Showing posts with label Marriage Equality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marriage Equality. Show all posts

8/9/13

Victory In Taiwan: MTF Trans Couple Abbygail and Jiyi Wu's Marriage is reinstated

In a historic reversal the Taiwanese government has reversed a earlier ruling invalidating this transgender couple's marriage.

The Sun Daily reports: in what was hailed as a "benchmark" ruling, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday decided that the marriage status of Abbygail Wu, 27, and her 29-year-old partner Jiyi Wu remained legal.

Abbygail graciously gave planetransgender a interview while the couples fate was still unknown. It was her suggestion that the article be titled Can The Taiwanese Gov't Revoke A Marriage With A Letter? It was a wonderful experience for me to learn first hand from these two young people what love means to them and a joy to be in some small way a contributor to what the WSJ described as a important component to this victory.

Abbygail and Jiyi Wu's struggle to love has transcended national boundaries lending their humanity to the realization that trans people worldwide belong together in one community.

While some see this as a leap forward for marriage equality not everyone is so optimistic according to the WSJ
Taiwan’s LGBT rights groups caution that the case does not signal that conservative Taiwan is ready to rewrite its marriage law yet.

“Protection of marriage and the right to marry is part of basic human rights, which means the decision was delayed justice but nothing groundbreaking,” said Chien Chih-chieh, the secretary-general of Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights.

The case, in fact, shows the government is still unwilling to budge from the current regulation that states a marriage can take place only between a man and a woman, she said.

The only silver lining, she said, is that the public and the government seem more willing to discuss the issue, which gives the group hope that a bill on recognizing same-sex marriages they plan to pitch to the legislature in September may meet less resistance.




人一出生,就被賦予性別是男生或女生,但是有一群人,他們無法認同自己的生理性別,長­期不安、痛苦,甚至去做變性手術,這個族群叫作「跨性別者」!接下來,我們要帶您來看­台灣,一對非常特別的「跨性別」伴侶、Abby和小芷的故事!Abby和小芷,兩個人­原本生理上是男生,成年以後,他們都進行了變性手術,就在Abby變更身分證為女性之­後,他們到戶政機關完成結婚登記。當時,身分證件註明,兩個人是一男一女,在法律上沒­有問題。但後來、戶政機關發現,原本登記為男性的小芷,身分證也由男變女!這下子問題­來了,兩個變性人、身分證都成了女性、他們的婚姻還算合法嗎?一場全球罕見的跨性別者­「婚姻保衛戰」,在台灣正式開打!

Men are born, were given gender was male or female, but a group of people, they were unable to identify with their physiological sex, long ­ unease, pain, even for the sex change operation, the group called the "transgender"! Next, we'll take you to see – Taiwan, a very special "cross-gender" companion, Abby He Xiaozhi story! Abby He Xiaozhi, two people ­ was physically to be boys, as adults, they have carried out that operation, after Abby change ­ of identity cards for women, they went to the population administration organ complete marriage registration. At that time, the identity documents indicated, two persons were a man and a woman, no ­ on legal issues. But then, the population administration organs found was originally registered as a male small Zhi, identity card by the MTF! Grabbed the issue ­ came, two transgender people, identity card were all women, their marriage is legal? Rare transgender ­ a global "battle for marriage", in Taiwan officially started!

7/17/13

Can The Taiwanese Gov't Revoke A Marriage With A Letter?


台灣跨性別伴侶對抗政府同性婚姻法令

In May 2013 Taiwanese citizen Abbygail a transgender woman, won a ground breaking legal battle to marry her partner, Jiyi Wu. This gave hope to the Taiwanese LGBT community as it came just months after a gay couple gave up their challenge to marry.

Their  marriage would seem like  a dream come true, a happily ever after scenario, so why did the government of Taiwan annul their marriage just weeks after recognizing it? The couple, Abbygail Legal name Yi_Ting, Wu吳伊婷), and Jiyi, legal name: Ji-yi, Wu 吳芷儀 are bringing a powerful team in there quest to contest this ICCPR violation of human rights.


