"Virginia Is For Haters"

 Since 1969, Virginia's tourism slogan has been "Virginia is for Lovers." With the recent hostile and bigoted actions by its governor and attorney general, the bumpers stickers have to be changed to "Virginia is for Haters." Rarely have we ever seen such a systematic effort to re-establish discrimination against the LGBT community as official policy since the Republicans took over Virginia in the last election.

If the new generation of activists created by Proposition 8 ever needed a target, this is it.

First, the great new white hope of the Virginia Republican party, Governor Bob McDonnell, immediately repealed all protections for LGBT workers in the state government. Basically, with this repeal, he has made clear it is entirely appropriate to fire LGBT people from their state jobs. Not to be out done by the governor's campaign of hate, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has sent a letter to all state colleges and universities ordering them to rescind their non-discrimination protections for LGBT employees and students on the state's campuses. Don't be surprised if we see an effort in the state legislature to create a "Solomon" type amendment cutting off funds to any state educational institution that continues protecting the civil rights of the LGBT community.

Now for you young activists out there and yes, us old ones, if we allow this to happen without massive protests then surely we deserve the treatment of second class citizens. How in the world can we allow discrimination in our higher education institutions to once again become a way of life? People took jobs and moved families to teach at these institutions in order to live a free and open life only to see those protections stripped away. This a huge step backward for any state but for one that is just outside our nation's capital is just plain unacceptable.

What to do?

1. -Our legal teams must immediately work with such institutions as the University of Virginia and other to take legal action against the Attorney General's actions.
2. -Alumni from any Virginia higher public education institution should mobilize and take action.
3. -Massive protests must take place at any university that rolls back those protections.
4. -Our best organizers from around the country must descend on Virginia and create the 'civil rights' movement that they have so energetically been proposing. They should even consider a 'one day strike' by students on Virginia campuses to protest the rules. 
5. -A massive march on Richmond with our national organizations giving us their best and brightest to make this one a huge success. We should bring tens of thousands to Richmond to protest.
6. -Our brothers and sisters in the Log Cabin Republicans should organize a statement from other Republicans condemning these actions.
7. -Religious leaders across the state should sign a "State of Conscience" saying despite any personal views not protecting the civil rights of LGBT citizens is morally wrong. 
8. -A National Statement of Conscience by our leading Nobel Prize winners, educators and professors should be created and signed by thousands urging people to avoid accepting offers to teach in Virginia. 
9. -A National Statement of Conscience by Student Leaders from around the country should be signed urging students not to apply to Virginia schools until the policy is changed.
10. -The East Coast major cities such as Boston, Washington, DC, Baltimore and New York must mobilize resources, money and volunteers to help in such a "Virginia Campaign."
11. -Demand that Congress pass ENDA immediately to offer those who teach in Virginia protections and dignity that any citizen of this nation should have.

The governor and attorney general think they can revoke our rights without paying a price. They hope to step on our backs and take away our freedom for their personal political careers. If we allow them to proceed without disruption, paying no price for such actions and continuing with business as usual, then we can expect others to follow in their footsteps and we should get ready to find enjoyment in being second class citizens.

Proposition 8 generation - you wanted to know what you can do? Well, now it is staring you right in the face in the home state of Thomas Jefferson!

Impressions.......by David Mixner

-The Congressional LGBT caucus looks like it could receive another member in this year's election. Openly gay mayor of Providence, David Cicilline, is running for the seat currently held by retiring Congressman Patrick Kennedy. Anyone who has been to Providence, Rhode Island recently knows what an amazing job he has done for the citizens of the city. Cicilline's first fundraiser in New York City will be tomorrow night (February 18th) at Savant ("Now You can NYC Experience Center") located 88 Prince Street on the 3rd Floor. Just email emily@campaignfinances.com for further information.

