A Day without Gays

I have been toying with the idea, for a while now, of organizing a "Day Without Gays" protest.  I was mostly inspired by the  2006 protest where members of the Hispanic community organized "A Day Without Immigrants".  It was brilliant example of the impact that New Americans (and even undocumented Americans) have on the economy.

 Like many ex-pats and immigrants who have chosen to live in this nation, I am a passionate about my city, my country and it's place in the larger world.  I have seen the progress that we have made in the past decade.  That being said, the progress is slow and the conversation around marriage equality is often used to polarize opposition and drum up financial support for those who commit themselves to blocking equality.

I don't think of this as a political issue (and you are free to disagree with me) I see this as a human rights issue.  Human rights should never be politicized, and the fate of any minority should not be subject to approval by a majority of the population.  That is dangerous thinking.

The reality, however, is that the question of equality has been politicized.  A number of former Republican politicians, today, (many of whom opposed equality while they were in office) have submitted a brief to the US Supreme Court in support of equal marriage.  While I appreciate the support, I think it is telling that nearly all of those who signed have nothing to lose, as they are no longer holding, or seeking office.  I think it represents the deep hypocrisy of bi-partisan politics. But I digress.

I think a day when all members of the LGBTQQA community stand together - all races, creeds and political persuasions - and demonstrate to their communities, to their colleagues, to their elected representatives, the impact of their participation in society.  Maybe then, the message of equality will resonate.

Please let me know if you would like to help make this day of protest a reality.  Let's stand up and be counted.  The time is now.