Announcing the challenge pictured from left to right: Attorney Victoria Hsu Director of Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil
Partnership Rights, Yu, Mei-Nu Legislator, Cheng, Li-Chiun Cheng Legislator, partners Jiyi Wu a physics and mathematics specialist and Abbygail Wu (hat) computer engineer, Yu ji Spokesman for ISTScare Taiwan and Xu, Bai-Xing supporter.

Abbygail in a interview with planetransgender explains why the government is reacting the way it has and what they intend to do about it.

"First of all we got married in Oct. 2012, so why we can get marry but other same-sex (sex in law) couple can't? Because after our SRS in July,2012, I change my official gender first , so we become "opposite sex" and get married. Jiyi changed her official gender after that, that's how the magic happened."

"In the official explanation of the "marriage validity for person do SRS and change official gender after marriage" few years ago, the ministry of interior claimed "if the marriage registration is taken place when two people is 'one male and one female' , the marriage will keep valid."

One gay American blogger wishing to make a point that transgender people need to support marriage equality said Abbygail and Jiy "unwitting" became marriage equality advocates. But as a trans person I knew there much more to this story, a trans human love story, so I asked Abbygail if it was simply a Faux pas on there part:

Abbygail explained: "So how did the government find this out? It's because when Jiyi tried to apply to change "official gender" in Oct. 2012 after our marriage, one of the director in the Household Registration Office noticed her SRS is done before the marriage ( the date on the certificate). He remain uncertain about the effectiveness of our marriage, and send the official letter to his upper administrative offices. This is how the story begins."
"The government claim that although our legal gender is "a man and a woman" at the marriage registration, but we both "physically" woman because the SRS is done."

"Jiyi said: It feels like asking the ID card is not enough, and also put a hand into your underwear. It feels violation."

"unwittingly", yes, it might be. But base on the diversity of gender, what's our gender? female? We can't have babies. male? we aren't. We are in the somewhere of the "gender spectrum".

"I like to quote and change some words from the movie I recently watched and enjoyed -- "Now you see me":

"Look closely, because the more gender boundary divided you think you are, the less gender you will actually see."

"For legal change, We certainly hope the decision can change and we and other friends in the ISTScare and TAPCPR think we should have a "protection law" which can help to protect human rights for the gender diversity people."

"For the worst scenario, if the government is still want to revoke the marriage and the appeal is lose in the court, we will ask asylum to the "marriage with gender-centralize" countries, because the country we belong is not capable to protect our rights, the first country on the list is US and then UK(base the the info from ILGA website , UK grants asylum on the basis of gender identity.)"

"We choose to stand out because we know "nobody can know more and ask more clear about our rights, we need to stand our and tell the world and change it. Don't be afraid. If you are more afraid, more rights can be lose"

Same sex marriage movement is somewhat outside of the trans agenda, even resented by some (like myself)because of the resources consumed in the LGBT equality effort, but it remains important to us. More to some of us, than others. ( like those in love:)


5/3/13

Jenny's Bridal Boutique Bigot Refuses To Let Transgender Woman Try On Wedding Gowns

Rohit Singh a transgender woman from Saskatoon was out excitedly shopping for that one perfect dress to wear on her special day and happened into Jenny's Bridal Boutique.

When she found one she wanted to try on she and her fiance were mortified when the shop's owner, Jenny Correia refused to serve her saying "....sorry we don't allow men to wear dresses here," Singh recalled to CBC News. "I said I'm not a man, I'm transgender."

When contacted Thursday by CBC News, the bridal shop owner, who declined to provide her surname, said she stands by her decision.

"To me it doesn't matter," the owner said. "He looked like a man. There was quite a few brides in the store. If you see a man trying on dresses, you're going to feel uncomfortable."

"Singh later found a red gown at My Lynh Bridal, on Idylwyld Drive North, where she described the service as excellent. Singh's marriage took place on Monday."

