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News & ArtsFriday, November 14, 2008
2008 Show of Hands: Who's Going to a Prop 8 Protest Tomorrow?
Posted by Eli Sanders on Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 10:32 AM
It's time to walk to the talk, people. Here are the details for Seattle's protest on Saturday:
10:30 a.m. Festivities begin at Volunteer Park
12:00 Rally begins. March down to Westlake Center.
2:00 Speech & Rally at Westlake
And here are the details for Saturday Prop 8 protests all over the country and world.
This national (and global) day of action is in part about visibility. When Americans see homosexuals—know us, think of us as their neighbors, hear our simple demand for equal rights, understand that moves to take away our rights hurt us and require a response—they are far more likely to support our efforts to achieve full equality. When they see straight people standing with us, that only adds to the pressure to share our sense of urgency.
When they don't see any of this, well, they are far more likely to do things like vote for Prop 8.
It's a simple principle of social behavior: people will hurt those who they consider faceless and voiceless.
So numbers matter tomorrow.
With that in mind, another simple principle of social behavior: if you're going to do something, and you tell all of your friends, and they agree that they should be doing that thing with you, and then they tell all of their friends, suddenly everyone in your world really starts to think they need to be doing that thing.
Which they do.
On Saturday.
So:
Who's going? What city are you marching in? What sign will you be waving? Tell the world today. March tomorrow. (And if you're so moved, email me an account of your protest preparations and protest experiences. I'll post the best of them on Slog as they come.)
2
I'm carpooling from Bellingham down to Seattle, me and 4 other gay boys in one small sedan. This is gonna be epic.
5
I'm going in NYC.
I sent an impassioned email to my co-workers yesterday and now 70% of my work place is coming to support the 3 Gay folk they work with. One of my straight colleagues is bi-racial and sent an email telling us all that if Marriage didn't continue to evolve like it did with Loving V. Virginia then his family would still be considered second class citizens. That helped rally the troops.
Get out and support. I have a feeling that we'll look back on Saturday and feel proud for being at the start of the next evolution of American freedoms.
I sent an impassioned email to my co-workers yesterday and now 70% of my work place is coming to support the 3 Gay folk they work with. One of my straight colleagues is bi-racial and sent an email telling us all that if Marriage didn't continue to evolve like it did with Loving V. Virginia then his family would still be considered second class citizens. That helped rally the troops.
Get out and support. I have a feeling that we'll look back on Saturday and feel proud for being at the start of the next evolution of American freedoms.
6
I'm marching in Charleston, SC, tomorrow!
Any other South Carolinians on Slog (uh, probably not many) who'll be in the lowcountry tomorrow, check out the SC page, and join the Facebook and Google groups linked there for the most up-to-date info on parking options and poster-making parties and stuff.
Any other South Carolinians on Slog (uh, probably not many) who'll be in the lowcountry tomorrow, check out the SC page, and join the Facebook and Google groups linked there for the most up-to-date info on parking options and poster-making parties and stuff.
8
Hitler was a closet homosexual. Ahmadinejad is the new Hitler. Therefore, tomorrow's gay rights march is part of a liberal plot to destroy Israel and launch a new Holocaust. Q.E.D., bitches!
9
I'll be joining in Atlanta!
I haven't decided on a sign yet, though. I'm trying to remember, from the Slog thread on it--what did we end up deciding were the best classy-but-still-getting-the-point-across slogans for signs?
I haven't decided on a sign yet, though. I'm trying to remember, from the Slog thread on it--what did we end up deciding were the best classy-but-still-getting-the-point-across slogans for signs?
10
me and larry and kurt will be there at volunteer park
rob, mark, gary, christopher, eric and jacob have to work.
yoshi's back in japan
rob's mom couldn't march that far because she's 83
my mom lives in atlanta
we'll see who else callls this afternoon..
rob, mark, gary, christopher, eric and jacob have to work.
yoshi's back in japan
rob's mom couldn't march that far because she's 83
my mom lives in atlanta
we'll see who else callls this afternoon..
12
I'll be at the Seattle march tomorrow. What's the weather forecast, anyway? I'm concerned about sign integrity.
