Links Galore
If I had to offer a terse summary of the Town Hall meeting last night here in San Francisco, I’d call it an information-gathering session, with a couple hundred folks throwing out ideas left and right.
The meeting broke into smaller groups, so that everyone’s ideas could be heard, a move that brought out my flee-for-the-hills instinct. Writers like to sit on the side and judge observe. But I stuck it out for the greater good. Here are a few notes, though I don’t do shorthand, so, you know, I missed a couple of things.
First off, Marriage Equality, last night’s most visible host, is using these town hall meetings all over California to gather up the collected wisdom as they figure out what steps to take next. To that end they’ve created an online survey which anyone can fill out with suggestions. After taking everything into consideration they will announce the next major steps in January.
Marriage rights as an issue has galvanized The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence like nothing before. One sister commented that they see the lack of gay people represented in the No on 8 ads and commercials as a failure, and are committed to raising awareness of gays and their stories, especially in the communities that voted yes on 8. Field trips to Fresno and Orange County, for example. No word yet if they will do so in full habit.
The comment, that gays were not well represented in the No on 8 ads, was a common refrain throughout the meeting.
On that note, and inspired by Harvey Milk, everyone is urged to come out, come out wherever you are. Use the holidays to start a conversation with someone whose views you may not share. Start A Conversation is a website with tips on how to do just that.
Another idea that was brought up often, and inspired a lot of nodding and clapping, was the building of coalitions among all communities that face discrimination. We can’t take our allies for granted, nor can we expect their support if we’re not willing to show up for their causes as well.
Upcoming Events:
If you haven’t already, or even if you have, go see MILK this weekend. Show our numbers and support through ticket sales. Avoid Cinemark theaters if you can.
Day Without a Gay: December 10, 2008
Tech Meeting: A gathering of techies and their friends to discuss the creation of a central website to disseminate all of the countless pages of information and events regarding the Marriage Equality movement on the web. A cursory Google search will show you the reason why this kind of site is needed. Perhaps modeled after Obama’s website, the central hub for all of the various local communities that organized for, and continue to support, his campaign. Sat, December 13, 2008, 2 pm, Citizen Space in San Francisco. I’ll update this listing when I get more info.
Nationwide Food Drive for Equality: reaching out to both our supporters and to organizations and individuals that opposed us by donating to faith-based food pantries. Underway now until Light Up the Night
Light up the Night: December 20, 2008: a nationwide series of peaceful candlelight vigils in shopping districts to bring attention to the cause
Equality Camp: modeled after BarCamps (An ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from attendees) to “bring together the Netroots, Grassroots, web 2.0 experts and technologies and all stakeholders to create an information system to achieve marriage and equality for all.” This event defies easy summary, or rather defies my skills to summarize it. Check their website for more details. January 3, 2009.
A March from San Francisco to Sacramento. Just a casual walk over five days or so in March of 2009. Nothing strenuous. Really.
At this point there is no Main Organization, no Fearless and Charismatic Leader to follow into battle. In other words, as our hostess suggested, “if you have a good idea, fucking do it.” Find the group or the actions that best fit your style and interests. This battle will need to be fought on many different fronts, and there’s room for everyone.
Hi, Michael. We were in the same breakout group the other night. I wanted to leave, too, when I learned that I was going to have to say something rather than just listen passively. I’m glad I stayed, though, since I feel more connected for having participated. I have just become interested in blogging — this is my first comment to one — and was intrigued when you mentioned yours. (I overheard you mention it by name later. I wasn’t eavesdropping, really.) I look forward to reading more.
December 6th, 2008 at 2:31 pmStephen, it was great meeting you, I’m glad we both fought our panic and stuck around. And welcome to blogging, it’s a strange but pretty awesome world.
December 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pmIf the Sisters are going to go on a road trip, we will definitely be wearing our best frocks, trust! When the idea was brought up at our meeting, my first thought was the scene in Priscilla when the two queens walk down the main strip of that podunk town…
I appreciated you being at the meeting on Thursday and have very much appreciated all of your thoughtful and heart-felt writing on the subject. Your talent with words humbles me!
xxo!
December 6th, 2008 at 6:57 pmThank you Sister, I am equally humbled by all of the good work that the Sisters have done and continue to do. And yes, the O.C. needs the Sisters too.
December 7th, 2008 at 11:10 am