More than 50 gather in wake of marriage defeat in Maine, call on Obama, Congress to lead way in LGBT equality struggle
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| RALLYING THE CROWD | Equality March Texas organizer Trish McDaniels speaks to the crowd during Wednesday’s protest rally on Cedar Springs. (John Wright/Dallas Voice |
More than 50 people gathered on the Cedar Springs strip in Dallas on Wednesday night, Nov. 4, to protest Maine voters’ decision a day earlier to repeal same-sex marriage.
The Dallas protesters first gathered around the Legacy of Love Monument at Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue, chanting slogans and waving flags and signs as they elicited honks from passing motorists.
The protesters then marched down Cedar Springs Road to Throckmorton Street, stopping traffic briefly, before gathering in front of the former Crossroads Market to hear from a handful of speakers.
"Civil rights must never be put up for a vote," yelled Daniel Cates, co-founder of Equality March Texas, the group that organized the protest. "If civil rights were put to a vote, President Obama wouldn’t be President Obama."
Other speakers echoed the theme.
"As a minority group, we can never, ever have our rights put up to a popular vote," said Erin Moore, president of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas.
"I really want to forget about this state by state struggle," Moore added. "I know we need to build ground momentum, I know it all starts locally, but it’s time for federal rights. We need [President] Obama, the legislators we have elected, that we work hard to elect, to stand up for the people they represent. We need them to pass federal legislation that says we are the citizens that we know we are."
Jesse Garcia, president of LULAC 4871-The Dallas Rainbow Council, encouraged people to register to vote, get involved politically and come out not only as LGBT, but also as activists.
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| ANGRY OVER MAINE | Protesters congregate on Cedar Springs Road at the corner of Throckmorton Street in reaction to Tuesday’s vote in Maine repealing a same-sex marriage law. (John Wright/Dallas Voice) |
"Last night Americans once again saw the rights and privileges afforded to gay couples stripped away by the voting public," Garcia said. "Bigots were given the opportunity to go into a voting booth and decide someone else’s civil rights by pushing a button. It seems America has not learned about the hurt and pain caused by California."
Blake Wilkinson, founder of Queer LiberAction, said the vote in Maine marked the 31st time in history that LGBT civil rights have been put to a popular vote, and he said that each of those times, we’ve lost.
"We know that civil rights gains are won from the legislatures and the courts, so where does that leave us?" Wilkinson said. "We have to build a grassroots direct action movement from the streets that will not ask for equality from our elected officials, but will demand equality from our elected officials."
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 06, 2009.
Angry demands. Angry demands. Angry demands.
When will we learn? This sad showing of 50 angry people does not advance our efforts to obtain equality. It simply continues to paint us as victims and a helpless, defeated “minority.”
The truth is LGBT people are some of the most creative and talented people in the World. This is the best we can do? It’s actually pathetic.
We will only be equal when we actually do win “popular votes,” and yet we do nothing to change minds. Instead, we scream insults and make demands.
Grow up. If we continue to believe we need to be “protected,” we seal our fate as “less than” our fellow citizens.
Jon Garrin made a comment yesterday on an Instant Tea post. He declared he was sick of the “anger” and instead would seek to change minds – even if one at a time. That’s productive. It’s also a real effort to create change. Protesting is not.
How many minds have YOU changed lately? That IS the key to our obtaining equality. You have the courage to complain – do you have the courage to change?
We need to change the conversation about our Community. We need to regain a legitimate sense of “pride.” The majority of Americans believe in equality and yet we do nothing to enroll them in our cause. Instead, we continue to focus on the 1/3 of Americans that hate us. We insult them and make demands, but they’re not listening and in fact, they’re unable to listen.
Stop yelling at the wrong crowd. Figure out how to enroll people. We don’t need to rely on “the legislature” or “the courts,” we need to rely on each other and our fellow citizens. They will support us.
Yeah, that requires a little more effort and a little more thought and a little less anger, but it would actually lead to “equality.”
It’s worth thinking about.
“We will only be equal when we actually do win “popular votes,” and yet we do nothing to change minds. Instead, we scream insults and make demands.”
I wish you had actually attended the rally sir, there was no screaming or unreasonable demand making.
Also, if you follow history, you will understand that civil rights are never voted on. If we allowed that to happen, there is a good chance SLAVERY would still be around or at the very least, segregation. There is a good chance women would not be allowed to vote or work or hold public office..
The point is, full equality can only come from the federal government. State by state battles leave us with a checkerboard of equality across the country, with rights in some places and not in others. As long as even SOME of us are still oppressed then NONE of us are free. The federal government has always stepped in on civil rights issues before with court rulings and legislation, what makes us think our movement should be any different than the historical model?
