I Plan to March for LGBT Equality

On Sunday, October 11, I plan to March for Equality.

It will be an historic day -- the day that divides the past from the future. Going forward there will be, "Before the March" and "After the March."

Before the March, nobody thought that tens of thousands of people would march for marriage equality. But it is happening. Thousands of people, lesbian, gay, straight, transgender, and bisexual; red, yellow, black, white and brown; old and young, male and female; Democratic, Republican, and Independent; union and management; and from the North, the South, the East and the West, will be there. After the March, no one will think that ever again.

Before the March, we never won a statewide referendum on marriage equality. Not because we didn't try, and not because we didn't work hard enough. From the loss in California to the Karl Rove strategy in 2004 to put people's rights on the ballot in order to drive up the evangelical vote, we have endured more than our share of losses. But that was before the March. After the March, we know we are going to win. We're going to win in Maine this November, and that's going to mark the beginning of the change. The change that started After the March.

Before the March, there were efforts to enact civil unions. Civil unions are second class citizenship, a pale imitation of marriage. Civil unions are to marriage equality what the Monkees are to the Beatles. It's like comparing Clarence Thomas to Thurgood Marshall. It's like comparing Jon and Kate Plus Eight to ... anybody. That's a marriage? We know what's real and we know what's not. Marriage is real, and marriage equality is the goal.

Before the March it seemed like the only ones who worried about whether or not LGBT people could get married were, well, people who were LGBT. Well, that's over, too. You have allies who believe that marriage equality should be the law, that state sanctioned discrimination is wrong, and that the LGBT community should not have to win this fight alone. There are many of us -- some who will be right there at the March, but many millions more around the country -- who support the fight for marriage equality for our friends, for our families, and for our country.

After Sunday, October 11, things will be different. After Sunday, it will be after the March. After Sunday, we will live in the future where all things are possible. After this day, we will be One Nation, Under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice -- FOR ALL.

Follow Michael J. Wilson on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ADAction

Comments

[sixyfivepercentwater]

I think what we're all waiting for is for people's levels of consciousness to change. It would be great if everyone realized that a person's sexuality does not define him or her, that people are people and all are entitled to the same degree of respect and so on.

The problem with these marches, though, is that when people see them on TV it always looks like a bunch of people walking in the street. That's the best case scenario. The worst case scenario is it looks like a bunch of goofballs you wouldn't have over to your house walking in the street. The very people who are clamoring to not be defined by their sexuality are right there in our faces, saying "look at me, I'm different." What kind of sense does that make?

The evolution of consciousness is not mandated by law or by seeing people marching. If every person who believes strongly enough to get out there and parade in the streets would only sit down with a mainstream person in a cafe somewhere and have a talk with them, heart to heart, things could begin to change.

But that would take personal courage, whereas marching in the street takes nothing but a pair of legs and the need to be seen to be doing something.

[carsntrucks]

It's sad that LGBT equality is going come about not because people understand the necessity of treating them equally, but because they want them to shut up and go away.

[ramal]

I was there for the Marches in '87 and "92, they were inspiring. I can't make this one, but my rainbow flag will be proudly flying from my front porch. Everyone who can't be there, please do the same.

[sixyfivepercentwater]

I was there for the civil rights marches, and the protests against the Vietnam war, and actual riots. None of it changed a darn thing. Sure, some laws were passed, but you can't legislate people's feelings or how they treat other people.

Marches and gatherings and sit-ins and so forth only make the participants feel virtuous. They have no real effect.

[OutInLeftField]

...it's like comparing chef boyardee to real pasta.

[PlaceboStudman]

While I know we need to have this march, and I would be there if I could, I have to reserve my enthusiasm over its long reaching impact. Will this really impact many people outside of the participants and the residents of DC in the beltway? Is there going to be big massive media coverage or is this going to be a shadow of a blip on the media radar that seems to be the case with every LGBT issue?

We don't need ONE march on Washington to make an impact. We need to have massive marches in every capital city in all 50 states in the nation before people will give us the respect and attention we deserve

[ramal]

I vote for that. Fifty marches on every state capitol in America on the last Sunday in June 2010. The common theme being: "Not one more decade as second-class citizens."

[PlaceboStudman]

I would do things a bit differently. I would block out like 6 weeks and do one march a day on consecutive days (with travel time between) in each of the 50 states, and the slogan should be "Not one more term". Elections are every 2 years, and congress has just as much responsibility for this situation as the president, so they need to know the power of our voices and our money and votes

[elliekay]

I'll see you there!
Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Now.

[llisa]

I wish you well.

[Lee Andrew]

I am with you guys 100% . Equality is not just something we need from the mainstram we also need to address it from within see my project link.

http://obamaequalitycenter.org
--
Warmest regards,
Cordialement,

Lee Andrew

[flacon]

I'll take Clarence Thomas over Thurgood Marshall anyday. That aside, I vote for equal rights for everyone.