My sign will probably say "This does not affect your church" and then "Civil marriage is a civil right." Unless that's too long. Hrrmmm.
My sign will probably say "This does not affect your church" and then "Civil marriage is a civil right." Unless that's too long. Hrrmmm.
13
me my girlfriend and hopefully all my other roomates will be going in Olympia! My sign will say "unspread the hate"
17
I'm marching in Seattle, haven't figured out a sign yet but I was thinking about "Dump DOMA." I'm not too attached to that though, because a lot of folks probably don't even know what DOMA is and I don't think using the word "dump" on a protest sign is a good idea.
I'll probably just go with something boring like "straight ally for marriage equality" because I do think us straight folks need to represent.
I love the report of the "Jesus had two daddies" sign from NYC though!
I'll probably just go with something boring like "straight ally for marriage equality" because I do think us straight folks need to represent.
I love the report of the "Jesus had two daddies" sign from NYC though!
18
My husband and I are driving to Seattle to protest. Nice thing about a slumpy economy is I scored a cheap, last minute hotel room :D
19
Me in Seattle;
Mom in Chicago;
best friends in Phoenix, who married in SF on July 8;
My sign is two sided:
DO NOT PISS OFF THE QUEERS.
H8 Sucks (and not very well, either)
Moms sign will be the usual one of 'I love my lesbian daughter' although I have suggested additional text of 'but I do wish she would get married, she has a nice girlfriend. and maybe adopt a nice baby from Asia alike that nice Angelina Jolie. I would love a grandbaby.'
Mom in Chicago;
best friends in Phoenix, who married in SF on July 8;
My sign is two sided:
DO NOT PISS OFF THE QUEERS.
H8 Sucks (and not very well, either)
Moms sign will be the usual one of 'I love my lesbian daughter' although I have suggested additional text of 'but I do wish she would get married, she has a nice girlfriend. and maybe adopt a nice baby from Asia alike that nice Angelina Jolie. I would love a grandbaby.'
21
My Husband and I who were married in SFO on November 1st will be there.
Planning on a sign that says. "legally Married* *some restriction apply"
Planning on a sign that says. "legally Married* *some restriction apply"
26
My husband and I will be there. I'll probably have either I DO Support Marriage Equality and/or Family Values Means Valuing ALL Families for signs. My husband wants a Fuck You Bigots sign, but I'm not sure if he'll actually make one.
27
I'll be caffeinated and present (in Seattle). We'll see about the whole "clever sign" thing. I wish anger made me feel clever.
28
I was surprised to see my city (Baton Rouge) added to the list - I thought I would have to drive to New Orleans to participate, which I don't think I would have done.
I also saw in the press release for my city that they will also be protesting the fact that Bobby Jindal, our current governor and the Republican party's next great home, struck down an executive order by the previous governor that required state agencies and contractors to follow a non-discrimination policy in hiring that included race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. To me, that makes this even more important.
I'm not expecting a big crowd, but we'll be there and that's what matters.
I also saw in the press release for my city that they will also be protesting the fact that Bobby Jindal, our current governor and the Republican party's next great home, struck down an executive order by the previous governor that required state agencies and contractors to follow a non-discrimination policy in hiring that included race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. To me, that makes this even more important.
I'm not expecting a big crowd, but we'll be there and that's what matters.
30
Seattle protest weather forecast:
Cool and mostly cloudy. But dry. No rain.
So don't let the weather stop you from coming.
Cool and mostly cloudy. But dry. No rain.
So don't let the weather stop you from coming.
32
I want to go, but I'm not going to because I think the animosity being directed at the Mormon church is counter-productive and will wind up making us look like hateful radicals.
33
I will be at the Seattle protest.
I'm being schizophrenic about a sign. Part of me is pissed, and I'm tempted to have something pretty harsh about the fucking mormons. But part of me is practical, and I think angry hateful messages can be counterproductive. So maybe I'll stuff my anger and bring a sign that is more hopeful. But I'm not entirely ready to give up on my anger. A small part of me still wants to see riots on the streets even though I know that would just make us look bad.