Krysten Hildebrand from Saskatoon posted this insightful comment by Rohit Singh's mother in law in the Jenny's Bridals google reviews: "I'm more than happy to share this, A friend of mine wrote this...."
"You may or may not know that my son was very recently married to a wonderful person, who is transgender. The reason I am sharing this is that she and my son were visiting bridal shops so she could try on dresses. At one of the shops, Jenny's Bridal Boutique (downtown on 2nd Avenue), she was not allowed to try on any of the gowns by the owner (Jenny).

I was so incensed when my son told me this I called the owner. I managed to stay calm but asked why she wouldn't serve my son's fiancee. She replied that she only serves female customers, that it is her business and she can set the rules.

I asked her she should become informed about transgender people, told her I feel this is a human rights issue (though not illegal), that she had made a wonderful young person feel bad, and that furthermore she would lose business from all the bad publicity that will follow because I work in a large organization, that I have two sisters at the U of S, and we will spread the word, so that's what I'm doing.

Even if she had been the least ashamed or apologetic, it might have been better, but she wasn't. So I am asking you to spread the word about this incident and please boycott her business--she deserves it! Oh, and the good news, my son's fiancee bought a stunning red gown at My Lynh's on Idylwyld--My Lynh is a sweetheart, has beautiful reasonably-priced dresses and is a skilled seamstress-- and was very good to her.
click here to watch video in new window 
This isn't the only instance of alleged discrimination. It has also been reported in the reviews Jenny Correia and her her staff told a woman in a wheel chair to leave because she was 'marking up the floor'. Another occasion a staff member sneered at a shopper and directed her without prompting to the discount rack making her feel about a inch high.


2/10/10

Iowa House Rejects Anti Equality Amendment

One Iowa: Iowa House rejects attempt to advance amendment

2/9/2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 9, 2010

CONTACT JUSTIN UEBELHOR
515-288-4019 x 205 515-333-2525 (cell) justin@oneiowa.org

IOWA HOUSE REJECTS ATTEMPT TO ADVANCE AMENDMENT

(Des Moines, IA) The Iowa House today rejected procedural attempts by opponents of equality to advance an amendment to the Iowa Constitution seeking to overturn last April’s unanimous Iowa Supreme Court ruling and to deny the protections of civil marriage to gay and lesbian couples. “We applaud those legislators who voted to protect the freedoms of all Iowans and continue the job of balancing the budget and putting Iowans back to work. It’s time to move on from the destructive politics of division and focus on what matters to a great majority of Iowans,” said One Iowa Executive Director Carolyn Jenison.

One Iowa’s annual Lobby Day at the Capitol takes place tomorrow. Supporters will gather at the Capitol to share their stories with Iowa legislators, demonstrating the importance of civil marriage equality to Iowa families. Please contact Justin Uebelhor at 515-333-2525 to arrange press availability.

One Iowa is the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) advocacy organization, committed to full equality for LGBT individuals, including the freedom to marry. More information at http://www.oneiowa.org.

8/26/09

Demand NOM release funders of anti-gay campaigns


This week the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) started flooding rural Iowa with nearly $90,000 worth of ads trying to scare Iowans into voting for an anti-gay legislative candidate.
It takes some nerve for a New Jersey-based group, with ties to the Mormon Church to fund a “Reclaim Iowa” project on behalf of wealthy out-of-state extremists. NOM doesn’t want you to know who is behind these efforts and they pledge to shield their donors from outside scrutiny by refusing to release this information.

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!
Take Action: Demand that NOM disclose those funding these attacks!

This is not an isolated effort, but an organized, well-funded, full-throated assault on civil marriage equality across the country. The same extremists that bankrolled ballot initiativeefforts in Maine and California are now spending money to buy an election in Iowa. NOM has a history of funneling money from the Mormon Church into anti-gay measures, while refusing to disclose the source of their funds.
Voters deserve to know who is behind these anti-gay campaigns across the country!

