As some of you may know, there was a March for Equality last weekend in Washington DC. By most accounts it was larger than the teabagger march that happened several weeks ago, but you would never know it considering how little the mainstream media covered it. Despite the lack media coverage, it was well attended and successful. Several men who I consider dear friends attended, and one of them, Bryan Manire, wrote about his experiences at the march. I found his statements moving and asked him if I could share them here. In his words:

To my friends and family,

I just spent 6 days in Washington D.C. visiting many of the monuments and museums; but mainly joining in the National Equality March on Sunday, October 11 with tens of thousands of other supporters of full civil rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered people. For me it was an experience of empowerment, exhilaration, inspiration, and hopefulness. I’m still angry about being a 1^st class tax payer and a 2^nd class citizen, but the March and the organizing before and after it gives me more hope that Justice will be achieved, and I learned some organizing strategies that I think will help that goal.

As you probably know there was ONE SINGLE DEMAND - Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.  The strategy is to develop Congressional District Action Teams in every congressional district - led by local organizers.

Saturday I attended a workshop sponsored by the Courage Campaign which was formed after Prop. 8 passed in California. We were given a shortened version of the brilliant workshop that they have done all across California. I was very impressed by their smart approach – and I got to shake hands with Cleve Jones, one of the main organizers of the March. Part of their objective is training us to find our unique voice and learn to use our personal story as a vehicle for social change. Their website is www.couragecampaign.org .

On Sunday morning, my friend from Eureka, Dominic, and our hosts, David Mo. and Jiff (from MMF) and another friend, Bobette of Hollywood, got onto the subway in Silver Spring, Maryland for the ride to the Capitol. At each stop more and more folks got on who were obviously going to the March – and the excitement built and built. As we exited the subway station, the air was electric – people and banners and signs everywhere – and voices shouting “What do we want? Equal Rights! When do we want ‘em? Yesterday!!!” it was thrilling, and took me back to the huge march in 1993.

We knew that our friend Dale, from MMF, was there also; and thanks to cell phones were able to connect with him – and meet his partner Dale. Seeing them was a great treat.

As we began our march down the streets of D.C., I started noticing how many very young people there were among the marchers – and they were definitely the loudest chanters and most lively marchers. That’s part of what gives me hope. And I got the impression that these young people were not asking for our rights – they’re demanding that we be treated as equal citizens.

It’s always impressive to march past the White House, and the voices became louder and more impassioned it seemed to me. Yes, we have a President who seems to have a heart, but he is still not doing what he could be doing for our rights. If you watched Obama’s speech to the Human Rights Campaign (check it out on you-tube), you heard some great rhetoric, but little actual action.

At the rally itself, on the west side of the Capitol, we heard many speeches; most of which were excellent. Troy Perry (of MCC church) gave the invocation by invoking the Spirit of many who had gone before us – including Harry Hay, and Bayard Rustin among others. It was very moving.

It was emotional: hearing Judy Shephard speak about losing her son Matthew in a violent hate crime, being reminded about the toll that AIDS has taken on the Gay community, hearing stories of oppression and struggles, singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow with the D.C. Gay Men’s Chorus.

It was inspirational and invigorating: hearing Julian Bond affirming the connection between civil rights for Blacks and for Gays, hearing Dustin Lance Black warmly affirming our equality, hearing Urvashi Vaid (Kate Clinton’s wife) so clearly articulate what the struggle is about and what our strategies are, hearing Cleve Jones and David Mixner be so clear and adamant that equality is ours and will be achieved.

It was empowering: the one single demand is brilliant. No more struggle for piecemeal gains; we’re going for full civil rights, and full equality is NOT a religious issue, as the far right was able to frame it in California. As mentioned earlier, there were many, many young people rallying – AND there were many, many apparently heterosexual young couples there to support their friends and family. Most of the speakers also reiterated that a civil rights struggle is not just about one group; it’s about everyone in this country, and I felt like I was seeing and hearing that play out.

It was clarifying: being there helped take my anger and turn it into a system or format that will be more productive to end what one speaker called Gay Apartheid. By the way, David Mixner read a beautifully supportive letter from Bishop Desmond Tutu at the beginning of the March.

Check out the following websites:
www.equalityacrossamerica.org

www.nationalequalitymarch.com

www.standingonthesideoflove.org

WISHING US ALL PEACE, JOY and the COURAGE and STAMINA to ACT for HUMAN RIGHTS for ALL PEOPLE!

With Love,
Bryan Manire


Some of the signs we saw at the March:

Do I get to vote on your marriage next?

Everyone has a Gay uncle!

I’ve been to my brother’s second wedding. When can he come to my first?

End the harm from religious-based bigotry and prejudice

We hold these truths to be really frickin obvious

Love – it’s not just for procreation anymore

(under a picture of two men) 40 years of commitment, 0 years of marriage, is this equality and justice in America?

Love does not discriminate

Let’s have a summit Mr. President, I’ll bring the beer

"Fierce advocate?”  You lie!!!!

Jesus had two daddies, and someday so will my kids!!!

Our ancestors march with us (with a picture of Walt Whitman)

Acceptance means nothing without rights

Love will conquer hate

You can reach Bryan Manire via email at bmanire@cox.net . You may also leave comments on this web site.