Marcha Somos Familia: We Are Family March

This Sunday, January 4th, Somos Familia is hosting a march in East Los Angeles in protest of Proposition 8.

As part of their mission statement, Somos Familia is using this march to "not only. . . voice our disappointment on the passing of Proposition 8 but to also encourage dialogue and love among all friends, families, and allies of the LGBT communities."

Hoping to be one of the first large marches in East Los Angeles, it can be effective in reaching those who are not regularly exposed to the LGBT communities. Unlike the prior protests held in allied neighborhoods, this march can bring together immigrants facing everyday discrimination, LGBT community members sidelined as second-class citizens due to Proposition 8, African Americans who face daily racial prejudice and more. Though these communities don't always see eye-to-eye, Proposition 8 is not only a threat to the LGBT community, but to other minority groups as well. If one group of citizens could have their rights stripped away, this makes all minority groups vulnerable.

For more information, see the calendar at the bottom of blog or visit Somos Familia Facebook Event Page.

NEW UPDATE: Events in Response to the Richmond, CA Hate Crime Attack

NEW UPDATE: The four alleged attackers have been arrested. Thankfully, Sunday's leafleting event is no longer needed now that the rapists are in custody. Read the full article with video and images on the arrest.

More...

On Saturday, December 20th, a 28 year old woman was attacked when she got out of her car, beaten, taken to a desolate area and gang raped by four men. Authorities believe it was a hate crime because of the woman's homosexuality. During the attack, the four men made references to her sexual orientation. Read article for full story. Video

UPDATE: In an email from the organizers of the two events posted earlier in this post, they reported, "It is your compassion and your actions that has given the victim, "Richmond's Jane Doe" and her family something very powerful, HOPE.

"Between Saturday's Candle Vigil & Sunday's Leafleting in Richmond, over 200 people showed up and over 2000 fliers were issued through-out the community.

"It was our energy and interaction with the community that provided several possible leads that are now being investigated by Richmond's police department."

As a result of the success of the above, they are doing a new event.

NEW EVENT

What: Leafleting for Justice on behalf of "Richmond's Jane Doe"
Where: Wal-Mart 1400 Hilltop Mall Road Richmond, CA 94806
When: This Sunday January 4, 2009
Time: 1:00 p.m. Sharp

Two events are scheduled this weekend in response to the attack. See calendar at the bottom of blog for further details.

FIRST EVENT

What: Candlelight Vigil & Protest Against Hate Crimes
When: This Saturday Night, December 27th.
Time: 9:30 P.M. Sharp To 10:00 P.M.
Where: 1500 Visalia Ave, Richmond Ca
Note: Please bring a candle, and do your best to carpool out of respect for the neighborhood.

SECOND EVENT

What: Visibility & Involvement with The Community by Issuing out Fliers of the "Most Wanted Criminals"
When: Sunday, December 28th.
Time: 1:00 P.M Sharp
Where: 4 mins from where the attack took place, meeting In front of Foods company, 1250 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA 94801
Note: Rain or Shine

The Community Violence Solutions and Rape Crisis Center has set up an account for donations to go to the victim. 100% of the money will go to her so she can replace her car, relocate and take time off from work.

To donate, Click on this link. IMPORTANT: You must indicate that it's fro Richmond Jane Doe.

Happy New Year!

2009 poses to be a year full of hard work ahead for the community, but it also has the potential to have many historical victories for the LGBT community. It's been years since we've been active as a whole, fighting for what is right. Let this inspire us to continue the fight so that we can experience many bright years ahead.

This doesn't have to be just a dream. It can be a reality. Keep up the fight, and it will be.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009! Make it historical!

"You're Likable Enough, Gay People"

Frank Rich, an Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times, recently wrote a piece titled "You're Likable Enough, Gay People" about Obama and, not only his choice for Rick Warren to do the invocation at his inauguration, but his hubris which could bring more trouble ahead.

"Obama may not only overestimate his ability to bridge some of our fundamental differences but also underestimate how persistent some of those differences are," Rich writes. "The exhilaration of his decisive election victory and the deserved applause that has greeted his mostly glitch-free transition can’t entirely mask the tensions underneath. Before there is profound social change, there is always high anxiety."

And in regards to Warren, Rich states, "Bestowing this honor on Warren was a conscious — and glib — decision by Obama to spend political capital. It was made with the certitude that a leader with a mandate can do no wrong."

Hello Readers

I am traveling today and will be returning home from the holidays. I've been delayed from posting the last couple days but will be at it strong again starting tomorrow. Sorry for the delays and hope you all had a great holiday season.

Happy New Year!