Legislation would signify equality, the vote? acceptance. These are two different things. If we want to get folks to see eye to eye with us, we must first be on the same level. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want them to vote yes for our rights or no or any other way, I don’t think rights should ever be left to a popularity contest. I don’t care to be liked, I care to be equal.
Daniel Cates asked: The federal government has always stepped in on civil rights issues before with court rulings and legislation, what makes us think our movement should be any different than the historical model?
Because this isn’t your Grandfather’s America. Times have changed. The majority of Americans DO believe in equality.
You also said: “I don’t think rights should ever be left to a popularity contest. I don’t care to be liked, I care to be equal.”
Equal Rights are not the same as “Equality.” If you actually think that the Civil Rights Act (45 years ago) has made Blacks “equal,” you misunderstand history. It provided some protections, but didn’t change minds. “Time” has moved Blacks closer to full equality because it has allowed Bigots and their offspring to die off. Eventually, they will have all died off and the hatred/racism will be gone.
You give absolutely no credit to the fact that we, as a Society, have grown up. The data indicates that the majority of our fellow citizens believe in our full equality – we just haven’t figured out how to enroll them.
You cannot “order” or “legislate” equality – you have to create it. Relying on politicians or judges – instead of doing the work ourselves – is lazy.
You suggest don’t want to be “liked,” but you want to be “equal.” In that case you’ll have to do some work – we all will. But, the pursuit of “equal rights” is the “default” solution. It doesn’t create equality – it permanently defines us as a group that needs “protections.” It DOES NOT make us “equal,” in fact it does the opposite.
Consider creating equality, instead of demanding “rights.” If you have the energy to protest, you have the energy to figure out how to create equality.
A Political Opinion by Robert K. Olivieri…
RIGHT-WING CONSERVATISM IS A GODLESS AND IMMORAL POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF GOVERNMENT.
Give it to Republicans, every time they had a chance to be in the majority, they have sent our government into turmoil. Let’s take for example, the S&L bailouts.
Their selfish greed was the cause.
Let’s take Richard Nixon, the liar and disgraced conservative, although I give him credit for improved relations with China at the time.
Let’s take the over-hyped conservative Ronald Reagan and his arms for hostages. The wealthy and bigoted loved him.
I truly believe history will prove he caused our nation more harm than good.
Let’s take George Bush II, as you know, an illegal war, the lies, the unbelievable greed and corruption. He leaves our nation bankrupt when President Clinton left a surplus.
Time in and time out it’s the Democrats who gets to clean up the mess. President Obama is the man who is putting our country back on track.
Brian you and I simply have different definitions of the word Equal. That is fine. Mine is rooted in legal protections and equal standing under the law. Yours is rooted in getting folks to understand us- also a good thing, but:
Voting on someone’s (anyone’s) civil rights sets into motion the idea that any majority can simply gather a popular vote and strip any group of their civil rights. That is a dangerous and quite frankly SCARY idea. Anyone’s freedom is therefore up to their neighbors discretion? Nazi Germany anyone?
The truth is I would love to see the polls that indicate that a majority of Americans favor equality, most I have seen indicate the exact opposite. And here in Texas it will be a cold day in hell before we advance social justice without federal level intervention- just what it took to finally decriminalize homosexual acts in this state.
My ideas may come from my Grandfather’s America, but I see no modern example of anything else that has proven successful. Tell me one place in our country that a popular vote has advanced our or anyone’s equality in a way that cannot be taken away from us by another popular vote?
We seek equality in all things governed by civil law in all 50 states. This can only come from the federal government. If we seek only acceptance, that is a battle that will never be fully won.
Daniel:
We do NOT have a different definition for the word “equal.” Everyone has the same definition – “same.”
Those who have made us “different” have created our difficulties and they didn’t use laws or popular votes – they used their “beliefs.”
There is no “modern example” of a successful movement to “change minds” because there has never been one. Never. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work. In fact, I believe we should be trying EVERYTHING. It’s that important.
Regarding polls – I have seen a lot of data that concludes that the majority of Americans DO support equality. The LGBT Community hasn’t done anything about that reality – instead they seek “civil laws” as some sort of “Holy Grail.” We don’t have those laws – even though the fight has been going on for more than 4O years. Those Civil Laws may instead be an elusive “Hail Mary” pass we continue to hope for – but our Quarterback (Obama) and the Receivers (Congress)are not up to it.
After the results in Maine, don’t expect ENDA, DADT or DOMA legislation in the next 3 years – LGBT is a “lightning rod” again. Any “hoped for” support in the Senate has now been erased.
