Momentum Building for October 11 National Equality March

Equality Across America, the new grassroots network calling for Federal action to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, has moved forward with plans for a massive national day of action on Sunday, October 11, 2009. Major national LGBT organizations including the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), along with participation and support from the Human Rights Campaign, have endorsed the march as have local and state grassroots organizations like Join the Impact Chicago, One Struggle One Fight and Freedom Democrats of Miami-Dade.

October 11 has been observed as “National Coming Out Day” since 1988. As well, this year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. “We’re marching this October to demand action from the Federal government to protect our rights in all fifty states,” said Kip Williams, one of the organizers. “Real equality can only come from the President, the Congress and the Supreme Court.”

Equality Across America brings together veteran movement activists such as David Mixner, Torie Osborn, Cleve Jones, Anne Northrop and Nadine Smith, with new organizers like Williams and Robin McGehee, who lead the successful “Meet in the Middle” rally in Fresno, California following the California Supreme Court decision on Proposition 8. “We’ve got people from the Stonewall generation to the Facebook generation working together to win real equality,” said McGehee. “We’re tired of compromises and delays.”

The march in the nation’s capital is necessary to help supporters of equality focus their attention on the Federal government after decades of work at the state and local level according to Academy Award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. “The Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, but LGBT Americans are still denied that protection, now is the time to push for real equality, in all matters governed by civil law.”

Lt. Dan Choi, also a member of the march steering committee, is working to ensure a strong presence by LGBT and straight veterans at the march. “The majority of Americans reject discrimination in the armed forces, it’s time for Congress and the Administration to move on this and all issues of equality for LGBT Americans.”

Equality Across America pledges more than a march and has begun recruiting volunteers in all 435 US Congressional Districts to pressure members of the House of Representatives. “We want to bring together all the different groups that support equality: young and old, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, people of all races, faiths and backgrounds from every corner of this country” said Corey Johnson of New York. “We want every member of Congress to know that there are LGBT people and our allies in every single district.”

Equality Across America has also reached out specifically to HIV/AIDS activists, interfaith leaders and Youth organizers to create independent events during the weekend in DC, as well as to state equality associations to build local actions throughout the US in conjunction with the march for those who cannot travel to DC on October 11.

"The LGBT struggle for equality is the civil rights movement of the 21st century," says pioneer activist and City Commissioner Nicole-Murray Ramirez of San Diego. Ramirez who has been a part of every national march for LGBT rights, since 1979 says, "history has proven for us to achieve full equality we must be engaged in the suites of political power and the streets of activism."

The National Equality March is scheduled to begin at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 11. The exact route of march is still being negotiated with the DC authorities. Organizers are building partnerships with other groups to create workshops, trainings, seminars and teach-ins throughout the weekend. Parties, concerts and other entertainment are being actively discouraged. “It’s not about another party, it’s about getting to work,” said Kip Williams.

The march and district lobbying campaign are directed by a national Steering Committee of over 60 members from throughout the nation, reflecting the diversity of the LGBT community. Operating under the auspices of the Tides Center, Equality Across America is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization.

VIDEO: National Equality March Launches - Cast of Hair Will Cancel Show to Attend

In an unprecedented move, the producers of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, have announced they are canceling the show's Sunday, October 11th performance so that the entire cast can join the National Equality March in Washington, DC.

The entire company of HAIR had traveled from New York to Los Angeles to appear on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien". Directly after the recording on Monday, the cast joined National Equality March organizer Cleve Jones along with Torie Osborn and Dustin Lance Black at a spirited rally in Los Angeles, for an official launch of the march and its relaunched website NationalEqualityMarch.com.

Mixner Calls For LGBT Rights March On Washington DC, Cleve Jones Responds

From the Advocate:

Long-time LGBT activist David Mixner called for a March on Washington for marriage equality Wednesday on his grass-roots website, www.davidmixner.com.

"As this Administration sits in offices plotting timeline charts on what rights they feel comfortable granting us this year, clearly it is time for us to gin up our efforts and stop waiting for them to hand us our God given entitlements," wrote Mixner, whose activism roots date back to the peace movement of the '60s.

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"I know things don’t happen over night, and I’ve been around a long time in politics," Mixner told the Advocate. "But I’ve been looking for any sign that things were in the works, that maybe a stop-loss (executive order) could be issued on 'don’t ask, don’t tell,' that they were holding public meetings with LGBT leaders – that there was any activity," he continued.

"What I have found is just the opposite – that it’s like we’re invisible with the exception of our appointments. I have to tell you, we got appointments in 1992. I’m thrilled, but what is the big deal about allowing us to serve our country."

On his website, Mixner implored the LGBT leaders to call for a march for marriage equality in November. " ... and if they won't do it, I appeal to our young to come together and provide the leadership."

Mixner said that if LGBT groups weren't willing to organize the effort, "I believe people like Cleve Jones and Torie Osborn and others are ready to step to the fore."

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Today, Cleve Jones responded to the call with an exclusive post on Towleroad.

Excerpts:

"In my travels throughout California and around the country, I have been stunned and inspired by the determination and fearlessness of our young people. This is the generation that is going to win. This is the time to unite and push - as we have never pushed before - to achieve victory.

More..."Sadly, at the very moment we are poised to reach our greatest goals, President Obama and the Democratic leaders of Congress have turned their backs, forgotten their promises and betrayed our trust. In recent weeks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act is “not a priority.” President Obama has ignored the appeals of brave young people serving in our military as they are drummed out of the services for being gay or lesbian. Indeed, Lt. Daniel Choi who recently “came out” publicly, was dismissed from the army, even though he is a highly valued fluent Arabic speaker and a veteran of the Iraq war."

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"I applaud and endorse David Mixner's call for a national march with the following four suggestions:

— Schedule the march for the weekend of October 10 - 11, 2009. This is National Coming Out Day and the 30th anniversary of the first national march. Several subsequent marches and AIDS Memorial Quilt displays have also occurred on those dates. The Columbus Day holiday provides a three-day weekend for many and the weather is generally favorable.

— Have one demand only: “Full Equality Now - full and equal protection under the law for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.” Let's stop settling for fractions of equality. Every compromise undermines our humanity. We must declare our equality.

— Organize the march from the grassroots with a decentralized internet-based campaign. Keep it simple; avoid bloated budgets and cumbersome structures. The primary objective must be to turn out the largest possible crowd. We don't need elaborate and expensive staging or fabulous dinner parties and concerts - we need a million or more people in the street demanding equality now.

— Encourage and enlist our allies in the broader progressive movement to build the march. Involve the labor movement, racial, ethnic and immigrant communities, progressive faith leaders, peace and social justice advocates and other supporters. LGBT people of all ages and races recognize the challenges facing our nation and our planet. We are eager to stand, as equals, with our fellow citizens in meeting these challenges.

We are on the verge of a new chapter in the history of our country and our movement. There is a bold new spirit and a powerful new resolve within our communities. Now is the time. We are equal."
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I'm there. Are you?

Picture of Torie Osborn by my friend Marta Evry who posts at VeniceforChange.com.