Gay Rights Speech: What Should Obama Say Tonight?

UPDATED, with comments below:

What should Obama say in what's being called his "big gay rights speech"?

Tonight, on the eve of the National Equality March expected to draw thousands to the nation's capital this weekend, President Obama is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the biggest black-tie, seen-and-be-seen dinner of the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay organization. A leadership award named after the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, a long-time champion of gay rights, will be given to Judy and Dennis Shepard, around the same time their 21-year-old son Matthew lay on his deathbed after being robbed, pistol-whipped and tied to a fence -- the victim of a hate crime. That was 11 years ago.

A lot has changed since, and to many gays, a lot still needs to change. "Change," of course, being the cornerstone of Obama's historic campaign. Though Obama is the second American president to speak at the annual dinner -- now in its 13th year -- he is, as the first black president, the first member of a minority group to address a minority group that's been fighting for changes for many years. Expectations are high.

And this being a gay event staged in official, political Washington, there will be picketers. But not the usual kind. To underscore the pressure on the current Democratic administration, the picketers are members of gay groups who feel that Obama has not delivered on his promises in his nearly nine months in office. Not enough. Not fast enough. Especially in the gay rights landscape that's been energized and emboldened by the work of online-powered grassroots organizers and bloggers on sites as varied as the Bilerico Project, Pam's House Blend, Towleroad and AmericaBLOG, among others. Together, they're using the social Web -- Facebook, Twitter and YouTube -- to broaden their reach, engage supporters, get the message out -- and push Obama. After all, no minority group is invisible online.

In a Washington Post profile shortly after Obama's victory, which coincided with the passage of Prop. 8, the California initiative that banned same-sex marriage, Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend told me: "Obama has said over and over again that his will be an inclusive presidency. So we'll see. Words are just words. They must become actions. Everyone will be closely watching."

Indeed, and waiting for whatever Obama will say Saturday night.

"[Obama] cited his 'Christian beliefs' for the reason why he now opposes equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. He refuses issue a stop-loss order to prevent purges of lesbian and gay soldiers," Blake Wilkinson, co-founder of the Dallas-based Queer Liberaction, told the gay news site EDGE. Wilkinson's group was created after Prop. 8 passed, and the Internet has served as its hub. "If we are going to get real change out of this White House, we need to make demands of this president. As the great anti-slavery activist Frederick Douglass put it, 'Power concedes nothing without a demand.'"

Note the reference to Douglass, the black writer and abolitionist. Douglass may serve as an inspiration for tonight's speech. Another inspiration may be James Baldwin, who was a blogger -- personal, political, personally political -- long before the word even existed. In an essay in last year's New York Review of Books, openly gay Irish author Colm Toibin explored the similarities between Obama and Baldwin. The rhythm, the jazz, the rawness of Baldwin's prose has had an obvious influence on Obama's writing.

In a speech titled "In Search of a Majority," the black, gay writer who did not want to be seen as "merely" a black writer or a gay writer, told the crowd at Kalamazoo College in 1960: "We cannot discuss the state of our minorities until we first have a sense of what we are, who we are, what our goals are, and what we take life to be."

The first minority president should ponder those words as he prepares for his "big gay rights speech."

Share what you think Obama should say in the comment section below. I'll update the page periodically with the best suggestions before Saturday's speech.

UPDATED, with your suggestions:

thromulese wrote:

What should he say? He should say: Tomorrow I will ask my democratic colleagues to introduce a gay bill of rights. This will include a repeal of that awful and unconstitutional law DOMA and the end of DADT. My administration will also immediately cease defending DOMA. And I personally will help my colleagues in congress make the Gay Bill of Rights the law of the land.

Like people who are born black, brown, or gay; it was not a choice. It is time for the constitution to protect ALL Americans and give them ALL equal access to America's institutions and privileges and rights as stated in the constitution. Discrimination codified into law is not and never will be the American way.

Then he should say; god bless America. Then he should do what he said he'd do -- for a change.

oceanofconsciousness wrote:

I don't want to hear him say ANYTHING. I want to see him DO something positive for gay civil rights. I will not believe in him until he makes legal headway. Right now, all his past actions have shown he is actually anti-gay rights. So he better not just give lip-service.

claypoint3 wrote:

As a middle-aged, straight, Christian woman, I'm glad that the President is talking about this. All of us need to be mindful -- always -- of when the civil rights of fellow Americans are either at risk or overtly being trampled on. If it happens to one of us, it could happen to any of us tomorrow. We're all in this together.