Perhaps the Courts will make some laws. We’ll see. But, that’s for the lawyers – not us. WE need to be doing something. I believe reaching out to the majority of Americans that support “equality,” would be a good way to spend our time and energy.
Unless we do that, all we can really do is wait. Wait for some different elected officials to enter the Congress – Pro LGBT Equality ones. Wait for the Courts to make us a “Special Class” with dusious “protections.” Wait for the remaining bigots to die off.
Or, we can get off our asses and talk to our friends, relatives and neighbors as we seek to find the ones that DO support equality. And, here’s a radical idea:
Let’s ask for their help.
I have Faith in my fellow citizens – or at least enough of them to make a difference. Instead of focusing on the bigots and blaming them for all our troubles, we need to move beyond that “angry” waste of time and energy, and focus on the ones willing to help us. We’ve never done that. Now, is the time. America is waiting.
Bian C. –
You can have as much “faith in my fellow citizens” as you want. You can skip down the yellow brick road and ask for acceptance all you want and if it makes you feel superior you can wait until hell freezs over. It doesn’t change historical fact and historical fact shows us that putting civil rights issues on the ballot is a losing proposition. In case you haven’t noticed, we live in a nation of hillbillies and thats not likely to change anytime soon. So, Brian C., you go right ahead and mince up to your neighboors and brethlessly try and convince them that we are worthy people deserving of basic civil rights. Me, I’m going to keep screaming, demanding, and holding the feet of legislators to the fire. The time for equality is now. I for one don’t feel like standing placidly by and waiting while society does its best to shove us back in the closet.
AJ Said: “Me, I’m going to keep screaming, demanding, and holding the feet of legislators to the fire. I for one don’t feel like standing placidly by and waiting while society does its best to shove us back in the closet.”
——————–
Maybe your screaming and demanding is why some wish to put you back in the closet.
Contrary to your assertion “we live in a Nation of Hillbillies,” that’s not true – hillbillies make up only 11% of the population.
When you claim “historical facts” please keep in mind that that world has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. The people have, too.
The concern about the word “equality” (especially if you’re going to bring comparisons of the Black civil rights movement), bears asking the question, “Equal to whom?” Let’s face it. There was a certain amount of historical access and privilege lost to a certain class of men who came out as gay and, borrowing from an understanding of what transpired during the Black civil rights movement of the 60’s, they want that access and privilege back. (I say the term, “a certain class of men”, because in this American society we should know by now that not all men will receive equal access and privilege in all situations, and receiving less will be women, and even less, transgenders.)
All this to say, Brian C., that many of us know that the term “equality” has some drawbacks. However, taking cue from the political right’s strategy, the LGBT movement needed a “drumbeat” for its messaging and the term, “equality”, happens to stick (even with its uncomfortable question I mentioned before).
I don’t think the word “equality” has any drawbacks – it is the word for our Movement. It is the ultimate goal for all people – it means “same.”
Which is exactly why “equality” is a drawback, because we won’t be the same, laws notwithstanding.
In a culture that talks real sex and real family on proverbial egg shells, who is taking the time on a to understand sex and family when it comes to LGBT people, when you can barely get people past literal biblical interpretations?
Brian C….I don’t think we disagree…I just think our priorities are different….I agree that equal rights doesn’t create equality. If it did, then there would be no need for NAACP and LULAC. But, I would rather have laws protect me while I’m trying to change hearts and minds which I think will take way longer than you think…GIVE ME MY RIGHTS AND WE CAN SING KUMBAYA LATER!
JW:
Despite religious zealots, the majority of Americans believe in equality. That’s who we, as a community, should focus on – not the 30% that are stuck in the past.
Half the people living today were not here in the 60s. Bigotry, racism and homophobia are dying off. If we focus on those in favor of equality, we will marginalize those that do not.
Today, throughout the LGBT effort, we focus on the wrong crowd – that just defeats us. We need to change goals and change directions.
Now I have to ask… while we are throwing out numbers.. Hillbillies only make up 11% of the population? First, I doubt there is any scientific report that uses the word “hillbillies.” Second how exactly do you identify and count hillbillies? Where DO you get your data from Brian C? Sorry I like to see sources. I had some of the same questions about the data you put into your power point presentation at Ilume..
Again, Brian, “the majority of Americans” that you say believe in equality believe in it along as you speak the same language (in the same manner), follow the same social customs (including family structure), and believe in the same idea of god (or God). Differ from that and “equality” goes out the door! This is not an idea that’s died off. One need only look at popular media to see that.