I'm being schizophrenic about a sign. Part of me is pissed, and I'm tempted to have something pretty harsh about the fucking mormons. But part of me is practical, and I think angry hateful messages can be counterproductive. So maybe I'll stuff my anger and bring a sign that is more hopeful. But I'm not entirely ready to give up on my anger. A small part of me still wants to see riots on the streets even though I know that would just make us look bad.
34
just facebooked all my seattle people. i'll be there will fucking bells on. and i might just be waving an american flag.
35
Depending on a photoshoot, we'll see when I can get there. Maybe I'll make it to Westlake.
Hopefully I can have a sweet sign made up too.
Hopefully I can have a sweet sign made up too.
37
@32: This is a general protest, not aimed at the Mormon Church. It's an awareness protest, and it's going to be huge and important. I'm going, with my boyfriend, and we don't have an LDS-hating agenda. Just doing what is RIGHT. You should go.
40
I'm going, bringing along 5 friends.
Sign's going to say:
West Coast Solidarity
and another one in my head is going to say:
Only Idiot States Alter Constitutional Protections of Minorities Through Initiatives
Sign's going to say:
West Coast Solidarity
and another one in my head is going to say:
Only Idiot States Alter Constitutional Protections of Minorities Through Initiatives
43
Me and my little sister. I think I may bring my kid in his stroller too.
Our Mom is Bi, some of the best adult influences we had growing up were gay and to take away potential happiness from people we love and even people we don't know? Well that gets in my craw.
Our Mom is Bi, some of the best adult influences we had growing up were gay and to take away potential happiness from people we love and even people we don't know? Well that gets in my craw.
44
I'll be there, although I'd rather be doing something else with my time. Stupid H8ers making me give up my Saturday. If it wasn't for their bigotry and intolerance, I could be at the Kangaroo and Kiwi watching the rugby.
You have to take sides though. Sitting on the fence is like voting for Prop8. You have to do SOMETHING.
You have to take sides though. Sitting on the fence is like voting for Prop8. You have to do SOMETHING.
45
I'll be in Seattle repping as a straight ally, supporting my brother and all from the LGBT community. Will be there with some straight friends and whole slew of the gays. Not sure about my sign(s) yet, but expect something smartass
46
Sean @32: As a gay Mormon myself (although I haven’t been to church in over ten years), I can understand where you’re coming from. However as I mentioned above, this is my first protest ever – the first time I’ve ever been angry enough to stand up for what is right (sorry everyone, I’m a slow learner sometime). The thought that the church in which I was raised was largely behind Prop 8 passing made my blood boil. Also, while most Mormons are good people, the vast majority of them just simply follow the Prophet and do what they’re instructed without giving any thought to it. It’s important for you to join us so that they can see that yes, indeed, actions do have consequences and real people are actually hurt. I can guarantee virtually none of the Mormons I know made any connection between Prop 8 passing and the destroying of existing real families. Gays are not actual people, just some great nebulous “evil” that must be fought. While I doubt it will do much to change their minds, I’m sure at least a few will think before blindly following the counsel from above next time.
47
New Orleans! Probably less awesome than Seattle, but we're going. Straight people say: equality is for everyone. Even in Louisiana.
48
Not going. Marriage is white-centric suburban elitist bullshit. All y'all should be focusing on the real problems facing queers (hate-fueled violence, police discrimination, inadequate access to medical care, military denial/discharge, homeless queer youth) instead of a misguided (and doomed to fail) pair-bonding exercise blessed by a government none of you actually believe in anyway.
49
I'll be there w/ the hubby.
sean @ 32 -- Don't know if you were at the protest last Sunday, but there really wasn't much animosity towards the church at all. In fact, we were all quite civilized. We spoke w/ several church members. The only hostility I remember was one man got angry on his way into church. Everyone else was quite Mormon, er, nice.
Protesting the actions of a church isn't animosity towards that church. There's a difference.
And this march is not directed at Mormons, as far as I know.
sean @ 32 -- Don't know if you were at the protest last Sunday, but there really wasn't much animosity towards the church at all. In fact, we were all quite civilized. We spoke w/ several church members. The only hostility I remember was one man got angry on his way into church. Everyone else was quite Mormon, er, nice.