Comments

[Venise Alstergren]

If I was President Obama I know what I would say.
"My fellow Americans. Grow up!"
"It is not now and never will be the business of your government to be crawling up and down gutters of prurience, poking our noses around corners, delving into other peoples histories, turning over every available stone and seeking to discover what other people do in their beds. It is none of your business".
"Further I would say to my fellow Americans get rid of the religious albatross which hangs around your necks. It is not fear of God which renders the American people to being childlike and simplistic. It is the fear of men who pretend to act in the name of God which keeps you ignorant and intrusive.
"Ask yourselves WHY it is your right to dictate to others the morality of frightened, tiny-minded bigots?
"There are those amongst you who are silly enough to criticize same-sex relationships on the basis that someone wrote what someone else's uncle passed on to his aunt's nephew, and his first cousin twice-removed on the distaff side, that it was written in a book which was three thousand years old.
"My fellow Americans, who amongst you would put the peasant ramblings of illiterate shepherds in a three thousand year book which was dictated to scribes whose education was marginally better than the befuddled wits of the persons intoning this stupidity.
"My fellow Americans, again I say it. GROW UP!"

[wltdnfaded]

WAY fanned.

[shaggyct]

I posted this story earlier but feel it bears repeating:

A while back, one of my staff came into my office and said that he needed to talk to me about something very personal. Fine, I said, what's the problem? He told me that he was g@y. I could see that he was tearing himself up about it, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what the big deal was. Before I could say anything, he shocked me by adding, "if you want to fire me, I understand­."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Why the h#ll would I want to fire you?" I said. "Your s3xual orientation has nothing to do with me or anybody else, and has no bearing on your ability to do your job. Why would you think otherwise?"

He explained that he'd encountered dreadful persecution at his previous company when they discovered his orientation; his former boss had been the one encouraging it. I told him that he should have sued for harassment, but he claimed that he didn't want to make a big deal out of it and decided to quietly resign instead. I assured him that if anybody--- ANYBODY--- in my company ever tried to harass him, I would fire their a55 so quickly, their feet wouldn't touch the ground. It astonishes me that in this day and age, such ign0rance is still so prevalent, and so many g@y Americans still live in fear of persecution.

[dct1999]

Why are you astonished? America has a long tradition of bigotry.

[dct1999]

I forgot to add that your actions are commendable. Too bad that there are so many business owners/managers who don't believe/behave as you do.

[edweird]

Depending upon which state he lives in, he probably has NO LEGAL RECOURSE for the actions of his employers. None.

[KeepMeLearning]

How sad is that? I'm glad that you are so understanding--I just wish more people thought like you do.

[Viper]

We have gays asking for just the same rights others have... rights they would have in Canada or even in islamic Turkey.

We have most of America now asking for the same healthcare that most of the western world has had for 50 years and yet we are told thats impossible. No, going to the Moon in 10 years was impossible.

You would think we were asking for more than what the rest of the world already has... instead of just what they have had...

The greatest nation in the world these days seems to be content falling behind the rest of the world.

We seem to accept that 37th in healthcare is OK. What about being number 1? That 51st in Literacy is OK, that making nothing is OK. That being the worlds largest debtor nation is OK. That not making computers or commercial electronics or not building ships is OK. That having the highest dropout rates is OK. Having a lower rate of kids going to college and graduating each year than the rest of the world is OK. If our roads, dams/bridges are crumbling.­. its OK. If we cant build the best cars/solar-panels/ wind turbines, its OK as long as we can get fries with our Big Mac.

Americans once didn't settle for second best!

We have become as a nation, the proverbial frog in the pot of water that does not jump out as the temperture slowly increases to a full boil.


Regards

[ChelseaC]

Viper,
Well said--fanned and faved.
Some people here think we should stay in the "center" and not demand real change.
I disagreed.
Real change does not come from the center.

[Viper]

Hard to imagine I was a Goldwater supporter and a life long Repug until 1992 when I saw that repugeconomics would lead to exactly what as happened. Far better to tax and spend... than borrow and spend and pass the bill back to some one else. Thats really dishonest and a much less conserative approach than tax and spend.

What real conservative would support tax cuts at a time of war?

If a war is really worth fighting, then its worth paying for...

If we had a war tax... then the repugs would have us out of the middle east in a nano second.

Regards

[MarcusT]

"islamic Turkey" " ???

[JMBrodie]

The level of the rhetoric here genuinely heartens me tonight. We have a president he is standing strong for gay rights the way LBJ stood strong for civil rights. He has said what he wants, he has told Congress what he wants, and he has told America what he wants.

Now it’s up to all of us, gay and straight and bi. We have to move the mountains. We have to push our legislators. We have to be the ones who will not take “no” for an answer. I can only imagine where I would be today if we had not taken up the challenge in the face of many who would wish us away.

I do not know what it feels like to be discriminated against based on who I love. I do know what oppression feels like, and my fight against it did not stop with my own happiness. I have made calls, signed petitions, written, marched, prayed, and have never given up.