Speaking of media, one of the major roadblocks is that the “30% that are stuck in the past” currently control the most respected media outlets in this country. That’s one reason why demonstrators continue their work because it can send a message to the media that citizens aren’t going to stand idly by and be quiet.
Now, I do agree that we can’t rest on protesting alone. To quote author, Harold Cruse, from his book Rebellion or Revolution, “It requires neither intellect, education, nor morality these days to howl for civil rights, but it does require some profundity of insight and honesty…to know what to do with civil rights after they are achieved”. This speaks to the culture of our lives and families that need to be concurrently structured and validated. However, this may speak to the most damning inequalities within the LGBT movement itself because (as an example) monogamous, upper class lesbian women may not want any public connection to lower, middle class, poly amorous gay men (and this is well before I bring in the racial element).
JW: I agree. I also think this “equality” whole challenge is being figured out. I have worked on the research side, but I have also seen the strategies and plans. It’s exciting.
Even Tony Kushner said recently that the LGBT Community does not have a strategy.
Daniel:
I haven’t been to iLume for those meetings. I was hired to compile and research data from about 25 sources. I believe that data will be presented soon. Check with Andrew.
The “estimate” of what you call “hillbillies” is similar to data on “rednecks,” both “subjective” terms. It’s mostly objective, but by its nature isn’t exact. Several studies suggest 15-20%.
Part of our problem is rural America – just look at Prop 1 in Maine. Rural Maine won. Many of your hillbillies are there. Rural America is about 20% of the population. It’s an older, mostly religious demographic. We should ignore rural America, at least for now.
This is part of that overall research that you would be more interested in:
– LGBT issues are decided on two factors – age and religion. If you doubt that, look at the US Senate.
– Americans are two-thirds “religious,” and one-third is non-religious or spiritual, etc.
– That religious group splits evenly (50/50) on the question of “equality,” although, as has has been discussed here – marriage can effect that.
– The result is that two-thirds of America are in favor of equality.
This is where the LGBT Community has a problem – 1) they continue to try to scold or fight with the one-third that is “very religious.” That conversation is a waste of time because it cannot be won. 2) we spend no time on the two-thirds that WOULD support us. It’s backwards.
Plus, the continued “protest” and demanding of rights actually sounds awkward to the two-thirds that are willing to support us. The “issue” needs to be equality.
I hope you get a chance to see the results of the research. As far as I know, I don’t think anyone has taken this approach to achieving LGBT equality. There is a lot of math.
I hope that helps.
Brian C.
Again, you sit on your litle piles of data and wring your little hands and trumpet about how this nation of hillbillies has changed over the last 25 years at the same time we continue to get the crap kicked out of us at the ballot box.YOU Brian are part of the problem. Mincing, frightened, cringing little fags who can do nothing as we are marginalized, discriminated against, and generally used as punching bags. Again, you compile your data and formulate your worthless little reports with smug feelings of superiority but stat uot of the way of those of us who choose to act. I bet you got beat up a lot when you were a kid didn’t you?
I’m sorry you can only see one way to make progress: “I’m going to keep screaming, demanding, and holding the feet of legislators to the fire.” (your words)
What you are doing has been done for the past 40 years. It hasn’t actually worked. But, I am well aware that some people think “angry group demands” are helpful.
I am not suggesting that you stop trying to “force” the issue. I am saying there are more options. Perhaps, you should explore them – you might be surprised.
@AJ and Brian C.
Here we go again. Trying to invalidate each other’s methods for gaining equality. I am a fan of both methods. WE NEED people being vocal and taking our issues to the streets. WE NEED people doing the number crunching and keep up with the stats about who are our likely supporters and who are not. WE NEED people who are not necessarily active in the movement but are having conversations with friends, family, co-workers, the guy in the dog park, the lady in the check-out line, etc. Let’s just get pass this who’s right/who’s wrong conversation and just work together! Life would be so much easier if we could 🙂
Great Comment Tisha.
We have had 50 years of “demanding” and “protesting.” We have little to show for it. At the same time, we have not taken personal responsibility for creating what we desire – equality.
I have suggested we stop fighting and start creating. We need to create the change we desire, we need to create our “equality.” I’m not content waiting for politicians – who simply cannot be trusted, or the courts to issue laws that don’t actually “protect” us or create equality.
Equality is the goal. Conversation is the method. I think we should abandon name calling (bigots, homophobes, etc.) and the “angry demand” mentality. It doesn’t work and continues to cast us as helpless victims. We are not helpless.