-Queer Rising had a successful demonstration at the New York City Marriage Bureau last Friday with four arrests. It is just another indicator that slowly but surely a civil rights movement is growing for the LGBT community. My deep respect and admiration for the four people arrested who are Alan Bounville, Jake Goodman, Justin Elzie and Gabriel Yuri. They deserve high praise. (Photo by Jamie McGonnigal via Rex Wockner).

-Former NBA basketball player John Amaechi, has a great piece on his blog "Dear John...". Everyone should read "The Truth: Homophobia Hurts Straight People Too." As always, John is insightful and a must read.

-And the actions just continue to grow in our struggle for civil rights. Even in remote central Pennsylvania, the newly formed Justice League held an action at the Bellefonte, Pennsylvania marriage bureau.  Check out their photographs by clicking here.

-Christina Reitz-Krueger is a Doctoral student doing a major marriage survey at the University of Virginia. She is looking for volunteers to participate in this important study. " The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you." You can contact Christina at survey.couples@gmail.com .

-California Attorney General Jerry Brown has some not good news. For weeks, the Attorney General has been leading in the double digits his possible Republican opposition in the race for governor. Now the new Rasmussen Reports poll has Brown in a dead heat with GOP Meg "Yes On 8" Whitman.

-Senator Evan Bayh's stunning announcement to not seek re-election to continue to represent the people of Indiana almost guarantees we lose a Democratic seat from that slightly conservative state. If you put that with Democratic Senators who are facing tough fights in Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware and North Dakota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Illinois, those who thought we had all the time in the world for key issues might be in for a big surprise come November.

-With the recently announced retirement of Congressman Patrick Kennedy, for the first time in 60 years Washington faces a Congress that doesn't include a Kennedy. David Catanese of Politico.com does a first rate article, "More Kennedy's On Deck", on all the possible Kennedy's who could still run for office. The list is amazingly long.

-While Democrats become increasingly worried about the United States Senate in the 2010 elections, political genius Nate Silver reminds us that Republicans can lose seats too. He puts the states of Ohio, Missouri, New Hampshire, Kentucky and possibly Arizona (yes, that would be John McCain) in play for the Democrats.

-Enjoy your next meal in the state of Virginia because it could be your last. The Virginia State Senate just voted to allow anyone to carry a gun into restaurants. Get ready for some old Wyatt Earp saloon shoot outs if someone doesn't like their meal.

-For some reason, New York City Stonewall Club thought it would be useful to invite possible New York Senate candidate Harold Ford to their meeting. They shouldn't be shocked if there is a storm of protest. Sometimes, we don't have to bend over in order to prove we are open minded. What were they thinking?

-Cyd Zeigler, Jr. gets another college sport 'coming out' exclusive for Outsports.com In his article Oneonta State University lacrosse player Andrew McIntosh (photograph) joins the increasing number of college jocks coming out. Once again, the team was extremely supportive. What a different world from when I was in college decades ago!

-Reader Dan Duttinger reports he just received an email from the Democratic National Committee asking him to rank the top 14 issues and LGBT issues were totally missing. Just another reason not to give to the Democratic National Committee.

-Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey gave one great speech at the Creating Change Conference. It is worth the read. Just click here.

-Architizer.com continues to give us a dramatic looks into the future of architecture. This project by Steven Holl Architects would serve as LM Harbor Gateway in Copenhagen. Not exactly the Stature of Liberty but bold and dramatic!

ROTC: A Shame on American Campuses

As we struggle with marriage equality, there is a shame that continues to blight American education. In our institutions of higher learning, sits the ROTC. That means at our universities there exists an organization that is an integral part of university life and a source of crucial funding for students that is allowed to openly discriminate against LGBT people. By national law, any university that insists on ending this blatant and ugly discrimination against our young, will lose its federal funding.

Just one more case where there is a federal law separating us from the rest of American society! Thank God it is against our LGBT students so they can start learning how to live in a separate society early. This law is a blight on every institution of learning in America and the fact that it quietly exists is a shame on our country, our institutions of higher learning and those who have yet to repeal it.

