In what was by far Dallas’ largest gay-rights demonstration since the one outside City Hall following Prop 8’s passage in November, hundreds of people gathered on the Cedar Springs strip Tuesday night to protest the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
The Day of Decision Rally, organized by Queer Liberaction, wasn’t scheduled to begin until 7 p.m., but by 6:30 dozens of people were already gathered around the Legacy of Love Monument at the Oak Lawn Triangle, waving protest signs and Pride flags, chanting slogans and cheering at the horns of passing motorists.
The crowd appeared to swell to nearly 500 before they marched west down Cedar Springs Road in a display reminiscent of the annual Pride parade, then gathered on the patio of Throckmorton Mining Co. A handful of police officers looked on from across Cedar Springs as a series of speakers addressed the crowd through a megaphone, but there were no arrests or other incidents.
It was a very moving and important START. And we won’t stop until we get the EQUALITY we deserve!!
I wish I was there in Texas at this moment. Sounds GREAT. But I can get married here in Mexico City if I wish. And in this day and age we shouldn’t be fighting to have basic human rights. Thanks for the post.
It was absolutely amazing! If everyone keeps their passion and stays in the fight it won’t be long until we win this war!
Hmmm, the rally……… I seem to remember the Join the Impact rally drawing more on much shorter notice. If you recall, the rally in November ’08 drew more people with no more than a few days of notice. Hasn’t so called ‘Queer Liberaction’ been sending out email after email for the better part of a month if not longer letting people know that there would be a rally the day that the decision on prop 8 would be published? I would definitely say that the turn out in this case was pretty sad. I would say it was comical if the stakes weren’t so high. I mean wow. Such an important moment for our movement. So much time to advertise. So much notice to prepare an amazing rally. And that’s the best ‘Queer Liberaction’ and current head of JTI, Dallas could give us? Filling up the patio and some of the side walk around TMC. I wonder if the relatively low turnout for this event and the embarrassingly low turnout at these two groups last events have anything in common that could explain this phenomenon… I’ll give you a second to think it over… If you said ‘those in a position of leadership within those organizations’ then you are correct. However, I can actually boil it down to one name in particular, just to make it easier on you. Blake Wilkinson. Sure that other girl is there too but I can never remember her name. Kinda hard to get noticed when you’re constantly over shadowed by some guy who thinks his shadow is bigger than it really is. That part is kinda funny I guess. Now, for the reason Blake Wilkinson is the problem. Any respectable and mature member of the GLBT community who has ever sat in a meeting with this guy will tell you that there is no one harder to work with. I have heard many stories and seen first-hand how this guy can get pissy and throw a fit because he doesn’t get his way, all the way, every time. His collaborative skills are nothing short of hysterical. Which is probably why his efforts in other cities have made him a laughing stock. The sad part… I actually agree with much of what he says(Not all, but much) but his tactics and his unwillingness to ‘work well with others’ really is pathetic. And that makes it hard for me to even associate myself with such a ridiculous character. Others obviously have no problem being a puppy dog on a leash that gets led around in whatever direction Blake wants to go next, but therein lies the problem. 90% OF THE GLBT COMMUNITY DOESNT WANT THAT KIND OF PERSON LEADING ANY PART OF THIS IMPORTANT AND HISTORICAL POINT IN OUR MOVEMENT. Therefore, Blake’s following will always be low. I mean seriously, this isn’t Blake’s first time out of the chute. He has been at this for quite awhile and still can’t do better. It’s because it is Blake’s way or the highway. Someone else step up and lead us. PLEASE. Someone who listens to the people they are supposed to be leading. I know it is out of their organizational scope but why cant a traditionally non-partisan organization like Dallas lesbian and gay alliance do this… I mean we are in Dallas here. Just because this is a nationwide issue doesn’t mean they couldn’t stand up and give us an outlet for our frustrations. As long as Blake is leading the only organization to speak out on national issues in Dallas, we are doomed to fail. Did any of you that went back to the monument after the speeches see Blake there? Shouldn’t the one who incites a protest stick with it while it moves around? His absence from this spoke volumes!!!!!! And proves my point. Blake is only in this for the PERSONAL attention it brings. That is it. The cameras were gone so he had no reason to go back to the monument. Not when his face was going to be on the least watched news program in the city in 30-minutes. Gotta get home to see…. Just pathetic. I fully expect to hear from the Dallas lesbian and gay alliance on this soon. I really want to participate in this movement but just can’t bring myself to do it marching behind Blake and the dwarfs anymore. For those of you who think Blake is great, I leave you with this. Blake is not the movement. Blake is riding the movement like a wave hoping it will lead him to some sort of fame or importance. Peace out.