Protesting the actions of a church isn't animosity towards that church. There's a difference.
And this march is not directed at Mormons, as far as I know.
50
I'll be there making photos for the Real Change newspaper and standing up for the rights of my beautiful 18 yr old gay son to get married if and when he ever chooses to - wooHOO!
52
I'll be at the Minneapolis one (Hi In MN!) and because I'm lazy I'll be reusing some signs I made a couple years ago to protest James Dobson when he spoke at the Xcel (recently site of the RNC and much teargassing). Love makes a family, We are all God's children, etc.
55
i'll be one of many straight girls representing with a lesbian posse down here in portland!!! after watching the premiere of "MILK" tonight i think we're going to feel the power of possibility.
57
I will be there coming from Bellevue with my husband (hopefully - he may not make it back in time) and our two kids, 8 and 9. Hopefully will have some friends come with us or meet us there - I have posted the event on my facebook and myspace pages with an open invitation to all.
58
Protesting for DOG rights in MONROE WA tomorrow, but will have PROP 8 = HATE on the reverse side so I can multi-task
60
Going to San Jose, CA. Not sure on the sign thing (I dislike the "let's convince people who disagree with us by calling them names approach" I see on display sometimes), but I did like one I saw from earlier in the week:
GAY AGENDA
1. Equality
2. See item #1
GAY AGENDA
1. Equality
2. See item #1
61
For anyone who lives in/near Bellingham, I want to encourage you to stay here instead of driving to Seattle for the protest. I know the prospect of marching with thousands of people in Seattle is far more eluring than marching with hundreds in Bellingham, but think about how much of an impact just a few more people will make here-- whereas a few more people won't be too noticeable there.
Bellingham may be "liberal", but there are still people around these parts that need a wake up call and they need to see that marriage equality and gay rights are issues of importance for the entire community-- not just college students. 10:30, Federal Building, corner of Magnolia and Cornwall. Be there, bring a friend, bring a sign, be heard.
Check out the event facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=34… for more information.
Bellingham may be "liberal", but there are still people around these parts that need a wake up call and they need to see that marriage equality and gay rights are issues of importance for the entire community-- not just college students. 10:30, Federal Building, corner of Magnolia and Cornwall. Be there, bring a friend, bring a sign, be heard.
Check out the event facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=34… for more information.
62
I hope that everyone will keep things relatively un-flamboyant tomorrow ... please remember that this is a political protest, not a parade!! We will not win over any hearts or minds with outrageous behavior/dress ... people will not be shocked into a change of heart. Please save the assless pants and feather boas for PRIDE week. This is TOO important!!
Also, let's pick up after ourselves ... no litterbuggin!!
Also, let's pick up after ourselves ... no litterbuggin!!
64
I'm there in Seattle. Sign will not be very clever, but rather to the point: "Give us our rights Olympia."
65
I'll be in Bellingham at the Federal Building on the
corner of Magnolia and Cornwall if it wasn't for work I'd drive down to Seattle. My sign will read:
let love be love
let marriage be marriage
let families be a family
and not victims of hate
corner of Magnolia and Cornwall if it wasn't for work I'd drive down to Seattle. My sign will read:
let love be love
let marriage be marriage
let families be a family
and not victims of hate
67
Mike in MO representing The Lou, be-otch!
Seriously, I didn't have time to sit and read every fucking one of the 60+ comments so far (eat me), so if someone from St. Louis is also planning to represent, Holla at me somehow or another...
btw -our protest site will be @ the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. apropos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Courtho…
Seriously, I didn't have time to sit and read every fucking one of the 60+ comments so far (eat me), so if someone from St. Louis is also planning to represent, Holla at me somehow or another...
btw -our protest site will be @ the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. apropos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Courtho…
69
Portland Checkin' in here!
my sign is "Equal Life for my Sister and her Wife" on a Paint Mixing stick! For sure!
my sign is "Equal Life for my Sister and her Wife" on a Paint Mixing stick! For sure!
70
Rochester, NY, checking in. Cold? Yes. Sniffling? Yes. Raining outside? Check. Will be there anyhow? YOU KNOW IT. "Love is Love" T-shirt? Check.
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