Organizers stress that event not intended as a protest or rally
A candlelight vigil for LGBT marriage equality is planned outside the Galleria Dallas on Saturday, Dec. 20.
The local vigil is part of "Light Up the Night for Equality," with similar demonstrations scheduled at commercial centers around the country. The event is being organized by JoinTheImpact, the national grassroots group that coordinated marriage equality rallies outside City Halls nationwide on Nov. 15.
But Etta Zamboni of Dallas, who recently was named volunteer regional director over six states for JoinTheImpact, stressed that Saturday’s vigil is not a rally or protest.
JoinTheImpact is asking people to bring candles and holders to the vigils but not signs, and to be silent unless asked questions, according to the group’s Web site. Singing is OK, but not chanting, and participants are asked to wear T-shirts saying things like "2nd-class citizen."
"It’s a very peaceful way of reminding people that this issue is not over with and we’re not going to go away," Zamboni said. "This is more of a public commemoration of the rights that we once had and the ability to go to California and get married, and the rights we will have one day."
Zamboni acknowledged that given colder temperatures and the holidays, the vigil is unlikely to draw anywhere near the estimated 1,200 people who attended the rally outside City Hall on Nov. 15. But she said she’s hoping for a big enough turnout to line either side of Alpha Road between the Dallas North Tollway and Noel Road.
The vigil will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and participants are asked to meet in the parking lot north of Alpha Road and east of the Tollway by 4:45 p.m.
The vigil will be preceded by a T-Shirt making party from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 at the Resource Center of Dallas, 2701 Reagan St.
Those attending the party are asked to bring a blank T-shirt or sweatshirt and RSVP to JoinTheImpactDallas@yahoo.com. For more information, go to www.JoinTheImpact.wetpaint.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 19, 2008.