Hey there, Jesus — Please send me your email address, I’d love to stay in touch with you (beyond Instant Tea). As a fellow KNON-er from Lambda Weekly for the past 10 years, I’d really like to touch base with you while you’re in Mexico City. I’m at PattiFink@sbcglobal.net — shoot me an email. Thanks 🙂 Patti
Come find me or Queer Liberaction to get involved or find out more about today’s events! We will be looking for more who took pictures of tonights rally to share – creating a photobucket. Contact us on myspace for more information!
Glad to see people taking to the streets to demand equal rights, not just to march in the pride parade. Pride is a good thing, but equality is really something to be proud of and until we have full equal rights we should be shouting in the streets not dancing.
(I will always post my full name when blogging)
MY NAME IS ISRAEL LUNA.
Wow. Joshua’s statement was so ‘miniscule and insignificant’ that outside of this comment, it means nothing. And besides, did anyone actually read past the 3rd sentence? Yeah, me either.
The rally was awesome. People were pumped, people were waving gay flags and people are getting political in the streets again! We’re going to keep fighting, keep protesting, keep voting to get this changed. 2010 is going to be our year…and I’ll be there every step of the way to join in!
Israel: You make a good point. Always one somewhere being negative because in reality, it is not about them.
I thought getting political in the streets was in the past, but I welcome it back. People need to SEE the numbers and know who their GLBT family members are.
Coming out IS so important. Still in the closet – shame on you because it only feeds to this crazy crap like in CA. When I came out – it made a difference to my family. Great to hear my family say how they didn’t vote for someone because “he hates gays.” No more fag jokes either. See the movie Milk again – get inspired. Onward.
Who let the bitter queens in? I don’t know what march Joshua was watching but I found that it was quite successful and to try and compare it to what happened in November is ridiculous. First of all the November rally was planned in a month (not a couple of days) and I would know since I was part of the organizational group. The November rally was on a Saturday afternoon which was more convenient for everyone. Also, the November rally took place right after one of the happiest and most tragic days in our history (Obama election and Prop 8). So for having a rally on the hottest day this year, in the middle of the work week, right after a national holiday, and only a few days to publicize the actual date, I think we did pretty darn good.
Of course the meat of this story is about Blake. I may not agree with Blake 30 percent of the time but I do respect what he is doing. Whether he’s doing it for the advancement of our community or to get hot twinky boys, HE IS OUT THERE! If you believe that Blake is not the person to lead this new movement, please feel free to grab the baton yourself. Untill then, shut da hell up.
I want Jesus as my new BFF 🙂
MY NAME IS JOSHUA ERICSON
I certainly dont mind posting my full name either. i just dont do this as often as many of the other plants do.
LOL @ Israel. I’m guessing you DID read past the third sentence of my previous post. Otherwise, how would you have known how to characterize my entire comment? Unless you are just another one of those people in the community who doesnt look at the big picture (or whole comments) before making generalizations. I guess that actually fits perfect with the overall concept of QL though. Knee jerk reactions that arent very well thought out or planned. As evidenced by the overall “success” of their other events. You wanna talk about ‘miniscule and insignificant’, there’s your miniscule and insignificant right there. Thanks for making my point for me though Israel. That was helpful. I actually think that a protest was the right thing to do. Too bad it was as ‘miniscule and insignificant’ as it was when you consider all the time that QL and others had to plan for something better. Way to go team. All i’m sayin’ is maybe next time we will have much better overall turn out with someone else at the helm. Perhaps a group of people or organizations that are much better at leading things because lord knows Blake can’t do it right. That was shown clearly yesterday.
Nah, sorry Tish. Just cant get onboard with ya. The number of emails that went out in advance of this thing yesterday was ridiculous. People knew to be planning for it and the notice that the decision was coming came far enough in advance. I have to deduce that the reason it wasnt better is the leadership. I talked to several people who were there that only heard about it because of the news or some other source and had no idea QL even had anything to do with it. Was chatting with several friends this morning who said they heard the same thing. People didnt show because there has been no difference in QL’s ability to combat apathy at any large scale. They (QL) like to bash the more established organizations who have changed to landscape of this city in a HUGE way over the past several years for not doing enough to bring change….. What has QL changed? Or, better yet, what specific thing have they attempted to change in a wa that actually had a chance of succeeding. Doesnt help to bring attention to an issue if you arent going to actually follow up with a plan to change the circumstances. So, QL brings attention to an issue and other more established organization come in to actually try and work on the issues raised and then QL blasts them for not doing the right thing or not doing enough. Get a grip. That makes no sense at all
I was at the protest last night and couldn’t have been prouder to be gay in Texas. I saw a crowd of 500 people gather together on the corner. I saw a spark in each of their eyes that came from the pride of being involved in the fight for our validation as equal human beings. If anyone didn’t think the protest was a success, I’d ask if you were tuned in. Did you feel the emotion on the strip as the store-owners came outside to watch the swelling crowd take over both sides of the street as traffic was brought to a hault. There was a feeling in the air that, at least for the 500 or so of us there, we would not stop until equality is realized. That gave me hope in the face of defeat. It should give you hope.. I was also at the previous Queer Liberaction demonstration on the grassy knoll. There were no more than 40 of us there but I got the same feeling that day. As long as anyone is willing to stand up and facilitate the moevement, I’ll be there with gratitude and pride.
