Dear Kossacks,
I have marched through the streets of San Francisco. Thousands of people gathered in Dolores Park on the Friday after the elections to rally the community, and it worked. The amount of people who stopped and watched us march right down Market street in San Francisco was amazing. We heard impassioned speeches and finally I felt a sense of purpose build around me. I had seen this in documentaries in an LGBTIQQ* history class and heard about from friends who had been here in the 70's, but haven't really seen in this community. We had become comfortable, even while our own were still ruthlessly murdered we drank in the bars and laughed at episodes of Will and Grace and shopped, and did your hair. We were (hopefully past tense is where we are now) in a bubble in the Castro we sit and drink coffee and don't think about those areas we have come from, because we finally feel free. Much of that can be attributed to Harvey Milk. Follow me down below on how we all can do something to move this Great Country away from second class citizenry with a little MILK and Turkey.
I got to see MILK the movie last night at the Castro theater.
It was all a little surreal since I had seen the movie being made and watched a very moving documentary, and I live one black away from the bubble. I thought the message was right on target for what seems like a repeat of the Briggs initiative and I heard a few things that are just as relevant today as they were 30+ years ago, one of them- "You gotta give 'em hope". Sound familiar?
He also said we must all come out of the closet and if those of us who are gay would talk to our families and employers, so they could see that we are not sick, we want the same things everyone wants. To love and be loved.
I think marching down the street of San Francisco is a start, but this is an issue that we can take to the dinner table with your family and friends over this next few days. Having a conversation with someone who doesn't may not agree with same-gender relationships, but might understand that it is wrong to legislate morality.
Rea Carey from the National Lesbian and Gay Task for sent me this on Facebook and I thought it matched up perfectly with the movie from last night. Hopefully you will consider taking action, it doesn't cost anything and could help save a life like Gwen's.
Thank you
Califdem
Hey everyone --
It's amazing what we've accomplished together these last few weeks.
The California Supreme Court has agreed to review the legal challenges to Proposition 8, and the protests and the actions of thousands in our community have forced the public eye on the inequality that LGBT people face every day.
But our fight is far from over. In fact, there's one thing you can do this week to help move the needle even further.
Talk.
Talk to your family and friends when you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. Talk to your co-workers when they ask what you are doing for the holiday. Talk to your neighbors when you stop to chat outside your apartment or home.
Tell them about your life, your relationships, how you feel about the state constitutional amendments. It seems simple, but far too many of us know how hard it can be to talk honestly about our lives. Telling our stories is what will make a difference in our pursuit of equality. Hearing from you, hearing about your life is what will change the hearts and minds of every American, one by one -- starting with those closest to you.
So take the time this week to talk. Your story is important to this movement and it truly matters.
Everyone at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force would like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you so much for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
P.S. Share your story: Tell us why equality matters to you, and what you'll be talking about with friends and family this holiday season by posting to the Anger Into Action Facebook group or emailing ActionFund@TheTaskForceActionFund.org.
LGBTIQQ: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex Queer and Questioning