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News & ArtsSunday, November 16, 2008
Homo / Politics Letter of the Day
Posted by Dan Savage on Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 12:14 PM
We had a wonderful, loud, beautiful rally and march in Seattle yesterday, but what next? Ron Sims seemed pretty fuckin' fired up to offer marriage rights to same-sex couples. Do we stage small daily protests outside city hall? I can take Fridays. Ed Murray is working in Olympia to slowly move towards full partnership benefits. Do we take a protest down to Olympia this weekend? My car can carry 5 adults and all their signs. We didn't FINISH anything yesterday. What's next?Lindsey
1
Seriously. I'm there.
I couldn't hear the speeches well, but I heard Ed Murray promised to introduce gay marriage legislation this year. How do we make sure the dems pass that shit? Ed seems to keep talking about going door to door and gaining the support of the burbs & ea wa, but isn't that if they try and do a voter initiative against gay marriage? We have to have get them to pass it first.
I couldn't hear the speeches well, but I heard Ed Murray promised to introduce gay marriage legislation this year. How do we make sure the dems pass that shit? Ed seems to keep talking about going door to door and gaining the support of the burbs & ea wa, but isn't that if they try and do a voter initiative against gay marriage? We have to have get them to pass it first.
2
This is ridiculous but I can't stop thinking of the scene from Elizabeth in which the Spanish ambassador threatens Queen Elizabeth that a wind is coming that will sweep her away and she screams at him "I too can summon the wind." The Mormons didn't know what they were getting into. The more I think about it, the more apt that scene is.
Summon the wind!
Summon the wind!
4
This is what I'm talking about. We need to begin moving toward concrete, measurable action. Were there people gathering money for Washington marriage equality groups, or even better, e-mail addresses? When is our next organized lobby day in Olympia? Who's putting together the forums to display our families in Walla Walla, Cle Elum, and Pullman? Have we got TV ads written and ready to run in these spots? What's on the homosexual agenda?
5
The organizers of yesterday's national rallies, Join the Impact, are teaming up with organizations from around the country to launch a long term campaign to promote equality. You can grab the latest details on their main site, http://jointheimpact.com.
6
I was married in the rotunda of San Francisco City Hall on 8/25/08. Yesterday was my first-ever protest/rally. I'm not finished, because we're not done. I want to help.
7
I agree. This is nice, but let's not just do it to make ourselves feel good about ourselves. We have to do something to keep pressure up. jointheimpact.com looks like a nice start.
8
Timing is everything, and holding a march on Olympia the week before Thanksgiving doesn't seem like the smartest timing.
9
As a new resident of very blue Maryland, I was surprised to learn that in spite of Democrats controlling almost everything, the state does not offer same-sex domestic partner benefits to state employees! And when asked, the Governor has been trotting out the whole "in bad budgetary times we're not sure we can offer those" argument. Lovely.
Our new director of Equality Maryland is someone I know from my days in MI, and her goals include better outreach to rural, faith, and African American communities.
There's a lot of work to do; here's hoping a lot of the marchers from yesterday continue to be involved. This could be awesome.
Our new director of Equality Maryland is someone I know from my days in MI, and her goals include better outreach to rural, faith, and African American communities.
There's a lot of work to do; here's hoping a lot of the marchers from yesterday continue to be involved. This could be awesome.
10
There are marches planned every month and a big one in Olympia in March. I don't know if that was intentional, but it coincides with the next advancement of the state's domestic partnership policy to make more rights available.
With King County in control of the tone of Washington politics for the next few decades, this upcoming legislative session might be the big one. The state courts basically said that the people can't write up an initiative to give us rights, but legislators can.
And they're willing. We need to do this.
With King County in control of the tone of Washington politics for the next few decades, this upcoming legislative session might be the big one. The state courts basically said that the people can't write up an initiative to give us rights, but legislators can.
And they're willing. We need to do this.
11
The march was a good example of people's anger and indignation at our constitutional rights being stolen from us. It gives politicians and judges courage to challange these anti- gay initiatives. And make no mistake these are anti- gay and not to "protect marriage". Only stupid people believe this in any way protects anyone's marriage. Just like the anti-gay initiative in Arkansas that bans adoption by gay people. This protects no child but leaves children without a chance at a loving family. This is hate. And ignorance. So standing up to hate and ignorance the way we did gives others the courage to do the same and pretty soon it is stopped.