Joshua. Email me at LaLunaFilms3000@aol.com. I’d love to have you on my show called “THE 10%” and talk about this if you’re game for a discussion about it. It’s like a gay version of THE VIEW that airs on TV every Friday at 8pm. Let me know.
p.s. Yes, I characterized your entire, lengthy, long-winded email in the first 3 sentences (and now know I was correct in that characterization. (wink)
Joshua I totally agree with you on most of it. It’s great that your friends found out about the rally through the news but who do you thinnk called the news people hmmm? Believe me, press releases were sent to every news outlet.
QL is not trying to win a Nobel. They are trying to fire up the community and encourage them to become active members. We have a lot of people who want to get involved but haven’t made the leap into activism. QL is the kick in the ass some people need. QL is the energy of this movement and I agree that organizations like DGLA are the voices of reason. We need both! We need visibility. Other organizatiions are doing excellent jobs fighting for our equality and getting things done behind the scenes. I not only want to feel the love. I want to see the love. I saw it yesterday.
I attended last night’s rally and was blown away by the turnout. Google prop 8 rallies & you will see how Dallas did quite well in the number’s game. The event also allowed me to vent after being pretty bummed most of the day.
Joshua get a life & quit taking your bitter pills.
Not interested Israel. I get shaky talking in front of people. Have been that way since grade school. Cameras freak me out and I get as shaky as Blake was when he was standing at the monument last night (I was in the back of the crowd and could STILL see that, bless his heart). And I totally agree with you Tish that we need both methods to conquer what we’re up against. My remarks on Blake’s continuing failures are made because of his disdain for the others in the community who actually get stuff done. Protesting is not going to fix things. Protesting brings attention to issues which we should then work together on to fix. His “protest everything” point of view is not going to get the calls made to our government officials, nor is it going to sit down with our political allies to advance our equality. So since his method is really only a part of the overall picture as to what is needed then wouldnt it seem to you that his focus would be on the coordination between organization to protest and get attention for issues so that the other organizations in the community could then work diligently to make head way on them? Instead he chooses to stir people up and then provide no outlet for channeling that energy because he and his gang bite the heads off of the organizations with the ability to actually accomplish things. Not vey smart. Thats why his methods will fail everytime at gaining headway for our community. Not just that but his only platform seems to be national issues. How does the old saying go? All Politics is local. What about the issues we would like to fight for in Dallas? Or other cities in the metroplex? These are just some of the reasons his organization will never actually accomplish anything or create real change in our community. And I feel bad for those of you who just dont get that. Because those of you who dont understand this are channeling such great energy into something that means nothing because its end result does nothing to advance our place in society.
As far as publicizing an event of this nature, I for one can assure you it takes loads of cash. I can also assure you that ALL publicity for this event was paid for out of Blake Wilkinson’s own pocket. Joshua, unless you are willing to contribute thousands of dollars for bill boards and radio and TV adds YOURSELF, criticizing the publicity of this event is VERY poor form.
In regards to Blake; REGARDLESS of your personal feelings about Mr. Wilkinson and REGARDLESS of his motivation, he IS doing something. Where was your rally? There is a lot that goes into planning an event like this and a lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of the organizer. Example; Did you consider that when the crowd ventured back down to the monument AFTER THE RALLY WAS OVER AND ON THEIR OWN VOLITION, that perhaps Blake had to stay behind at TMC to ensure that things were left in an orderly fashion. Did you consider that the crowd moving down to the monument once again was fulfilling the POINT of the gathering in the first place? (Empowering folks to do something about it on their own, protesting without having to follow leader) Blake could have easily led the crowd back down to the monument, but they did it on their own.. that is BEAUTIFUL, and I know from personally speaking with Blake that he was THRILLED to see that happen.