NOM refers to their Iowa campaign as a “targeted intervention” into Iowa politics. With less than a week to go until election day, voters are being bombarded with negative ads funded by out-of-state extremists. We can’t let NOM win this election and use it as a blueprint to elect anti-gay candidates and overturn marriage in Iowa and across the country.
Don’t let them get away with it!
Sign One Iowa’s petition demanding a full disclosure of NOM’s anti-gay funding!

4/23/09

Garden State Residents Urgent Please Call These Legislators Today!


URGENT PLEASE ACT!
Starting at 9:30 am TODAY, Thursday, April 23, 2009, we ask each of you, no matter where in New Jersey you live, to call the 3 legislators listed below to tell their offices: "Today, Quinnipiac came out with a poll showing New Jersey favors marriage equality. The Senator needs to support the bill strongly. If New Jersey is for it and it's the correct thing to do, what's the problem?" It can be in your own words, but make sure you mention it's a Quinnipiac Poll (pronounced Quinn-uh-PEE-ack), a highly respected independent poll. You may hear, "you're not in the Senator's district" or "the bill won't come up until later this year, so why are you calling now?" Please stick with it. We recently had a legislator ask us, has there been an independent poll in your favor?
Senate President Dick Codey at (973) 731-6770
Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney at (856) 251-9801
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo at (201) 804-8118
If you’re told by the office you’re not a constituent: “I’m calling your office because the Senator holds a leadership position that impacts the entire state.”If you hear anything substantive in your conversations - something beyond thank you or we’ll record your views - let us know by emailing us at http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Contact@GardenStateEquality.org. Include which legislative office you spoke with, what the office said, as well as your own name and hometown.Your activism makes all the difference in the world to tell our side of the story.On behalf of the entire Garden State Equality Board and staff, please accept our deepest gratitude. And please forward this email to all the people you know so they call too - today, Thursday.

Visit Garden State Equality's two websites, http://www.gardenstateequality.org/ and http://www.civilunionsdontwork.com/ Tell-a-friend!

4/13/09

One Iowa's 'Virtual Rally for Common Concern!'


Virtual Rally for Common Concern!
Opponents of equality are at it again! Once again on Monday, extremists will protest the unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision and push additional measures to undermine the Court’s historic decision! Monday’s protest follows a similar protest last Thursday that saw
opponents of equality disrupt the House Chambers with chants and political gamesmanship.
In response, One Iowa is calling on Iowans across the state to participate in a virtual rally asking our elected officials to continue work on issues of common concern to all Iowans. In the midst of a budget shortfall, job losses, and last year’s devastating floods, our elected officials should put aside divisive politics and continue to work for all Iowans!
Participate NOW in the Rally for Common Concern:
CALL AND EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATORS
Even if you’ve already done so, our legislators need to hear from you again! Call legislators today after 8 AM, by contacting the Iowa House switchboard at 515-281-3221 and the Iowa Senate switchboard at 515-281-3371. You can find your legislators here. Also email your legislators and tell them to put aside divisive politics and work on issues of common concern!
TAKE ACTION ONLINE!
Signatures will be delivered to House leadership later in the day.
Second, change your facebook, myspace, and twitter picture to One Iowa’s ‘blue dot’. Follow the link, save the photo and upload it as your profile picture for the day.Lastly, change your status to

“One Iowa Rally for Common Concern:

Avoid divisive politics and focus on what really matters! http://eqfed.org/ct/M12XkwM1MEzw/“ For twitter users please follow OneIowa and add the hashtag #OIRCC to your message.
DONATE TO THE FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD BANKSupporters are encouraged to donate canned food items to their local food pantry before or after work. In Des Moines, canned food items can be dropped off at Ritual Cafe on 1301 Locust St.
While many Iowans are struggling just to put food on the table, it’s time for our elected officials to drop divisive politics and focus on what really matters!

4/9/09

IOWA It's NOT over! Please Call Legislators NOW!