12
The Religious Coalition for Equality has generally held its Olympia rallies in February since the legislature is in session at that time. One year it appropriately fell on Valentines Day. I know several people involved with this organization but since its website, unfortunately, is in desperate need of attention, I will keep Slog posted on its plans for 2009 once I hear any details.
13
I'm glad Lindsey said it. You can protest all you want but it's going to take somebody in office to actually do something. Support those who support you and defeat those who will take away your rights.
14
I think it's time for folks to start putting a little pressure on Christine Gregoire to step up to the plate to support us on the gay marriage issue. Hell, she's just been re-elected by a fair margin, and now that she's in her second term, it's time that she actually stands up for some issues instead of always pussy-footing around.
15
It looks like there will be another protest (nationwide?) on Jan 10th - see http://jointheimpact.com/2008/11/what-ha…
Also, I got a card at the rally from Equal Rights Washington that says:
From the ERW website, it looks like they are hoping to pass marriage equality through the WA legislature, which would pretty much guarantee a referendum would be on the ballot to challenge it (similar to Prop 8 I'm sure). So it looks like they want to start doing grassroots education Now, and they're asking for donations.
I think it's a fabulous idea - a lot of people are only hearing the anti-equality arguments. We need to be more proactive. Anyone know more about ERW's plans?
Also, I got a card at the rally from Equal Rights Washington that says:
Equality Day
Save the Date for Equality
March 12, 2009
at the Capitol in Olympia
www.equalrightswashington.org
From the ERW website, it looks like they are hoping to pass marriage equality through the WA legislature, which would pretty much guarantee a referendum would be on the ballot to challenge it (similar to Prop 8 I'm sure). So it looks like they want to start doing grassroots education Now, and they're asking for donations.
I think it's a fabulous idea - a lot of people are only hearing the anti-equality arguments. We need to be more proactive. Anyone know more about ERW's plans?
16
@1:
This issue isn't just to get the legislation passed, but to make it stick. Otherwise, states will experience similar back-and-forth, is-now-isn't-later scenarios such as just occurred in CA.
And yes, it does seem that outreach is going to have to be a big part of that. In my very limited experience dealing with conservatives on these types of social issues, I know it IS possible to gain their support, but it requires reframing the issue from an abstraction (allowing gays to marry will diminish the "sanctity" of the institution) to something more personal. And that, IMO requires putting a human face on the issue, a human face to whom these people can relate, whether it be their neighbors, co-workers, sons, daughters, or close relatives. It becomes much more difficult to dehumanize, and thus demonize GLBT's when you start talking in specifics about people they KNOW, work, and live with on a daily basis.
@4:
Equal Rights Washington had a tent set up down at Westlake, and there was a line of at least 20 people waiting to register their email addy's. During the five or six minutes it took me to get to the front, at least another 20 people joined the queue, so I imagine they had a steady stream all afternoon.
I think there were a couple other groups also soliciting contact info, but I couldn't get close enough to their tents to verify that.
And the March rally in Olympia was mentioned at least twice SFAICR.
This issue isn't just to get the legislation passed, but to make it stick. Otherwise, states will experience similar back-and-forth, is-now-isn't-later scenarios such as just occurred in CA.
And yes, it does seem that outreach is going to have to be a big part of that. In my very limited experience dealing with conservatives on these types of social issues, I know it IS possible to gain their support, but it requires reframing the issue from an abstraction (allowing gays to marry will diminish the "sanctity" of the institution) to something more personal. And that, IMO requires putting a human face on the issue, a human face to whom these people can relate, whether it be their neighbors, co-workers, sons, daughters, or close relatives. It becomes much more difficult to dehumanize, and thus demonize GLBT's when you start talking in specifics about people they KNOW, work, and live with on a daily basis.
@4:
Equal Rights Washington had a tent set up down at Westlake, and there was a line of at least 20 people waiting to register their email addy's. During the five or six minutes it took me to get to the front, at least another 20 people joined the queue, so I imagine they had a steady stream all afternoon.
I think there were a couple other groups also soliciting contact info, but I couldn't get close enough to their tents to verify that.
And the March rally in Olympia was mentioned at least twice SFAICR.
17
It looks like Dec 10 will be "day without a gay," when gay folks are encouraged to take the day off work for service (not just "call in sick").
It's also International Human Rights Day... the anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which can be found here: http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
What can we put together for Wednesday, December 10, 2008, Seattle?
It's also International Human Rights Day... the anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which can be found here: http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
What can we put together for Wednesday, December 10, 2008, Seattle?