This gathering was MUCH larger than the Nov. 15th Rally, was a huge success , and I personally was overjoyed to see people so motivated! I would encourage you to become involved. Too often folks like you complain about the leadership in our community.. you are more than welcome to step up. But until you are willing to lead a movement yourself … HOW DARE YOU speak about the folks who ARE willing to put it on the line in such a NASTY and HATEFUL way! HOW DARE YOU poison the waters of a new birth of activism in Dallas with your personal vendetta! YOU should be ashamed.
Everyone else, The rally was awesome! Thank you so much for making it a success, and standing up for what you know is right!
Back when I was running Gay Lesbian Bisexual Young Adults for the Dallas Gay & Lesbian Alliance (1993-1996) we always worried that we would have a meeting or event and only 5 people would come. But one of our board members told me something that really stuck with me. “There are no small meetings in this community”. Everytime someone commits an act of courage, we win. Last night 500 or so people stood up on short notice on a weekday and ACTED UP! We need to build on that. We’re not responsible for everyone else’s apathy, just our own. I didn’t care who the organizer was, I was going to go down there, even if it was just me, and create change.
I so have a new idea for a Bravo show. I think we need to have a “Rally-off”. BLAKE VS JOSHUA. Who can create the best rally? Come on Joshua, let’s settle this now!
LOL @ Daniel. Sorry bud but you are a mess. You dont seem to know too little about what you speak so I will just say, I’m sorry you dont get it. As for everyone else… read my previous post and maybe it will become evident that strategy is key and a movement is not just about people like Blake. He is just a part but thinks QL is the sum. All organizations in this community are a part of the whole. And fo the claims that I dont do anything……. I will only say that I have personally done more in the last four or five months to shape the political landscape and create lasting change in this community than probably MOST of you combined. But see I dont needs to flaunt my accomplishments because they arent really my accomplishments. They are victories for this community. Right here at home. Right here in Dallas. Thank GOD QL is getting people fired up. My point is that it could be much greater without leadership at the helm that is so narrow minded in his scope and leadership. Period. Any of you that would care to discuss this further are free to email me directly at trustmeyoullthankmelater@gmail.com. It is a little difficult to show some of you crazies why you are wrong AND hold down a job at the same time.
whether you love blake or hate him you have to give him credit for getting out there and doing something instead of sitting at home blogging about how he could do it better than everyone else.
Wow. Sounds to me like someone is terribly jelous, and fiercely bitter. I was not only at the Rally, but I also spoke. I was very pleased to see the turn out. I thought Blake did a great job. Bringing the GLBT community together for ANY cause is not easy. That is a sad reality. The fact that Blake, and Queer Liberaction, inundated folks with emails for weeks is why the Rally had such a good turn out. Question: Who else was even bothering to try and organize any kind of event in response to the Prop 8 decision. I don’t remember hearing from Joshua about anything he was doing. Finding fault with folks is easy. It gives us an excuse to ignore and remain action-less. I appreciate what Blake did. I am happy to try and work with him, and the QL team as much as I am able. As the old sdaying goes, someone’s got to do it, and at least they are DOING, not just writing volumes of negative, nasty, critical, and bitter comments. As for expectations that Blake should hung out until the last second to go back to the monument, (yada, yada, yada)… It is very tiring to organize an event of this nature. Blake had been working all day on this meeting. I understand the need to finally be able to sit back and relax a bit after a hard days’ work. Thanks Blake. Pastor Charles – http://www.Dallas1Church.org
I wonder Joshua, are YOU a member of any organizations here in Dallas? It is also a shame you get the shakes speaking in front of people, your words are so well put while you hide behind a computer…
“Sorry bud but you are a mess”
“some of you crazies”
“I will only say that I have personally done more in the last four or five months to shape the political landscape and create lasting change in this community than probably MOST of you combined”
“leadership at the helm that is so narrow minded in his scope and leadership”
How is this any different than the hate speech those who oppose our community throw at us? It is really sad when people in our own community feel the need to tear down what others are doing to help . I would encourage you, Joshua to attend the QL meeting tonight at 7pm, at Buli …. if you can’t say it to Blakes face, and honestly in the faces of the other people you are so “brave” to insult while hiding behind your monitor, then your rhetoric means nothing. I would also encourage readers of this post to ignore further comments from “Joshua Ericson” no need to fuel the bitterness.
While I disagree with the tone of Joshua’s comment, which seems a bit too personal for my tastes, I think he does make an interesting point about the maturity level and focus of this organization. Admittedly I’ve only been to one event, the Nov rally, and I was very happy I went, but I’ve seen news of the others and I have to say they kinda had me scratching my head.