We have to time for defeatist talk. If the Congress does not want to do, make them. If the president is not moving fast enough, keep the pressure up. But whatever you do, do not give in to the temptation of throwing your hands up, making a snarky remark, and quitting.

Be frustrated. Be angry. But be there.

[lizr]

fanned.. and sending love and appreciation!

[JMBrodie]

Back to ya.

[JMBrodie]

we have NO time. (need to work on that spelling thang...)

[Chernynkaya]

Beautifully said, JMBrodie.

[lovetolast]

Thank you!

[JohnJames]

Excellent and thank you.

[lovetolast]

I saw the speech tonight and I loved it. President Obama said with strength and passion what I wanted to hear---and I am going to work even harder to help him and Congress make it happen.

[hapiday]

People don't seem to understand that the president has stated he is with the gay community on equal rights for them. He has told them this and the entire country this. Yet, no matter what he says or does people aren't satisfied. I thought it was a good speech, however, I sensed a sadness in the president. It seemed like he knew he was still going to be doubted and maligned by the same people he's fighting for. President Obama's speech was in code. He was basically saying to all that was listening, if you thought health care reform is a fight, get ready because this is going to be a war.

The gay community needs to get off of the liberal websites and visit the conservative websites for a wake up call. Start listening to local conservative radio in your States to stay abreast of what they are planning for the repeal of DADT. I recently heard today that the churches and community groups are starting town halls and email campaigns against DADT. The health care town halls were just a taste of what these conservatives are planning.

[lovetolast]

Brilliant assessment!

[RainbowPhoenix]

Except he has not said that he's for our equal rights for us. Civil Unions are a cheap cop out. If they really gave the same things then there would be no reason to call them something different. Even for the things he is completely with us on, when are we to expect him to stop making speeches and actually do something useful?

[JMBrodie]

The PRESIDENT made that speech. Get it? Not some Black dude on the campaign trail. The president. You finally get a president who is willing to stand with you. Now what are you going to do? Push for what you want.

[water57]

When was the last time you called your representative, or you just taking loud and saying nothing.

[lizr]

it's not all up to him to hand it to us on a silver f in g platter.

we gotta MOVE our reps and make em do what we want.

Use the tools. Money, time, energy, get involved, elect those who will vote for us. Push and keep on pushing.

it wont be handed to us. And it's not all Obama's job. Time for an end to apathy and entitlement. Time for hard work.

[water57]

Right on. They will jump on Obama just like the teabagger did, and that will be the only thing the media will cover. The progressives and the gay community will look around ask each other who was suppose to be covering second base, while they were to bussy attacking Obama.

[notthistime]

well said. But he is aware that when sh*t hits the fan on this one . . . he will probably be standing by himself.

[water57]

Great post. Fanned

[water57]

For all those who truly want this pass, and who are not just blowing hot air. Then why don't you put pressure on your representative. He can't do this by himself and why should he. I am tried of seeing him publicly get beaten, why the other democrats hide their heads in the sand. There was been one democrat ( Grayson) who has loudly and forcible support Obama. Truly, Obama is the only democrat on the horizon who has a broad base, that will give him the ability to achieve this. It has not been helpful to see the progressive act like republican in attacking him, perhaps they think the next republican in office Romney, Palin, Joe, Newt, Jindal, or any other republican will get this done (I don't think so). Do what he asked you to do or shut up.

[RainbowPhoenix]

Just as he can't do this without us, we shouldn't have to do this without him. When are we to expect him to stop making speeches and actually do one of the tangible things that are within his power?

[JohnJames]

And I'm tired of the constant assumption that we're not putting pressure on our Senators and Representatives. Since when does doing that exclude putting pressure on the White House by commenting on an internet site that they pay attention to?

[water57]

Where have been living at for last century or so, it will take congress to get this on his desk. Nice try republican.

[SevenSees]

Anything that protects people from bigotry, hatred, violence, and harmfully ignorant acts is worth pursuing. Gay people will have to fight like African Americans (Black Folks), and like women who continue to fight the good fight for rights and acceptance on an equal playing field. There will always be stiff opposition (no pun intended) from those who resist change. But this is a season of change, so there will be many to bring forth their special interests to the fore.

[GayMark]

And this is news? Like gays haven't been fighting? The entire gay rights movement began at Stonewall, when we started fighting back. Your post is a little insulting.

[JMBrodie]

Our fight began in Jamestown.

[lizr]

well there are a LOT of us who think fighting is showing up at Pride, dancing and drinking and waving a rainbow flag.

Many of us who need to figure out how to get politically involved and actually WORK and PLAN and think strategically, and get focused on something besides the cute a$ $ in front of you .

[notthistime]

for some that is too much work

[mrtaylor]

If government and religious institutions are to be kept separate and independent shouldn't Obama make decisions based on law, evidence and fact, unbiased by religious influence?

