Chicagoans joined the national wave of demonstrations protesting the vote on Prop 8 in California. As the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus sang Down by the Riverside, about 4,000 gathered on this bitter cold and windy afternoon.
"This is a Stonewall moment" was the theme of so many who spoke, calling not just for overturning Prop 8 but for a new and energized movement to end all discrimination against LGBT citizens.
Chicago is still celebrating the election of Barack Obama and chants of "Yes we can" rang out often as many made the connection between his Change campaign and the need for renewed activism to address anti-gay laws – and attitudes.
Some of the speakers criticized the No on 8 campaign as too defensive, questioning why they did not use images of married gay couples in their pre-election ads and all insisted that "tolerance" is no longer acceptable, only full and equal rights will do. Today looked like the start of a nationwide movement with the determination and spirit to finally make it happen.
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Thanks Siun and Chicago. I emailed the organizer of the Philly rally when I got home thanking her for the outstanding job that she did, and she responded “Stay tuned for more!!!”
It was then I realized a movement has been born.
Digg please! This is great.
It was super in Chicago – even on a very cold day … brrrr!
Great crown and really determined
Siun, I would love to know where to buy one of those “Love Unites” signs.
what about amendment 2 in FL?
Try here and see if they can put you in touch.
Hi Siun. I just posted a comment to Teddy’s post saying I was glad to see there was a good Chicago turnout considering how darn cold it was today…
I was in Flagstaff, Arizona today and drove past the demonstration, honking my horn in support. There were more than 100 people but probably less than 200. It was somewhat cold but sunny.
Thanks, I added myself to their mailing list. They promise “blatant sales pitches!” lol
Mayor Daley and the local Catholic Church taking sides on this what about the Gov his sister in Law got arrested for knocking down an undercover cop at a gay protest a few years back.
They were all over the crowd and some nice soul gave me one … just an amazing statement! Shepard Fairey did them.
It was a bit brisk – and I know several of my neighbors just could not handle it though they wanted to go in honor of a good friend of theirs.
HA! I saw some of them today in black and white, but I like the color ones better.
The criticism of the ads is merited. We kept asking why gay couples weren’t in the ads, we kept asking why the ads weren’t more hard-hitting, and then — suddenly — we were on the defensive after that horrible group of parents organized the outing for their first-graders to their teacher’s SF City Hall wedding. I hope those parents cherish the memory of that field trip, because it was used in all the YES ads afterwards as proof that “children will be taught about gays marrying.”
Terrible timing, and idiotic of the Mayor to allow it to happen.
The Movement IS growing from sore to shore North to South! When this issue is seen as a civil rights issue the fog clears away and more people see it for what it is the Government limiting the RIGHTS of people. And after all the rights that have been infringed on by BushCo they are saying enough is enough!!
Nodding – the folks in Chi were definitely not just following CA’s lead but talking about how to shape a Midwest effort that seems very strong – I was really impressed by the tone. The no to tolerance line was big – and no to defensiveness. Seemed like a good start here.
I hadn’t heard about the field trip debacle… pretty bizarre. Says a great deal about the Prop 8 supporters that they feel compelled to use something so irrelevant to bolster their argument.
As the parent of a first grader, I disagree.
If my kid’s teacher was getting married, a field trip to the steps of city hall to surprise her sounds like a wonderful thing. I *want* my kid and all his classmates to be taught about marriage — let’s not keep it in the closet, Teddy!
If the No on 8 folks had had images of gay couples — with kids! — in their ads before that teacher’s wedding, it would have neutralized the whole issue. The shock value of “what will we tell the children?” would have been eliminated, even before it could have been raised.
Yes but It WAS a Mistake Teddy the parents were horrified that the occasion was used for Prop 8. It was ment as an occasion for the kids to be happy for their Teacher and not making any kind of statement at all. It did turn out poorly and I wish that the parents could sue those who used their children in such a heinous way! Those who produced it should be sued!
I, for one, am very glad Prop 8 passed. It’s about time you wusses got off your duff and challenged these religious nutcases. Yeah, if you wait it out, you might have your marriage in a few decades. However, I believe it’s past time for the showdown. Make these f***ers show you HOW your marriage subverts the institution. Ask ‘em where Jesus says you can’t be married. Demand to know what the Church’s definitions have to do with a secular society. Give ‘em the hell they so richly deserve, and I’ll support however I can. Just don’t go back to sleep, eh?