URGENT!!! It's NOT OVER, call your Legislators NOW!!!
Right-wing extremists are resorting to underhanded tactics in an attempt to undermine legislative leadership and take away the freedom to marry! While legislative leadership stood firm this morning, extremists are attempting to overthrow the House chair and push an anti-marriage amendment to the floor!
We NEED you to call your Representative in the next hour to firm up our support! Find your Representative here, then place a call immediately.
House Switchboard: 515-281-3221
Tell them to stand firm with legislative leadership and oppose this distracting and divisive move. With all the challenges Iowa is facing, it's time for our elected officials to get back to work for Iowa families!
PS - If you don't have time to call, please email your legislator now!

4/7/09

Vermont Overrides Same-Sex Marriage Bill Veto



Breaking News: Vermont Overrides Same-Sex Marriage Bill Veto

April 7, 2009 - Vermont's legislature has voted to override Gov. Douglas' veto of the state's marriage equality bill. Vermont will become the fourth state to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

AP Vermont legalizes gay marriage with veto override

Burlington Free Press Vermont legalizes gay marriage

Chicago Tribune Vermont becomes 4th state to legalize gay marriage after lawmakers override governor's veto

3/3/09

Why I am working for same sex marriage


Many transgender people feel it is a vindication of their
prognostication that because Gay and Lesbians are struggling for
marriage equality and there is no concrete evidence of unconditional
commitment by the Human Rights Campaign to support a gender inclusive
ENDA that HRC has no intention to 'return' for us.

I work for human rights. I make no distinction as to who will benefit
by my work.

I have so many dear friends who are suffering so. The lives of each
of their family members have been turned upside down since the rights
of the minority which they belong to have been removed by a popular
vote.

Stop and think about who your friends are. Children and adults who by
grace are in loving families that they may have otherwise never known.

Without further definition as to who they are and who the majority is
I am compelled to action. We only have today to be true to ourselves
and friends.

Sounds familiar? We protest loudly with righteous indignation when
our allies "threw us under the bus". Now it is our opportunity to
raise above anger, above self involvement and jealousy to be the ally
that we wish to have. We can only claim this title if we care enough,
now, today.

Lets Make today our living stonewall. We can make this statement. I
will not leave you behind. I will stand with you and fight for you.
You are my friend.

You are my ally.

kelli Busey
Transgender woman of faith
planetransgender

2/9/09

Add Your Name To Overturn 8


Add Your Name To Overturn 8

For our third of five actions to overturn Prop 8, add your name to a scrolling list of our members.

Have one minute?
Add your name to scroll on the homepage of eqca.org. Show the world you support the freedom to marry and oppose equality being put up for a vote.

Have two minutes?
Call, email, text your friends and family to add their names as well. Follow up with at least three people personally and tell them why this is so important to you.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

The day after Prop 8 passed, Equality California—on behalf of our members—challenged Prop 8 in the California Supreme Court. On March 5, our case will be heard.

And by being a member of EQCA—the only organizational plaintiff in the case—you are a part of this moment in history.

We know that being out as an LGBT person, or as an advocate for equality, is essential to our fight.

That is why we are asking you to come out in a big way—by adding your name to a scroll of supporters on the homepage of eqca.org.

Take a minute to add your name to publicly show your support for the freedom to marry and for protecting minorities from having their equality put up for a popular vote.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

The brilliant attorneys at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, ACLU, Munger Tolles and Olson, LLP and the Law Office of David C. Codell have worked tirelessly so we all live in a state where equality can’t be voted away. Now each of us must do our part.

While our opponents try to hide who their supporters are, we can show the world that we are everywhere and are proud to be on the side of equality. Add your name now.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

And what about the people you care about and who care about you?

Forward this email to everyone one your list and ask them to become part of this historic moment by joining you. And follow up with at least three personally—tell them why it matters to you that they add their names to the list. And explain that the case is about more than marriage—as important as that is—but is about keeping other minorities from having their rights voted on.

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

By showing our neighbors, co-workers, family and friends that we are proud to be out in support of the freedom to marry and for the rights of other groups who will be at risk if Prop 8 is allowed to stand—and asking them to join us—we will build a true state of equality here in California.

