Comments on: Why I’m going to the big gay march in Washington

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:18:15 +0000

I too am conflicted about whether to attend the March for Equal Marriage or not. I have decided to attend. I’m coming from California where you would think that marriage equality would be a no-brainer. Instead, we have right-wing funded referenda that have eliminated the chance for me to marry.

I will be at the march. My best friend from college/high school (who is straight) will be there. My two kids are sending me off with hugs and kisses. All of this is important. Maine’s battle, ours in California, and our national battle for marriage equality, health care/insurance reform, and rescinding “Don’t ask, don’t tell”.

By: GSOst8

GSOst8 — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:25:19 +0000

As a straight advocate for the LGBT community, I have been disheartened in the lack of participation in protests and events by my LGBT friends. I am beginning to wonder, “Why should I care if they don’t?”

Any Answers out there?

By: SFGuy

SFGuy — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:40:52 +0000

With all due respect, you should get your facts straight. Ask Cleve Jones if HRC’s support is lukewarm or if they are skeptics, and you will be enlightened and I hope you will write a retraction and apology to HRC. Your writing makes it sound like fact and there is no basis. It is simply your opinion and it is misguided and you are misinforming your readers.

By: Reverend_Boony

Reverend_Boony — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:42:09 +0000

Whether the march is successfull or not and whether state by state fighting is successfull or not doesnt change the fact that every little effort as well as every big effort can only help the cause of equality…Not hurt.

I for one wont be able to attend the march but those who are able to will still have my support just as those who want to initiate petitions for equality will.

It all matters.

By: JohnVisser

JohnVisser — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:52:29 +0000

I think the questions about whether the march will be effective, whether it is the right time, etc are no longer relevant. The fact is that the march is on. The only question left is whether we as a community will turn out to make it a success. If half of us sit and ponder all the possible outcomes of the march without taking action then it will probably not be a success. Its time to get off the fence. You’ve got two choices: help to make the march more successful or sit back, complain and undermine its efforts.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:48:10 +0000

Beth, I think your point is both honest and insightful. I’m fortunate to live in a state where my union is recognized, but at the same time, I come from a conservative state that will take quite a while to progress on the marriage front.

I think what we’re seeing is something endemic in the gay community, and that is our diversity and division. Because we are a group that touches on all walks of life, I think it is harder for us than any other political minority to develop a clear, comprehensive, and universally agreed upon action plan. The analogy I like to use is that of a hydra. Each subset of the LGBT movement is yet another head, with its own distinct voice and decisions, but because we can’t come to any major common ground, as one head tries to move a foot forward, yet another is holding it back or trying to walk in another direction.

I’ve talked to my husband a lot about my mixed feelings about going to Washington in October, and I have to admit, I’m still not decided. While I wholeheartedly agree with you, I think that the current economic climate and political climate does not favor any major LGBT legislation (other than ENDA), and POSSIBLY (though I think still unlikely) a repeal of DADT. With healthcare, economic recovery, and a whole slew of issues plaguing the government, I don’t think our voice will truly be heard and taken seriously.

By: beachcomberT

beachcomberT — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:04:33 +0000

The goals you outline are fine. Have a good march. But be prepared to be asked how your march benefitted gay equality in Maine, where marriage equality is in imminent danger of being voted away. It will be interesting to compare Maine polls before and after the march. We know TV cameras will zoom in on the most flamboyant, semi-naked marchers because those images boost ratings. Will their exuberance gain sympathy of Mainers?