS it time for another one? Beginning to organize is as easy as the click of a mouse. In 1979 the simple fact that there were gay Americans was news to folks, and 1987 will hopefully never happen again. 2009 , a March for Marriage Equality. In lieu of the rodger doger stance that the Obama White House has been taking with our issues as of late, after MANY promises during the campaign.. is it time we take our demands to his doorstep????
(photo is the aids quilt , which was started by Cleve Jones )
IF there is a new March, here is a suggestion :
THE BAYARD RUSTIN MEMORIAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON
Sort of head off a little bit of the opposition at the get go.....
1 comment:
Post a Comment