The “kiss in†at the DMA for example. I understand the point that was being made, I just think it was a rather ineffective method of getting it across to the intended audience, which I’m assuming were the people visiting the DMA. I mean, what do you think they were concentrating on, the message of tolerance and equal rights, or two guys kissing? Obviously, I’m not too shocked by this but I can imagine the usual groups of suburban parents probably were. Now, I’m not saying that there shouldn’t have been a demonstration I just think that when you’re trying to make an argument for something you should tailor your message to fit the audience, otherwise it all just becomes confrontation for confrontation’s sake and the message is lost.
I also agree with Joshua on his contention concerning the lack of local causes. Protesting Prop 8 is great but it ultimately whether it remains or is overturned, it has very little relevance to the average Dallasite. If you want to get people involved you have to show them that its going to have an impact on their lives at home, otherwise they’re going to think to themselves, “what is the point?â€
However, that being said, I do wish to say that this criticism doesn’t come from a place derision or apathy. Rather, I’d like to think it is constructive. Queer Liberaction is a great idea, and the limited exposure I’ve had to them was a positive one. They all seemed to be very motivated, brave, and incredibly kind people who really want to make a difference. I just think they have some kinks to work out in their strategy. I have no doubt that, ultimately, this will come about in time but not if they can’t accept some criticism now and then.
I just want to add this thought… Mine is a far more “conservative” voice within the GLBT community. I spoke, even at the Rally last night, of the need for the GLBT community to use wisdom in our attempts to address issues of great importance to us. I spoke of the need to emphasize our similarities and not merely to broadcast our differences. The best way to build bridges and cross deep canyons of division and misunderstanding is start from a posiiton of similarities. I do not agree with some of the tactics emploed by QL, or even some of the chants they employ, but all in all I know that they are trying to do something. I am happy to work with them. One must appreciate the fact that they are wiloling to include a much more conservative voice, as my own, in their events. I appreciate their willingness to do so. The sad reality is that it took quite some time for Martin Luther King to gain the confidence and support of much of the Black community in America. Some here suggest that we need to approiach activism differently than many have in the past. I agree with this. But many would not even bother to show up for a more constructive, conservative, and less confrontational approach. We all do what we know to do. Some efforts are more effective than others. While California’s Prop 8 may not have had a direct impact on those of us here in TX, it DOES absolutely add momentum and gas to the anti-GLBT movement’s engine. A loss to our community anywhere IS IN FACT a loss to GLBT people EVERYWHERE! You had better believe that. Taking this opportunity to show that TX GLBT folks are not pleased and will not remain idle in the face of issues like thois was very much wise. The folks who opposse us, and riase millions of dollars to do so, will surely use the Prop 8 decision to fuel their campaigns. We would have been foolish to simply have sit back and done nothing to respond.
Unfortunately I could not participate (but would have) if I was not out-of-town.
Blake is to be commended if for nothing else to have the chutzpah to get off his ass
and organize something which is more than I can say for a lot of more lazy queens in this town.
There are those in the Dallas Community that prefer to live comfortably in their little bubble of reticence rather than make waves. Let’s face it – this IS Dallas,
we are not San Francisco, New York, or Boston.
With that said, Dallas has reason to be proud, we have a well organized and perhaps a more “cohesive” GLBT community than many other cities – I think due to the fact that we have always been surrounded by the right wing Christian zealots here in the South.
That fact has forced us to congeal as it were. As Lory Masters was recently quoted
in the Dallas Voice 25th Anniversary Edition ” We cooperate.”
She’s right – in order to accomplish anything we have to cooperate with one another.
However, there will always be those “professional” queens that would never be caught dead
protesting in the streets. But to their credit – this same group can and does contribute
generously to non-partisan organizations like HRC, DIFFA, AIDSWalk, etc, and there is a place and need for them as well as the protesters in the street.
We need to quiet behind the scenes financiers who have long-term commitment in our struggle
just as much as we need the “in your face” protesters like Blake and QL.
These various factions (rightly or wrongly) all think that “their” way and approach is the
most productive to achieve the advancement of equal GLBT rights.
All of these various factions are like the different colored stripes in our Pride Flag –
working together – albeit in different ways to achieve the same end result.
I feel a sense of Pride – whenever the greater Community gathers – whether it’s attending
Black Tie Dinner – or a good old fashion March in the Street.
There is something very liberating and rewarding about participating in BOTH !!!
I just don’t think there’s just one way to reach a destination – and different people have
different opinions on the best route to get there – but the one thing I think we can ALL
agree on is that “participation” is critical. This is YOUR Democracy and Democracy is
not a spectator sport – so get involved – in whatever way you feel most comfortable
but by all means do SOMETHING.