In solidarity,

Geoff Kors
Executive Director
Equality California

P.S. This is the third of five actions to overturn Prop 8 before EQCA’s Lobby Day to Overturn 8 next week. Keep looking for more actions until the big day, February 17!

Add Your Name To Overturn 8

2/6/09

Unitarian Universalist Freedom to Marry Week

"'Inspired Faith, Effective Action', weblog of the Advocacy & Witness staff group of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations" is STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE.

Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Freedom to Marry Week



"Check out the video [above] and please share it with others! The conversations we start this week can create a spiral of influence -- encouraging everyone who is touched to stand on the side of love."

Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Freedom to Marry Week

2/5/09

Straights for No on 8

As American citizens', we oppose Proposition 8 on the basis that it denies other American citizens basic civil liberties.

Tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry. DEADLINE: Valentine's Day


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

As Californians, we will not take a step backwards, no matter how much funding special interest out-of-state extremists raise to "scare" us into changing our constitution.

This battle isn't just for homosexuals, but for all of us, so that our children can live in a world where love is celebrated and hate eradicated.

WE ARE UNWILLING TO LET OUR GOVERNMENT TREAT LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS DIFFERENTLY.

We are a nation full of diversity, to enforce specific religious views on our people is not only unjust but unconstitutional and anti-American.

PLEASE help in these perilous times to spread the word, volunteer, and donate. As "straights", let's reach out to others, conservative as they might be, and plead our case as humans, to treat everyone the way we, ourselves, would like to be Treated.

Tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry. DEADLINE: Valentine's Day ! click here !

We, the undersigned, share President Barack Obama's view that "for too long, issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us. It's time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect."

Yet, on December 19, 2008, Ken Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund filed legal briefs defending the constitutionality of Prop 8 and seeking to nullify the 18,000 same-sex marriages conducted between May and November of 2008.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in this case on March 5, 2009, with a decision expected within the next 90 days. We, the undersigned, ask that the Court invalidate Prop 8 and recognize the marriage rights of these 18,000 couples -- and all loving, committed couples in California -- under our state's constitution.

As Americans who believe in the rule of law and fundamental civil rights, we know that Ken Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund's shameful attempt to nullify these unions will not be vindicated in the eyes of history. We know that, ultimately, love will prevail, no matter how hard they try to fight it.

Sincerely,

Tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry. DEADLINE: Valentine's Day ! click here !

No On Prop 8 .Com

Facebook Straights for No on 8!

Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies Supports Marriage Equality

11/11/08

Soulforce: A national call for nonviolent direct action


A national call for nonviolent direct action
in the struggle for marriage equality
Jeff Lutes, M.S., L.P.C.

Last week thousands of lesbian and gay people and their friends filled the streets of California in peaceful protest. Outraged, these upright Californians chose to take action and publicly march against Proposition 8 and the LDS Church for financing the deceptive ads that helped it pass.

First, bravo to our California friends -- their moral indignation is healthy and just. Second, hooray for those in other parts of the country who have begun to follow suit -- let us not stop until every community has mounted sustained campaigns of resistance.

Despite our substantial legislative efforts, thirty states have now passed bans on same-gender marriage. That should serve as a wake-up call to our movement -- one that forces us to consider what we might be doing wrong.

Discrimination does not begin in our courts or in our government -- it ends up there. The fear and misinformation that drives unjust legislation gets its start within society, and the primary source of the problem is the sanctuaries, wealthy mega-churches, and powerful religious institutions of this country. With gigantic and captive national audiences, both Protestant and Catholic churches teach falsehoods that cause voters to cast their ballot against the constitutional promise of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for their gay and lesbian neighbors.

In this election, like so many others before it, the call from the pulpit was clear: We must stop the gays. As millions of gays and lesbians had their hearts broken, some religious leaders rejoiced in that suffering. The Rev. James Garlow, senior pastor of Skyline Church in San Diego County, told the New York Times "It was a great victory. We just saw the people rise up."

It's time for all of us to rise up like thousands are doing now in the Golden State and elsewhere.