[foxisms]

You cannot move a rock you can't possibly lift unless you leverage it's own weight against itself and slowly walk it into the place you want it to be.

[foxisms]

For decades, no President would even address the issues Obama spoke of so freely and forcefully this evening.
And still people complain about it all being so much talk, talk, talk.
When and how often have you ever heard such "talk, talk, talk" coming from a President of the United States that makes you so tired of hearing it???
On this and so many other issues Obama is sticking his legacy out on a limb to even attempt to rally Americans to a higher ideal.
It's up to all of us to use that momentum he is creating for us to actually get ourselves across whatever insurmountable river or mountain that may seem to be.
Rome was not built in a day. And America will not be rebuilt in a day.

[TainoBoy]

Cosign.

[Tex1969]

Not to mention that it is up to the legislative branch of government. President Obama can
meet with members of congress and the senate till the cows come home, but he
cannot force them to vote a certain way. It's up to us, to call and write our congresspeople
and senators.

[lovetolast]

Agreed!

[lizr]

Thank you President Obama.

it's time for this bigotry to go to the garbage dump of history, where it belongs.

[ChelseaC]

lizr,
agreed.

[water57]

Maybe they think a republican president will get this done, or there are a lot of republican here tonight pretending to be democrats.

[Crumbysmom]

I agree! Some people will never be happy. I say forget them and the rest of us who aren't acting like a bunch of 2 year old babies throwing a fit continue to support the president as he makes big changes.

water57- I hope its a lot of people pretending to be democrats.

[betrayed1]

As usual, Obama delivers a fantastic speech. It is too bad that that is all the President in willing to do, read speeches. If Obama was actually committed to doing the right thing, we wouldn't need speeches. The truth is that Obama is a president who talks loudly but carries a very small stick. DADT will be reapealed only when the next presidential election has been decided. Repealing DADT is the right thing to do, and Obama knows this, but Obama is just another political hack who will only do that which is in his best interest, and will only do what is right once it no longer matters for his electoral prospects.

Judge Obama buy what he says, and he is the second comming. Judge him by his actions, and he is the second comming of George W.

[Tex1969]

President Obama cannot force anyone in the legislative branch to vote a certain way.
It will be president Obama's job to sign the legislation that repeals DADT when it
arrives on his desk.

[lovetolast]

Wow...what a throw-away, defeatist post you've written, betrayed.

9 months in and you've thrown in the towel. What are you doing to make sure that Congress and the President are responsive to what we want and need?

Stay 'betrayed' and keep on grousing..­.we'll see how productive that is.

[lizr]

Oh for gods sake give the man a chance!~!

imagine Bush saying this?

I can't .

Let's celebrate the possibilities,and participate in making it happen!

Dont depend on one man to do it for you.

[JMBrodie]

You know what, that line is getting old. The president just directedt Congress to act. That's what happens in a real democracy. What you want is a dictator. We don't believe in that here. Now, you have a choice. You can keep on complaining or you can act.

Force the change you want. Act, march, call, write, do what it takes. But stop the silliness.

The president of the US has come in favor of gay rights. And all some folks can do is complain without taking action. What are you going to do?.

[foxisms]

Obama is more than capable of being our leader. He is not equipped to be our messiah. He understands navigation well enough to steer the boat. But we have to cut our own bait and get it on the hook or go hungry. And if you think any soon future President will deliver what Obama seems intent on, you will without a doubt remain hungry.

[HowdyDoody]

Just think how difficult it was to pass the Civil Rights act in the 1960's. There are STILL people who are mad about that! It seems incomprehensible that we still haven't acted to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination. Focus on the Family has operated in our state for a number of years, and they've pushed anti-gay legislation over and over.

The so-called Christians of the Jerry Falwell and Dobson type hate everyone and everything. Wonder what Jesus would say about that?

[BetterDeadThanRed09]

Jefferson's quote comes to mind here: "Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come."

All the rightwingers and fear and paranoia in the world can't stop this juggernaut.

[foxisms]

...that!

[foxisms]

I thought I should clarify...­TRUE...tha­t!

[impressiveprogressive]

Excellent quote and observatio­n.. just wondering though, I thought Victor Hugo said that?

[arlandbaee]

Most of the hate stems from people who are trapped by their own circumstances. Whether it's their church, their family, or their peers.

People who hate are weak and feel the need to gain power in any way they can.

[BKROOBNZAI]

sept for cheney, he hates and is not weak, in fact he will mess you up. But he hearts all gays lately, just not while he had the power to help them, he hearts them after he had the power to help them. It is like the cute girl telling you she wished you had asked her to the prom after you went with the really fat girl.

[LibraLady]

People who hate other people... only because of their race, sexuality, ect
are very insecure with themselves.

[shaggyct]

"I'm a strong believer in same sex marriage. Once you're married, it's ALWAYS the same sex." --- Robin Williams