18
Let's make something beautiful happen on Wednesday, December 10, 2008!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45…
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45…
19
What's next? Get involved in the community as volunteers. I suggest this as a former Pacific Northwesterner who organized and participated in dozens of rallies and protests over the past ten years. The protests need to be balanced by people volunteering in their communities and when you are asked why you decided to volunteer, say "because I'm gay/I have gay friends and we've decided that we want to give back more to our communities." The concept of "Gay" needs to become normal in people's hearts and the best way to achieve that is to share your heart with others.
20
I'm so glad you asked! This is why I started Stop8.org -- to answer the question, "what do we do now?" I'm collecting everything you need to know about the news, events, protests, petitions, and propaganda surrounding Prop 8, and making it all concise. You'll be off and running in no time.
Of course that's just focused on the state of California -- there's lots of things happening in other places that I simply don't have the resources to cover. It would be awesome if someone created something like this for the entire country, or world. Why doesn't the HRC do it? For the same reason that newspapers are dying: they don't understand what the Internet is.
Of course that's just focused on the state of California -- there's lots of things happening in other places that I simply don't have the resources to cover. It would be awesome if someone created something like this for the entire country, or world. Why doesn't the HRC do it? For the same reason that newspapers are dying: they don't understand what the Internet is.
21
Join EQUAL RIGHTS WASHINGTON. They will be coordinating the ground work needed before, during and after this year's domestic partnership augmentation bill is introduced, and next year's marriage equality bill.
What we need to do next is talk to voters and state legislators in an organized way. ERW can plug you in.
What we need to do next is talk to voters and state legislators in an organized way. ERW can plug you in.
22
Melissa Etheridge stated the she wouldn't pay her taxes !! Well, she got alot of flack about that but what IF, WHAT IF a trust was set up to pay your taxes to it and not the government? With all the brainiacs out there - I believe there must be a loophole in the system to set this up. If we could find a lawyer, set up the fund and then come April 15th, everyone supporting No on 8 all across the country pay their taxes (or yes, step it up and donate your refund!) I may be dreaming but thought I would throw it out there. Could you imagine making the United Way cut a check for a non-profit gay marriage act/plan.
23
Is there any reason not to press for national legislation, which is the most important (and which would trump all state/local discriminatory Prop8-esque and DOMA bullshit)? Why not organize for national civil-union legislation (for all couples, gay or straight, obv) that would replace marriage completely? Is someone spearheading that? Why not hold Obama to his promise to favor equality under the law for gay and straight couples? This is the first time since forever that there's been a Democratic House, Senate and Pres -- the House and Senate literally passed a $700 billion bank bailout in like five days -- if there was sufficient pressure, they could do the same for gay rights in five months. The key in my opinion is not to call it "gay marriage" but "civil unions for all," i.e., it's time for the government to get out of the business of marriage completely.
24
First of all, thanks so much to the thousands of people who came out yesterday in Seattle for an amazing protest. What many don't know, is that we had protests across Washington in Olympia, Vancouver, Bellingham, and even 14 people came out to show support in Aberdeen! JoinTheImpact.com is planning many more events to help keep this conversation on the national stage. Day Without a Gay will be another step toward showing this country exactly how much we contribute to the economy and the community. It will speak to a very important issue: We are taxpaying citizens of this country who are not given the same equal protections under the law that every other tax paying citizen receives. It will also show a message of how we love. We encourage everyone participating to volunteer that day and give back to the community. Let's reach out to the rural communities that have only heard the stereotypes and get them talking about equality. When it comes to local issues, Equal Rights Washington put out an amazing message at yesterday's protest. They are working toward our equality and working extremely hard. They need our help. Please sign up to donate $8/month to their cause and participate in their minute for marriage campaign. They want to show the Washington government what we are all about and they have some amazing ways to do so. Please visit their website and help us win here in the state and JoinTheImpact to win in our country!
25
@22 - the only way this would work would be for people to not file their taxes - in the past I have filed but not paid what I owed to protest the war in Iraq. The IRS doesn't care about that, though, so they pretty quickly sent a collection letter. However, if people were willing to take the risk they could not file their taxes and divert the money to some kind of fund, and possibly get away with it for awhile.
There is a war tax resistance fund that distributes the income from the fund to groups working for peace. The cool thing is that if you do get audited by the IRS you can get your contribution out, so then you would just have to pay the penalties and interest. I kind of doubt a lot of people would want to take that risk, though, especially because you lose out on any stimulus checks. And you risk having your property seized / future paychecks garnished, etc.