We are tired of defeat, token change, defending ourselves against charges of moral inferiority, and being told to "wait" in the land we love while liberation occurs in other countries. Martin Luther King, Jr. acknowledged that real change takes time; yet he also warned against the "tranquilizing drug of gradualism" and instructed the oppressed to demand equality now -- not on the convenient time schedule of those doing the oppressing.

Nonviolent direct action strategies such as marches, vigils, demonstrations, boycotts, public protests, and civil disobedience, seek to create what Dr. King called "healthy tension." This constructive nonviolent tension forces those who perpetuate injustice, and society as a whole, to pause, reflect, and consider the ugliness of their prejudices and the indecency embodied in their discrimination. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. King wrote: "Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored." Public protests empower us and educate those who are still the victims of fear and division.

It's imperative that we remain nonviolent in our approach. Although it may provide short term emotional release, it's ultimately counterproductive to scream expletives at those who have harmed us. We must refrain from damaging property or trying to destroy the character of others and instead approach those who promote discrimination in a spirit of nonviolence. As both Gandhi and King taught, we must avoid violence of the fist, tongue, and heart and remember that in truth we are challenging unjust systems, not people. In due course, we seek to be in community with those from whom we currently find ourselves divided.

So, start organizing now. Don't wait on a LGBT rights group to take the lead. Most of the protests in California were organized by just a handful of people. You can do it too. Imagine the productive conversations around America's dinner tables if the evening news was flooded with coverage of peaceful marches in the other 29 states that ban marriage equality.

In the wake of our recent losses, let's rededicate our lives to speaking out with integrity and let's reclaim nonviolent direct action as part of that process. Let's understand that the vision of equality belongs to all of us and we are each responsible for taking direct action in pursuit of that dream. We all have the faculty to be powerful, influential, and prevailing. Let's reinvest in our movement for social change, believe in our own capacity to affect that change, and allow the boldness and hunger for justice to grow and contagiously spread to others.

Let's take it to the streets.

Soulforce

Task Force : Turn Anger Into Action




Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

I know that right now, many of you are still shocked, saddened, and extremely angry about the passage of Proposition 8 in California — and let me tell you, so are we.

Losses on similar constitutional amendments in Arizona and Florida, and an adoption ban in Arkansas, are equally devastating. But we're picking ourselves back up here at the Task Force, and we're continuing the fight. And today I want to ask you to turn the anger you may feel at this moment into positive action.

Start by signing your name to our Anger into Action Declaration right now. This declaration is about showing wide public support for the fundamental rights of LGBT people. The latest marriage amendments and adoption ban passed by our fellow citizens are built on lies and deception, and we can't stand for it.

After you sign the declaration, think about what you can be doing in your own life to keep the visibility high and voice your support for full equality. Here are a few examples of what people all around the country are doing to keep up the fight.

Cathy and Ellen, married in California after the May 2008 Supreme Court ruling, are attending a rally and march tonight, protesting discrimination being written into our state constitutions.

Madeline in New York is keeping her "No on 8" button up on her Facebook profile, in solidarity with her Californian friends and family.

A straight ally wrote us a moving e-mail, letting us know he and his wife just donated $100 in honor of their six-month-old son — in hopes that, regardless of his sexual orientation, their child would grow up with the opportunity to share his life with the partner of his choice.

Brian is writing a letter to the editor of his local newspaper in Florida, sharing his views on how discrimination persists, even in light of the progress his state saw in the presidential election.
There is no action too small, and every action — symbolic or more tangible — makes a difference.

I am so proud, despite our losses, of our efforts this election season and continue to be moved by the outpouring of support from our community and our allies. We've called on you, our most loyal supporters, time and time again — to give, to knock on doors, to make phone calls, and to do everything you could to make sure that LGBT people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

(Authors note; The Task Force has been a Bastion of Solidarity for Queer and Transgender folks. A call for rational thought when emotions are high may be the last thing we want, but in the long run the results of will be admired by the very ones we currently are at odds with~:)k