Being very honest and objective there is simply NO evidence that “demanding” works. Each of us, because of our own life experience, knows that conversation DOES work. Unfortunately, as a Community, we’ve never done that in an organized manner. The data suggests that NOW is the time.
Tisha,
You said: “Trying to invalidate each other’s methods for gaining equality.”
Trying to obtain “equal rights” is not the same as trying to create “equality.” With equality – equal rights are no longer needed.
So, I don’t actually think anyone was trying to invalidate methods, but just trying to demonstrate they have different goals. I would much rather have equality, than equal rights – those laws don’t protect us, they just divide us (further) as a special class – farther from our goal of equality.
Last week someone commented about how our lives would be if we were never made “different,” or defective. I don’t want to be different, I want to be just as ‘same” as everyone else.
I am a direct beneficiary of the American Suffragettes and Bra Burners, I hold them up as my examples of protest.
Clancy,
That movement is STILL working towards equality – laws were passed 100 years ago.
That’s my point. Laws were made, but equality was not created. Women today earn only 77% of what men earn. Our US Congress is only 17% female.
We can’t order anyone to change their thinking – we have to help them do that. Shouting isn’t a plan.
You cannot legislate equality. You can only pass laws that “suggest” protections or rights. Unless minds change, the laws are meaningless.
AMEN TISHA!
Tisha,
“Laws” don’t protect you. They never have, they never will. They punish bad behavior. Until laws come with a security force to “protect” you – they only make something illegal.
Here’s a comparison: Speed Limits are designed to “protect” us. Those who violate those laws (and get caught) pay penalties. But, nothing actually enforces (completely) the speed limit. Those caught even speed again.
Passing additional laws – against discrimination or hatred, doesn’t change behavior. In fact, the bad guys who fire an employee for no good reason, would simply not use the word “faggot” when doing so.
Changing minds is not as difficult a challenge as you think. The world has changed a lot in 50 years. Plus, if you enroll enough people in “equality,” you won’t need those laws.
I sense most of the reluctance is that many of us believe “somebody else” is going to create our equality. That somebody else – is you, not politicians or judges or even the LGBT Rights business.
We have to stop fighting and start creating. WE have to create our equality – not “demand” it. Demands haven’t worked for 50 years. It’s time to try something else.
Have a look at the “math” sometime – you’ll be surprised. Believing that it’s “impossible” to create a movement – and have our fellow Americans stand up for equality – may be a popular belief, but it’s not true.
Daniel and Tisha …
I can help but mention that you two never answer what appears to be an important question:
HOW does demanding equal rights accomplish anything? What evidence is there that politicians or the general public changes their position – just because angry demands are made?
I would participate, but I just don’t see the merit. 50 people came out for this demonstration and gave speeches to each other. How does THAT accomplish anything? Even having 5,000 people show up wouldn’t change anything but dinner plans.
What am I missing? Please convince me protesting – in 2009 – is effective.
I don’t know what Brian has in mind, but I (so far) agree with his assessment about continuing to try something, especially after it’s been tried for 50 years and it hasn’t worked.
See this story about Cleve Jones and the goofiness of EqualityAcrossAmerica.com:
https://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2009/11/bar-cleves-eaa-has-200-fuzzy-groups-you.html
Fuzzy. Fuzzy. Fuzzy.
Uh, fuzzy? From Mr. “I-want-to-be-known-as-the-one-white-gay-activist-who-talked-to-Buju-Banton” Petrelis? Guess it takes fuzzy to know it, eh? All that fuzziness makes me wanna sing a song. Wanna hear it? Here it goes!:
“Moved into the country,
gonna eat a lot of peaches…”
It doesn’t matter EAD,
EAA has already folded.
It’s very difficult to start a new organization. Too many existing groups were attacking us. I still like the idea, but we’ll have to come up with a better way to launch and support a new group.
My question was NEVER answered. There is NO evidence to support their behavior.
Last chance:
HOW does demanding equal rights accomplish anything? What evidence is there that politicians or the general public changes their position – just because angry demands are made?
Josh,
You might not be getting an answer because most people think it’s an asinine question when history class gave you many examples. Simply look at American and world history and you will see many examples of angry demands effecting change in political leaning.
For something closer to home, have a look at the birth of modern times Gay Rights kicked off in the great Stonewall riots of NYC. I’ll point out that it was largely started by very angry drag queen sisters because of intolerable police harassment of gay bars.
Sweetie, why don’t you explain to us imbeciles why you think getting in the streets looking angry doesn’t work?
Amanda,
Stonewall was 40 years ago. They fought back against “actual” oppression.
Name an example of “angry demands” accomplishing something in the last 20 years. Anything.
Remember, this is 2009.