There is a war tax resistance fund that distributes the income from the fund to groups working for peace. The cool thing is that if you do get audited by the IRS you can get your contribution out, so then you would just have to pay the penalties and interest. I kind of doubt a lot of people would want to take that risk, though, especially because you lose out on any stimulus checks. And you risk having your property seized / future paychecks garnished, etc.
26
As Bob Dylan sang "I'll know my song well before I start singing"....
We need to re-design the fundamentals of our movement....
We need to take a closer look at the cultural elements and the political elements, and understand our "enemies" better....
We need to learn how to FRAME debates and messaging...
(Rallies and blogging invigorate our army, but do little to sway public opinion....)
First and foremost, we need to ask and answer this very question::
HOW DO WE REALISTICALLY CHANGE PEOPLE'S MINDS ABOUT GAY-RIGHTS?
Until then, we're just singing a song we don't quite understand....
We need to re-design the fundamentals of our movement....
We need to take a closer look at the cultural elements and the political elements, and understand our "enemies" better....
We need to learn how to FRAME debates and messaging...
(Rallies and blogging invigorate our army, but do little to sway public opinion....)
First and foremost, we need to ask and answer this very question::
HOW DO WE REALISTICALLY CHANGE PEOPLE'S MINDS ABOUT GAY-RIGHTS?
Until then, we're just singing a song we don't quite understand....
27
Why not on the offensive and put forward an initiative of our own to legalize gay marriage or full civil unions in Washington. With an organized campaign I think we'd stand a shot.
29
I have always said that a National Strike would be a great idea... and for those who have jobs they cannot strike -- at a coordinated time, do a stand up for Gay Rights...
30
1. Not working Day is crazy - this is Queer city - and what is the statement? If people need to come out, say it.
By the way, most of the places I have worked there was NEVER any energy around these issues, and all was cool. Flaming queens everywhere. Not working is very unfocused, could get people fired, and in most places have zero impact.
2.Winning at the ballot in Washington is ten years away.
You want to bang your head on that one, be my guest. A good campaign would cost 5 million. Equal Rights has had problems meeting monthly bills in the last year and they are the best group on politics in years.
Initiatives take 260,000 signatures to start. The number is pegged to the last governors ballot - so will go up after this election.
First we need to reshape and get smart on our messages.
Then get the winning campaign in the lock box. The formula is broken, if you win one election in 30, maybe, just maybe, time to get some smart people in the room and de construct and start over to WIN.
I think ERW is suggesting the same old tired lobby day in Olympia in March.
I SUGGEST A MARCH ON OLYMPIA TO CHANGE THE PACE, GET MORE PEOPLE THERE AND START A NEW POINTED CONVERSATION WITH WEAK WILLED AND TIMID DEMOCRATS.
This year we should pass the full deal Domestic Partner bill. The right is deflated, it is not marriage and will at least offer many benefits.
Time to dump the piece meal baby step approach and get the full meal deal Oregon version of rights into law.
THEN turn to the long term marriage work with a clear head and realistic expectations. And new models of message, contacts, and networking.
Talk of networks, both GSBA and ERW have their events in non union hotels. What the hell is that all about? Organized labor in this state and nationally has been with us for 15 years. I remember a National Vice President of the AFL-CIO giving a rousing pro gay speech at Pride in the Volunteer Park days. He was excited and exciting to see that crown and work together.
So, then, why do we shit on organized labor by using scab hotels for our costly events, like W. Love to hear from either GSBA or ERW about that. Maybe, just maybe, better strategies to cement solid links do exist already, and are obvious, and a lot of our talk is hot air.
Gregoire would NOT have been elected without unions, HINT, their ballot clout is huge, both money and work, so why kick that partner in the balls???
More...
By the way, most of the places I have worked there was NEVER any energy around these issues, and all was cool. Flaming queens everywhere. Not working is very unfocused, could get people fired, and in most places have zero impact.
2.Winning at the ballot in Washington is ten years away.
You want to bang your head on that one, be my guest. A good campaign would cost 5 million. Equal Rights has had problems meeting monthly bills in the last year and they are the best group on politics in years.
Initiatives take 260,000 signatures to start. The number is pegged to the last governors ballot - so will go up after this election.
First we need to reshape and get smart on our messages.
Then get the winning campaign in the lock box. The formula is broken, if you win one election in 30, maybe, just maybe, time to get some smart people in the room and de construct and start over to WIN.
I think ERW is suggesting the same old tired lobby day in Olympia in March.
