A Brief Introduction

Endeavoring to define myself outside of a "job title." I'm a nomad of sorts who fell in love with technology, activism, and helping others. I run a web & media consulting firm, have a blog specifically for activists & non-profits, and travel often. I love talking about theology, politics, and social change. I love doing something about it even more. I also like to be a well-rounded and fully present person. That's why I write here. Connect with me on twitter

Monday, November 10, 2008

Marriage Rally in NYC

A demonstration in response to California's Proposition 8 will occur this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in front of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple in Manhattan. While over five million Californians voted in favor of Proposition 8, the LDS temple has been selected because the church officially urged members to donate time and money to the cause, estimates place donations from LDS members at 40-80% of total donations. As you may have heard, rallies have taken place across California, including one at the LA LDS temple; recently a protest was staged at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, UT. We feel it is important for you to know of this gathering in New York City, especially since religious rhetoric directly fueled support for Proposition 8.

I want to make it clear that Mormons are not our enemy. Many of my Mormon friends publicly opposed Proposition 8, giving their time, talent, and money for LGBT equality. In the aftermath of Proposition 8, a straight Mormon friend of mine held a sign reading "Churches can repent too," outside of his temple. Seeking Forgiveness is a blog featuring letters of apology from Mormons across the country, repenting on behalf of their church. You can read an open apology to the gay community here.

We understand that misinformation and misunderstanding--not individuals--are the sources of injustice against LGBT people. These rallies and protests can be a necessary and productive way for us to express our hurt, anger, and disappointment; they also serve to bring us together as a community. It is my hope that as you participate in the rally at the LDS temple, that you will bring with you a spirit of reconciliation. Use this rally as a place to express your deep and sincere hurt. The pain is real, let us grieve. And as we grieve, let us open up doors to justice; enrolling all people: gay and straight, Christian and atheist, Mormon or not, in the pursuit of of LGBT equality.

We invite you to use this rally as a conversation starter for friends and co-workers, to let it be your first step in activism, to use it as a catalyst for your friend's first steps into activism, as a place to grieve, as a place to be inspired. I invite you read and consider the journey into soulforce and the pledge to non-violence as you prepare for the rally this Wednesday.

Prop 8 Protest in New York City

Peaceful demonstration Wednesday night, November 12, 6:30 pm, New York Manhattan Mormon Temple, 125 Columbus Ave at 65th Street, New York, NY:

" Tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters are in the streets in California and Salt Lake City and around the country protesting the votes banning same-sex marriage in California. Join them! Make your voices heard right here in New York City. We will tell the Mormon Church how we feel about its relentless campaign to condemn and control our lives. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was, by far, the biggest financer of California's heinous and hateful Proposition 8. The Mormon Church begged their members to donate money to Prop 8, pouring 20 million dollars into the campaign. And their attacks on us didn't start there and aren't about to end. They're plotting right now to bring their money and influence to bear against the LGBT community everywhere in this country, including trying to prevent marriage equality in New York. "

Facebook event: http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=57450719688

This rally is not the only way to be active in the pursuit of justice for LGBT people. As the reality of Proposition 8 sets in, many of us are looking for new ways to become involved. Please email me at brian@sfnyc.org to find ways to engage the issues, change hearts and minds, and create equality!

7 comments:

Queers United said...

i hope to make it
http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com

Joey said...

Not in a million years would I protest with the bunch that will be at such a thing. I'm so pro-gay marriage, but......anything in NYC will be a bunch of you non-natives who've made it part of your gay ghetto lifestyle to hate Catholics, Jews, religion period, heterosexuals, and any homosexual who dares to defend a Republican ("you're an Uncle Tommmmmm!!!!")

Casey said...

Joey - with all due respect, your comment shows that you know absolutely nothing about the author of this blog, and your assumptions reveal more about your own biases than anything else. Pluck the hatred from your own eyes, my friend, before you seek to remove it from anybody else's. Take care.

Brian said...

Joey, I absolutely feel your frustration. I too am concerned about the tone of tonight's rally. I won't be able to attend because I'll be at church but I will be at Saturday's rally. I'm concerned about that one as well. City Hall seems like the wrong location, "hate" seems like the run message, and "protest" seems like the wrong method.

I'm going on Saturday to be a part of a group of people deeply hurt last week, to find community and inspiration there. I cannot control others but I can control myself. I will be bringing a spirit of non-violence and reconciliation with me; I know many of my friends go with similar reservations and goals.

I'm going also because if I don't go, then I allow by my silence others to speak on my behalf. The change I wish to see, both in politics and in LGBT advocacy, can begin with me, my friends, and you ... and it can spread from there. Saturday will be a time to bring a message of true healing to those who have been bruised by Proposition 8 and those who have done the bruising.

If you're in New York City, I hope you'll consider being there. We can't make it perfect, but we can add our own voices.

KipEsquire said...

Here's my video of the event.

Brian said...

Thank you!

Joey said...

Brian : Thank you for responding to my post. Casey : With all due respect, your response indicates you know nothing about gays who move to NYC and then think the city is "theirs" and cause nothing but trouble. But I'm certainly not trying to pick a fight with you because I'm sure your intentions are good.

 
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