I believe Jay Narey has ended this discussion. Now go and participate!
haha, goodness, looks like I missed a good blogger battle. Not to ruffle anymore feathers but I would have to side with (for the most part, not entirely) Joshua. He actually seems to be saying something that needs to be said. Not necessarily in the WAY he says it and it could do without some of those more personal moments but the overall message and concerns with QL and our movement overall I think are well based and make perfect sense. As he said, thank god QL is stirring people up! But, what a great question to ask. And that question is, what is happening to that momentum after events? And is QL only good for events? Where is the connection to the rest of the community in a way that clearly leads people to do more than simply hold signs and chant at a rally? Thats really the main reason I haven’t been sure about joining the group myself. I am on the board of one of those organizations that QL thumbs its nose at and I certainly cant see myself feeling comfortable at this time joining their organization because there is a preconceived notion that I am one of the bad guys for this. I’m not so much on the defensive I dont think, as I am more interested in giving my time and commitment to an organization that reaches out in a big way to other organizations. Much respect for QL though and I hope that they begin to give it in return. I have been hoping for some type of common projects and efforts with QL for sometime now but it seems like when things are just beginning to settle down I see another comment in the voice or someother publication where well established groups like DGLA are belittled with unflattering references that suggest we have run our course and become irrelivant and i think that type of derisivness is a little unfair. But anyway, heres hoping for a change. 😉
Now that’s a different point. The first point that was made was that there weren’t enough people there because the leader was bad. I don’t agree with that argument.
The other point that the leader of the rally was belittling other groups…that I can see. No, we have not been fully successful with the equality movement but we have had great successes on the local level. Cece Cox in her speech talked about some of the leaders from the past who worked hard to:
1. Set up a center after DGA (now DGLA) was firebombed out of their office on the strip.
2. Set up a health clinic for those with HIV/AIDS
3. Stop Police harrassment and clean up the neighborhoods.
4. Train police & fire personnel to understand how to relate to our community (Thank you John Wimberly at DGLA).
5. to start a youth group that eventually became part of Youth First Texas.
6. To join a suit against the city of Dallas to fight job discrimination (Mika England)
7. To fight for the reversal of 21.06, the Texas Sodomy Law.
8. To spread the successes to other areas (Collin County Gay & Lesbian Alliance & The Carrollton Project).
9. To get non-descrimination added to the city policies.
10. To start a GLBT Chamber of Commerce
11. To publically endorse candidates and get their support
These are just the things I can think of off the top of my head. I know I’m leaving out a lot. Deb Elder, John Thomas, William Wayborn, Bill Nelson, Terry Tebedo, Cece Cox, Erin Moore, Steve Atkinson and SO MANY OTHERS have worked very hard for this community to get us where we are. Without their work the police who were receptive and supportive last night would have put us all in paddy wagons, beat us and hauled us away.
Basically though, give Blake a break. The rally was fun and I had a good time. Was exactly what needed to be done at that particular moment.
Thanks Bob for pointing out a few of our most major strides as a community. I only wish I had been an active force in more of them. If only I wasnt born in 1985 maybe i would have been able too 😉 I have to say though that your list is a laundry list of the reasons I am so proud to fight for our community from within DGLA. And once again I hope that DGLA and QL are able to work together in a productive way in the future. To paraphrase a saying that was even mentioned last night, there is more that unites us than divides us.
We’ll advance our goals a lot more by working together and stop the personal attacks. Joshua’s personal vendetta against Blake resulted in his good points to be lost in the discussion. If you don’t like Blake’s style, don’t work with him. Plain and simple. To fight hate from the outside, we must stop it amongst ourselves.
I, too, don’t always agree with QL, but last night’s effort I did and thoroughly enjoyed the event they organized. To call it “insignificant” is really silly and an insult to QL. To get 500 people to attend a Tuesday night rally IN DALLAS was very significant and thanks to Blake and QL for their efforts.
I agree with Damien…it was exactly what I needed to vent some anger from the CSC decision. Very cathartic. Did it do anything to advance our goals in Dallas? No….but don’t care…at least it made me feel better….almost as good as a xanax. LOL! Lighten up Dallas…let’s all get along.
My spouse and I participated in the rally, as we have participated in several QL events. As co-pastors of Dignity/Dallas, we also endorsed the event and encouraged our members to participate.
My advice is simply this: We need a clear, concise message. We need talking points. Every single time someone is interviewed in the media, that “someone” needs to be able to clearly articulate what our movement is about.
