GetEQUAL.org, a new grassroots community calling for full LGBTQ equality, launched this week with a video call-to-action featuring Will Phillips, the 10-year old from Arkansas who recently accepted a GLAAD Media award for refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school because its promise of "liberty and justice for all" remains empty for millions of Americans:
GetEQUAL.org's mission is to empower the LGBTQ community and its allies to take action to demand full legal and social equality and to hold accountable those who stand in the way. It launches with a simple pledge asking people to speak out against all forms of discrimination that plague the community.
Ten-year old Phillips agreed to add his voice to GetEQUAL's message of empowerment and equality. On October 5, 2009 Phillips refused to stand with his Arkansas class and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. To this day he refuses to say the Pledge until full rights are granted to LGBTQ people.
In his previously recorded video message for GetEQUAL, Phillips asks for everyone to get involved and fight for equality:
"I am a ten-year-old and I get it, so any of you that get it too, why don't you not just say that you get it, but show that you get it. I took a risk and got in to a little bit of trouble, but it was for equality. And, if we are going to achieve equality, everyone needs to take a small risk and maybe get into a little bit of trouble.
Phillips also asks for a meeting with President Obama. "President Obama, my voice is small and can do large things; your voice is larger and can do huge things."