I SUGGEST A MARCH ON OLYMPIA TO CHANGE THE PACE, GET MORE PEOPLE THERE AND START A NEW POINTED CONVERSATION WITH WEAK WILLED AND TIMID DEMOCRATS.
This year we should pass the full deal Domestic Partner bill. The right is deflated, it is not marriage and will at least offer many benefits.
Time to dump the piece meal baby step approach and get the full meal deal Oregon version of rights into law.
THEN turn to the long term marriage work with a clear head and realistic expectations. And new models of message, contacts, and networking.
Talk of networks, both GSBA and ERW have their events in non union hotels. What the hell is that all about? Organized labor in this state and nationally has been with us for 15 years. I remember a National Vice President of the AFL-CIO giving a rousing pro gay speech at Pride in the Volunteer Park days. He was excited and exciting to see that crown and work together.
So, then, why do we shit on organized labor by using scab hotels for our costly events, like W. Love to hear from either GSBA or ERW about that. Maybe, just maybe, better strategies to cement solid links do exist already, and are obvious, and a lot of our talk is hot air.
Gregoire would NOT have been elected without unions, HINT, their ballot clout is huge, both money and work, so why kick that partner in the balls???
32
I like what Eric says...
Except that the stereotypical union person is traditional minded. Meaning, culturally, they find difficulty in supporting fags.
(Of course, if we stop talking about gayness and start talking about equal rights things will go much further in our favor...)
Except that the stereotypical union person is traditional minded. Meaning, culturally, they find difficulty in supporting fags.
(Of course, if we stop talking about gayness and start talking about equal rights things will go much further in our favor...)
33
Do a lawsuit in King County Courts.
And once you win, get married.
Each revolution starts with a single battle.
And once you win, get married.
Each revolution starts with a single battle.
34
Nov. 22nd from http://www.californiaoutreach.com/
TAKE IT TO SACRAMENTO ON NOVEMBER 22ND!
With the unfortunate outcome of the recent passage of Proposition 8, the GLBT community has united in a presence that we have not seen since the early 1980’s and the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
It is with great respect that California Outreach, in partnership with Equality Action Now, humbly asks you to join GLBT individuals and organizations, PFLAG and our straight brothers and sisters at a peaceful outreach on the steps of the California State Capitol Building at 2:00pm on November 22nd.
Please join us as we reach out to all the citizens of California to demonstrate that we will not tolerate discrimination to be written into our State Constitution.
Who: Anyone and everyone.
Where: California State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA
When: 11/22/08 2:00PM
Why: Equal Rights are inalienable and CANNOT be taken away.
In 1987 the largest rally for gay rights in Sacramento took place, counting 15,000 strong. We need to stand together and make a statement that we will not stand idly by and let the rights of our sons, daughters, parents, and friends be taken away. Twenty one years later — 30,000 strong. Are YOU ready to make history?
The success of this event depends upon getting the word out. Invite your friends!
TAKE IT TO SACRAMENTO ON NOVEMBER 22ND!
With the unfortunate outcome of the recent passage of Proposition 8, the GLBT community has united in a presence that we have not seen since the early 1980’s and the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
It is with great respect that California Outreach, in partnership with Equality Action Now, humbly asks you to join GLBT individuals and organizations, PFLAG and our straight brothers and sisters at a peaceful outreach on the steps of the California State Capitol Building at 2:00pm on November 22nd.
Please join us as we reach out to all the citizens of California to demonstrate that we will not tolerate discrimination to be written into our State Constitution.
Who: Anyone and everyone.
Where: California State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA
When: 11/22/08 2:00PM
Why: Equal Rights are inalienable and CANNOT be taken away.
In 1987 the largest rally for gay rights in Sacramento took place, counting 15,000 strong. We need to stand together and make a statement that we will not stand idly by and let the rights of our sons, daughters, parents, and friends be taken away. Twenty one years later — 30,000 strong. Are YOU ready to make history?
The success of this event depends upon getting the word out. Invite your friends!
35
These are three great links, but they focus primarily on California.
www.californiaoutreach.com
www.equalityactionnow.org/events.php
www.milliongaymarch.org
www.californiaoutreach.com
www.equalityactionnow.org/events.php
www.milliongaymarch.org
36
I'm hoping that all these good suggestions are not just brain farts. You folks WILL be volunteering to get all these good suggestions done right? RIGHT? Please don't expect someone else to do the work you're suggesting.
37
@36 - nope, I'm already way too busy - that's your job. Besides, having trained openly gay soldiers in Canada, I've done my part.
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