Editorial
“Returning to the
United States recently, after attending a life-affirming
Europride celebration in Zurich, Switzerland, my euphoria
of optimism was beaten back and pummeled into unconsciousness
at the “reality” of life for gay people in
America. As I tried to sort out my emotions, and guide
my energy into positive action, I came across a post
on Towleroad.com by Cleve Jones endorsing a national
march in Washington D.C. this coming fall. Mr. Jones
is a true inspiration. His clarity of thought and single-minded
determination helps put our current challenges and responsibilities
into much-needed perspective.”
—Robert Adams
In my travels throughout California and
around the country, I have been stunned and inspired
by the determination and fearlessness of our young people.
This is the generation that is going to win. This is
the time to unite and push—as we have never pushed
before —to achieve victory. Sadly, at the very
moment we are poised to reach our greatest goals, President
Obama and the Democratic leaders of Congress have turned
their backs, forgotten their promises, and betrayed
our trust. In recent weeks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
has stated that repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act
is “not a priority.” President Obama has ignored
the appeals of brave young people serving in our military
as they are drummed out of the services for being gay
or lesbian. Indeed, Lt. Daniel Choi who recently “came
out” publicly, was dismissed from the army, even
though he is a highly valued fluent Arabic speaker and
a veteran of the Iraq war. Apologists for the Democrats
counsel caution and patience. They speak of “political
reality.” The time has come to change that reality.
I applaud and endorse David Mixner's
call for a national march [on Washington].” Jones
goes on to offer the following suggestions: “Schedule
the march for the weekend of October 10-11, 2009. This
is National Coming Out Day and the 30th anniversary
of the first national march. Several subsequent marches
and AIDS Memorial Quilt displays have also occurred
on those dates. The Columbus Day holiday provides a
three-day weekend for many and the weather is generally
favorable.
Have one demand only: ‘Full Equality
Now—full and equal protection under the law for
LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in
all 50 states.’ Let's stop settling for fractions
of equality. Every compromise undermines our humanity.
We must declare our equality.”
—Cleve Jones
[Published:
August, 2009]
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