Sure, we were on the streets protesting a decision that was made by the California Supreme Court — one that has no direct bearing on Texans. But the broader point — and I say the reason we were on the streets — was never articulated by anyone (and believe me, I watched all the local news coverage). It’s simply this: In American jurisprudence, the courts have historically protected the rights of the minority against the tyranny of the majority. The California Supreme Court failed in that fundamental obligation, and we took to the streets to protest. Because if it can happen in California, it can happen in Texas or anywhere in this country. This isn’t a gay rights issue — it’s a civil rights issue. That’s the message that would have rallied more supporters and allies to our cause, and we failed to communicate that message.
I’m just sayin’.
In this age of the internet, people can easily hide behind a computer screen and share ignorance, hatred, bigotry, legit information, point of views, good or bad, etc…
But how many people are truly believing what they type and how many are just ignorant spewing hate because it’s so anonymous and just because…they…can?
I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO COME ON MY SHOW AND PROVE THAT YOU ARE NOT ASHAMED OF YOUR THOUGHTS, BELIEFS, VIEWS as opposed to being LITTLE PUSSIES HIDING BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN.
I challenge anyone that has posted on this issue to come on my public access show called THE 10%. It’s a gay version of THE VIEW that airs every Friday night at 8pm on channel 95 (Time Warner/Fios).
Nothing extreme, just a professional, mature way of discussing an issue. Bring your beliefs, views with you.
I predict that anyone who’s posted against this issue on here will chicken out, but I hope I’m proven wrong.
Oh, and I will ALWAYS post my name on every blog that I do cause that’s how I roll.
ISRAEL LUNA
DALLAS FILMMAKER (WHO HAPPENS TO BE GAY)
LaLunaEntertainment.com
Wow, Israel…great way to lump us all together. And you’re welcome to contact me anytime at Bob@BobMcCranie.com. I’m more than happy to put my face and my views together. I liked the rally and I liked the energy there. I found minor exception to the comments about how ineffecive the previous efforts have been (said by the guy on the megaphone at the rally) but that was far outweighted by the speeches, expecially Cece Cox, Rick Vanderslice, and Angela Hunt.
“I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO COME ON MY SHOW AND PROVE THAT YOU ARE NOT ASHAMED OF YOUR THOUGHTS, BELIEFS, VIEWS as opposed to being LITTLE PUSSIES HIDING BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN.” — Interesting. No one has to prove anything to you. Your way is not the only way to have an authentic life or opinion. But I’m happy to talk to anyone at just about anytime. Lots of us have been in the streets shouting for equality. We’re not all pussies hiding behind a screen.
And I’ve signed my name to everything too.
I’m inclined to agree with you, Bob. There’s no need for Israel to make such sweeping generalizations. In fact, doing so could be counterproductive.
This really has gone on for too long people.. The Rally was good, weather you agree with Blake or no.. our community gathered, weather you agree with the reason or not.. we still do not have BASIC human rights, so no, previous efforts have helped but they have not gotten us there yet. It is time to put aside this petty bickering and realize that YES the DGLA Stonewall Dems, and countless other organizations have BEEN HERE and have accomplished so many WONDERFUL THINGS.. they will continue to do so, but now there is ALSO a new kind of activism being born in Dallas and rather than hen peck it to death, why not see where we can all work together, because, let’s face it, none of these pieces of the puzzle are going to be able to do it on their own. Protesting won’t do it.. it will make us visible tho … writing letters won’t do it.. but it will get some law makers attention.. Plain and simple.. we need “radical” activists like Blake, just as bad as we need some of the more established organizations. When we get bogged down in the politics of the LGBT Movement we miss the bigger picture.How can we expect to have our voices heard by our opposition when we won’t even listen to each other’s? I personally have always seen our differences as our strong suit in our community.. but stone throwing like this only turns our strength against us!
I agree with you, too, Jon and Bob…
Yes, the way I posted my blog was a bit aggressive but it cracks me up with “bloggers” (especially the ones AGAINST an event that happened) do nothing but criticize. Those are the ones that I’m mainly talking about…
…not people like us who state our names, have open-mindedness about issues, instead of blatant ignorance with sentences like, “I would definitely say that the turn out in this case was pretty sad. I would say it was comical if the stakes weren’t so high. I mean wow.” Or “Perhaps a group of people or organizations that are much better at leading things because lord knows Blake can’t do it right.” That last comment has nothing to do with the event. It’s someone letting everyone know that he doesn’t like Blake.
Are we in Jr. High school or something? That type of response to an LGBT event is the reason that blogs become jokes and are typed in between blogs that actually make you think for a moment.
