Here's the scoop ... there's going to be a BIG QUEER RALLY on Saturday, January 10 from 2 - 4 PM at the Schenley Quad in Oakland (near the libraries). This is a follow up event to the Join the Impact rally in early November which turned out nearly 500 people.
The focus of the rally is twofold. The national goal is to bring attention to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as a tie-in to the Proposition 8 issue. Locally, however, we are much more concerned about the upcoming public hearing to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in the Allegheny County Human Relations Act. That hearing date is set for January 15, 2009 and has been the focus of vigorous attack by the right wing extremist organization, the American "Family" Association of Pennsylvania, run by Diane Gramley of Venango County.
So please spread the word about the big queer rally. Tell your friends and family. Bring signs. Bring the kids. Bring your grandma. Just be there and be present as part of the message that EVERYONE deserves equality and fairness.
The event emcee is local comedian and actor Gab Bonesso. Confirmed speakers include long-time LGBT ally and media pundit, John McIntire. Other leaders from the faith community, the political world, the local business community and individuals who wish to share their stories of being discriminated against in the workplace, in housing or in public because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. If you would like to be a speaker, please email me sue @ sitnscoop.com and I'll hook you up with the appropriate folks on the organizing committee.
We cannot sit back in our comfortable, warm homes on January 10 and let other people stand up for us. We cannot be "Prop 8ed" here in Allegheny County. Be there and be part of the solution.
Update:
Reverend Janet Edwards has just confirmed that she will be speaking at the upcoming rally on January 10, 2009. As you may recall, Janet was the target of a church trial because of her decision to preside at the wedding of two local lesbians. She was cleared of those charges.
I believe she will prove to be a powerful voice in the call for equality of all persons who are LGBTQ whether it be in terms of the freedom to marry or the freedom to work without fear of persecution for being gay.
I hope that the rally will be well attended by persons of faith, particularly as Ms. Diane Gramley, right wing extremist based in Venango County, has been utilizing religion as a weapon in her quest againt any gay rights in Pennsylvania. Please stand up for faith experiences grounded in equality, fairness and peace.
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