- C.d. Kirven
Dallas activist C.d. Kirven and Get Equal Now joined Stand Up Florida to protest an appearance by National Organization for Marriage in Orlando, Florida.
In the picture, Kirven was leading a prayer and asked “Who would Jesus hate?”
NOM’s recent protests have attracted few people so instead of outdoor demonstrations, they have moved their anti-gay rhetoric indoors, speaking in churches.
The counterprotest outside the church also included Courage Campaign, Come Out Orlando, Florida Together, Human Rights Campaign, Queer Activist Coalition, ISO, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Metropolitan Community Church, among others.
Members of Get Equal Now and Stand Up Florida first met in Dallas in June when the group from the Sunshine State traveled to Dallas for the ExxonMobil protest.
Kirven said two NOM supporters were outside the church and about 10 were inside. Courage Campaign counted 150 NOM protesters.
One sign that read “Tradition is a Choice” referred to the accusation by conservative religious groups that homosexuality is a choice. Religion is a choice that is constitutionally protected.
“We had a victory in California and we are standing together for marriage equality today,” Kirven said at the rally. “This is not a battle between homosexual against heterosexual. This is a battle of justice against injustice. I would love to sit down with Dr. King who attended NOM’s Atlanta protest to begin a sisterhood between our communities. We must and will be free. Get Equal Now!”
Stupid. It doesn’t do us any good to promote the crazy religious nuts. It’s better to let them make fools of themselves.
Confronting these liars and bigots is exactly what the LGBT community needs to do at each and every opportunity. If their lies and discrimination are not challenged publicly and openly, when will they be refuted? The LGBT community should be applauded for their efforts in Orlando, and other activists should take note. Congratulations! We shall overcome!
Sorry, Rich. Nobody “confronted” these wingnuts – they imitated them.
Their “lies and discrimination” are not “refuted” in the streets. NOM is just trying to agitate the LGBT Community and your “we shall overcome” counter protest is EXACTLY what they want.
Most of America either ignores or laughs at this crowd. We shouldn’t be giving them attention. It only helps them.
Protesting is so unpopular we have to fly activists around the country? Orlando comes here, we go there. What do we have about 1000 LGBT protesters in the US?
It is unpopular because it doesn’t work. Without a “threat,” marching around with clever signs and making “demands” doesn’t accomplish anything. Okay, a few people get to travel, but that’s it.
It’s 2010. Grow up. The world has changed.
Andrew, there are a number of ways to make a difference. Other than complain about what other people do, over and over and over and over and over again, what is something positive you’ve done to make a difference in the LGBT community? Something. Please! I’ve LOVE to report on it.
I’ve been introducing “accountability” to the Movement. This means holding ALL tactics, methods and strategies accountable. It means being honest and objective about their effectiveness.
It’s important. Report on that. If you have ANY evidence of protest being effective in the last 20 years – please provide it. Childish stunts are a distraction and counterproductive. That’s not a reflection on the few dozen that have romanticized “activism,” but an objective analysis of the tactic.
Holding them accountable how? All I’ve seen is you deriding the LGBT community every time they get together – whether it’s a celebration or a protest. If insulting people on line is your idea of holding people accountable, thanks for the heads up.
That’s childish David. Accountability means we need to determine what works and what doesn’t. That means every tactic, method and strategy. That isn’t “insulting people,” it is being honest and objective. You love protest – I got it. But, a cheerleader doesn’t make the tactic effective – results do. How about providing an example of “protest” or “direct action” that was effective in THE LAST 20 YEARS?
There aren’t any because the world has changed. Communication has changed. It’s only tired old drama queens who refuse to give it up. See, they’ve romanticized the idea of being an “activist” and fighting in the streets. But, most people have grown up and respect how the world has changed. That’s why the majority of people laugh at protesters.
Try looking at it objectively David and provide some rationale or evidence that complaining or making “demands” actually works. This news item was about sending people from Dallas all the way to Orlando to join a protest against NOM. We don’t gain ANYTHING by imitating or acknowledging NOM. It is stupid to waste the time, money or energy. Traveling from Dallas to Orland to march around with clever signs is just plain silly. If you think it is effective – please explain why.
If you don’t have an explanation or rationale – then you’ve made my point. Accountability works. You should embrace it, as a journalist.