LTRS
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Sat Nov-06-04 03:35 PM
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DU'ers what have you done for equality? |
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After all the news in the media and some backlash here I have been very heartened to see so many of you straight folks say you support equality, and I thank you for that.
So, I am wondering, what have you done, specifically to support equality? I am a lesbian in no danger of having an unwanted pregnancy but I donate to NARAL, and Emily's list candidates. I have marched with women who are fighting to keep their right to choose (and I have a feeling we will be marching more in the near future). So I wonder, which of you have done similar things to fight for equality?
In the past I haven't seen much support from straights in my work as a gay activist. Some of course, but not nearly as much as we need. I can't help but feel that if many of you would get actively involved when we are under attack it would make a difference.
I am starting to see some additional support here in WA state. We currently have 200 church pastors that are organizing a rally in defense of the GLBT community to counter a proposed state anti-gay marriage amendment being pushed by the Christian right. That does my heart good, I can tell you that.
So, what have you done or are planning to do in this fight?
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DebJ
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Sat Nov-06-04 03:42 PM
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1. I think it was John or Sam Adams, not sure which, who asked one |
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time When did the American Revolution begin? And he received a reply of 1776. He said, no, that was just when battles began. The actual revolution, he clarified, took place over 20 years and more in the hearts and minds of the American residents, and this was accomplished by information and talk....Committees of Correspondance.
One of the greatest losses to democracy, I feel, occurred in my lifetime (born in 1955), as Americans gradually began to feel and act as though political discourse was 'politically incorrect'. Well, that is the one and only beneficial change that I will credit to Wubya....people HAD to break their code of silence.
I'm the one who brought that out at work, on issue, after issue, after issue. Now, politics are discussed there. Occasionally, a coworker starts it now, instead of me.
We can't let the doors close again. We must keep discussions and information going. We must be the new Committees of Correspondance.
This is all the more true for Civil Liberties and Civil Rights issues, especially those for gays, women, and 'minorities'.
I've been talking, and I will NEVER stop.
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LTRS
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Sat Nov-06-04 03:48 PM
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3. You definitely can't underestimate that by any means |
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I just want to emphasize that. It doesn't cost a thing and it means so much. It's one of the best tools in the fight for equality - just talking to other people about it. Thanks for that!
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serryjw
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Sat Nov-06-04 03:44 PM
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2. Raised a SH*TLOAD of money for HRC |
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always do the AIDS walk..and I just talk...trying to get people to understand it is a civil rights issue.
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puddycat
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Sat Nov-06-04 03:50 PM
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4. well, it wasn't much, but I did call to complain about a church sign |
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Edited on Sat Nov-06-04 03:51 PM by puddycat
A local church posted on their front sign something nasty against gay marriage. I thought it totally inappropriate and I called up the local governing body of the church and complained. The sign was changed a few days later, although I don't know if my call had anything to do with it.
Its not much, but its something.
Oh, and I do try to talk to all the women I know about women's rights and how women are in danger of losing rights under *
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Siyahamba
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Sat Nov-06-04 03:52 PM
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5. Don't forget, you don't have to donate money to make a difference |
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I think people who don't have the money to donate to worthy causes can contribute by volunteering their time.
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MuseRider
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Sat Nov-06-04 04:05 PM
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HRC and GLADD and others I can't remember at this particular moment. I have worked on some AIDS projects. I talk alot to people and I think that is helpful.
You are correct that many of us in the straight community will stand with you. I cherish my gay friends, my brother was gay. You will not be alone if the crunch comes down. You are not alone now. It feels like the crunch is coming, don't know but we will be there. Count on it.
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LTRS
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Sat Nov-06-04 04:18 PM
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7. Please don't take this personnally - not meant for you |
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in particular, but the crunch DID come down on Tues in eleven states and massive numbers of democrats sided with the Christian right against us.
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MuseRider
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Sat Nov-06-04 04:21 PM
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8. I don't take it personally |
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I was and am worried that what happened on Tues will seem like nothing very soon. Yes, Tuesday left me sick at heart and angry that there are so many people voting this way. It truly stunned me. I don't understand why anyone would act that way to another human being like what they do or not. Sorry, and don't worry, I have thick skin.
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Thu Apr 25th 2024, 02:24 AM
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