LGBT champions equal rights; LGBT to attend upcoming rally
National Equality March on Washington
By Tracy Lum
Features Editor
Thousands will gather in Washington, D.C. from Oct. 10-11 to demand equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, just as Martin Luther King Jr. led the March on Washington in 1963 to rally support for the Civil Rights Movement.
Joshua Ripple '10 is organizing a student trip to attend, cosponsored by the LGBT office and FLAG&BT (Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered). Ripple urges University students to join the movement, which he believes will likely catapult equality issues to the forefront of the political agenda.
The National Equality March is hosted by Equality Across America (EAA), an organization that fights for "equal protection in all matters governed by the civil law in all 50 states," according to the group's Web site. Freedom from discrimination and harassment, safety, equitable healthcare and immigration policies, the right to marry and the right to serve in the military are among the group's chief objectives. Activist Cleve Jones, friend of gay rights leader Harvey Milk, is one of the march's primary organizers.
The march represents the first time that LGBT people and allies unite to fight for change nationally in such a large, concerted effort, according to Ripple.
"Many people do not understand or appreciate the needs of LGBT individuals," Ripple said. "I hope the event and the actions surrounding it inform the public and our government about changes that need to happen in our country."
Demands specific to the march include the passage of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, passage of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, abolition of the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the extension of marriage to same-sex couples in order to gain 1138 federal benefits, according to Ripple.
The EAA's advocacy of equal rights is not specific to the LGBT community, according to Ripple. "Whenever distinctions are made among the worth of individuals on any grounds, we are speaking of a human rights agenda that affects us all," he said.
While Ripple realizes the march may not effect immediate change, he hopes that it will encourage attendees to continue to fight for change. He believes the march will be a kickoff to an LGBT civil rights movement that will not end until these individuals receive equal protection under the law. He also hopes University students will set an example of active leadership for other schools.
Sarah Thibault '12 will attend the march, hoping that the group's sheer numbers will make congressmen understand that the LGBT population and allies exist. "It is incredibly important to me because for the first time in our history we have a president who has pledged his support on a bill-the Respect for Marriage Act-which will ... give us the rights we are demanding," she said. "I hope that gay people specifically can see that we aren't alone in this country."
Chevonne Horvath '12, who will also attend the event, reiterated the importance of visibility. "I want to go to this march for those LGBT people watching from their closets, to let them see that they aren't alone, that there are more people like them and that it's OK to be different." Visibility, she believes, will help pass legislation.
Ripple has also contacted other local universities in the hopes that they can travel to the rally together.
For just $20 to cover the cost of transportation, interested students can participate in the march and rally. Students will leave the University at 6 a.m. on Oct. 11 and return that evening. To attend, contact Joshua Ripple by Oct. 2.