So, yes, Bob! I’d love to have you on my show. I’ll email you later today. : ) Joshua. You game?
ISRAEL LUNA
Israel, I’ve never watched your show, but the fact that you call it a “gay version of The View†makes me even less inclined to check it out. Why? I despise The View. I am not interested in observing or participating in the types of shrill, emotional debates that are common on The View. The very idea that anyone with an opinion should have access to a microphone or a blog — something I call the “Oprahfication†of America – has contributed to the demise of thoughtful, respectful dialogue.
When the O.J. Simpson criminal trial ended, Ted Koppel made an observation during a Nightline commentary that remains with me to this day. He said that for weeks, Judge Lance Ito concluded every day in court by instructing the jurors not to discuss the case with anyone; to form any opinions or draw any conclusions. Yet throughout the entire trial, Koppel said, everyone in America did just that. So in the end, he continued, we were entitled to our opinion, but only the jurors were qualified to render a judgment.
I mention this because it says something about our culture. Too many people think that because they have an opinion they are qualified to decide for everyone else how something should be. I would much rather discuss the issues with serious, thoughtful people who are open to other views — rather than with shallow, uninformed people who insist that everyone else accept their view.
My comment wasn’t about your show, Israel, since I have never seen it and can’t possibly comment on it. Rather, it was about shows like The View, to which you compared your show. If your show isn’t like The View, fine. You can count on me tuning in.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m moved by an impassioned argument and a vigorous debate. But I’ve grown tired of the hostility, suspicion and rancor that has found its way into nearly every discussion of substantive issues today. One thing I appreciate about President Obama is his ability to remain cool under pressure. Some people think he’s without emotion, but I find it refreshing that a public figure doesn’t have to resort to hyperbole or appeal to hysteria to make a point.
The word “conversation” comes from the same root word as “conversion.” In order for people to have a genuine conversation, there must exist the possibility that the participants will experience a conversion…that they will, in your words, “actually learn something” by participating. Hopefully, that’s the sort of thing you’re doing on your show.
Jon, you say, “I would much rather discuss the issues with serious, thoughtful people who are open to other views — rather than with shallow, uninformed people who insist that everyone else accept their view.”
If you haven’t seen my show, then how do you know if we’re shallow and not open to other views? That’s exactly what my show is about: have different views and talking about it. I’m inviting people who disagree with the protest to be on my show so they can talk about it. I call that pretty open, no? You don’t have to agree or disagree with me…but my show has gay topics, gay points of view, gay messages, given by gays and lesbians.
If it’s not your thing…cool. But as the disclaimer at the beginning of the show says, “You may actually learn something by watching.”
israel
p.s. 2 people from this blog have responded and one is considering being on my next show after speaking on the phone. Sweet!
Excellently and elequently put, Jon…
I hear ya loud and clear. In order to have a “good” conversation, there needs to be the possibility and openness of “conversion.” Wonderfully put! Can I use that on the show?
I only mentioned THE VIEW cause it’s a quick, one sentence way to describe my talk show. I’m always open to hearing different views of issues. Sometimes I agree, sometimes not, but that’s precisely why I created the show…to have people begin conversations about different gay issues.
I hope you tune in tonight! Channel 95 at 8pm (Time Warner Cable). It’s called THE 10%. : )
Israel Luna
Of course you can use it! We have DirecTV. Can we see it there, too? If so, what channel?
Will do. Thanks. And, keep it cool.
U can’t see it on DirectTV unfortunately. 🙁 but u can watch it online tonight at 8pm. Do a search for iMedia Dallas. 🙂
There were only 71 people at this rally – not “hundreds.” Not sure why the Dallas Voice is lying about Blake’s little business, but I was nearby with a friend. We were curious how many people would show up, so we counted them…. all 71 of them.
Is Queer Liberaction a non-proift or is this Blakes way to make a living? Some kind of gay-rights-pimp?
Where do you get the 71 total? I was not there, but saw video coverage and counted more than 71 people easily.
Easily over 600 actually.. you can look at pictures online that have more than a hundred people in them.. why all the nastiness, DD?
Well, 600, that is interesting. I would love to beleive that but I was there too and I’m going to have to call BS. I certainly wish there were 600 that showed up but alas I would
Estimate it at around 125-175. I think less at the monument. Might not be such a good idea do inflate numbers like that. I will say it was a decent and very active and fired up crowd. I was happy to be there.
Thanks for the correction Damien. I knew I must have been miscounting.
Hey, no problem. 🙂 I’m sure it was just wishful thinking on the part of someone that is passionate about the movement.