National Equality March, October 10–11

March for LGBTQ Equality

The National Equality March just got its march route permit approved—awesome! Organized by Equality Across America, the goal of the march is simple: “Equal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Now.” I’d add “queer” to the LGBT in that sentence, but overall, amen.

Organizers Cleve Jones, David Mixner, and Dustin Lance Black have all been hard at work publicizing the march. In coverage leading up to the event, there’s been some debate about the march—Is it worth putting time and energy into the march (which will occur while Congress is out of session) that could go toward legal and political advocacy work? Will it effectively achieve anything? I hold the point of view well articulated by Kate Childs Graham in “Advocacy v. activism: both/and, not either/or“: both advocacy and activism are essential. We need hard work to change laws, strong education to enlighten the ignorant and apathetic, and strong voices to demand LGBTQ equality.

Will you be at the march? Michelangelo Signorile will. Check out his piece from the Advocate, “Why I’m Marching.” I unfortunately can’t be there (though I will be in spirit).

Can’t make it to the March? Take time that weekend to brainstorm on what you can do to work for LGBTQ equality (and if you’re already are hard at work on that, consider if there’s a little bit more you could do). Talk to your friends and family. Make a plan of action. Become a super-queero in your own community and join Project Yay Gay (also check out Be Yr Own Queero). And learn how to get involved with and support organizations like the following:

• Civil Rights Front
• Empire State Pride Agenda
• The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
• National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
• Lambda Legal
• Empowering Spirits Foundation
• The Dallas Principles
• Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
• MassEquality
• Family Acceptance Project
• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
• The Trevor Project.

There’s a ton more, too—bring on the recommendations! And keep up on LGBTQ news over at Pam’s House Blend (please suggest other LGBTQ news sources, too!).