Just think of it: On our campuses like Harvard, Yale, UCLA, University of Florida there is an officially recognized part of the university system that has a big "NO GAYS ALLOWED" sign on it. Wonder what the reaction would be if ROTC had a big sign on it that said "NO AFRICAN-AMERICANS ALLOWED" or "NO WOMEN ALLOWED?"

What is more amazing is that ROTC scholarships are a major source of funding for many students as they prepare to enter the military. Obviously, open members of the LGBT community can't serve in the military and thus cannot receive these important sources of funding. Can't be more direct than that can it? Even more outrageous is that our young, the universities and others have accepted this system of separation as a way of university life.

Without much fanfare and with little effort, President Obama and Congress could simply repeal this amendment. The repeal would not require colleges to expel ROTC but simply give the academic community the 'choice' if they want their places of learning to be a place of freedom or continued oppression against the LGBT community.

Finally, it is amazing to me that students so active in many of our struggles are overlooking the most obvious target right in their own backyards. I can only urge them to carefully consider how they feel about this 'no gays' policy and urge them, in the name of equal justice, to fight back.

UCLA Students Protest Tuition Increase of 33%!

Election (Part One): Enough, No More, Enough

Today I write more from my gut than maybe you have ever heard. Quite honestly to all those who have found my words inciting in the past, just move on. You are not going to be happy this morning reading further.

After a very restless night of sleep and some deep thought, I am ready to share with you some thoughts (this might not be my most 'smooth' writing). Forgive me that it has taken a while for me to compose myself so that I can write from my values and principles and not anger. Because my anger will blind me to the truths of yesterday. Let me do my best to share my deep beliefs and not out of anger or fear like the people who insist that we continue to create a system of Gay Apartheid in America. This will be part one of two parts on the election.

First and foremost, Enough!

We have poured over $100,000,000 in the last two years into efforts where Americans feel it is there obligation to vote on our freedom. The entire concept is repugnant and disgusting. That we for the last three decades have been drawn into this game of 'this is politics' and fighting these ballot box horrors so that maybe by in five, ten or twenty years we will have enough victories to force our federal government to protect our freedom is simply not acceptable anymore. Imagine the good we could have done with all that money. Imagine the civil rights movement we could have built if we had the leadership that was willing to think out of the box and put it on the line.

Second, call this campaign against us what it is - Gay Apartheid.

Refuse to allow any of our fellow Americans, President Obama or our allies to view this as a political issue who time hasn't quite come. America is in the process of creating a system of Gay Apartheid. We will not quietly sit and accept it. All over the place, this nation is creating one set of laws for LGBT Americans and another set for all other Americans. That is the classic definition of Apartheid. Either our political allies are for Gay Apartheid or against it. If they are against it, they must fight with us and no longer duck like President Obama did in Maine and Washington. There is no half way in fighting Apartheid.

Today many will claim that we must surrender the word marriage or accept some sort of separate but equal arrangement. It didn't work in the African-American struggle for freedom and it doesn't work for us. We want full equality with the same rights, benefits and privileges as all other Americans now. We say to those friends, allies and even in our own community who want to accept that second class citizenship, "Oh No You Don't!" We will accept no compromises, time-lines, incremental approaches with our freedom. Don't counsel patience as if this is a new issue. We have been fighting these ballot box bigots for over three decades. Enough.

Third, it is clear that the political establishment in Washington doesn't understand that we no longer willing to wait until it meets their timetable or political needs.

President Obama standing on the sidelines in Maine and Washington was appalling. The failure of our national organizations and leaders to demand his involvement was equally appalling. The outrageous act of the Democratic National Committee sending an email into Maine asking Maine Democrats to call into "NEW JERSEY" instead of to support the fight against bigotry was unbelievable. No one gets to sit on the sidelines in an epic battle against apartheid and no one gets a free pass. If you want our support, you have to earn it. We are way beyond where we will accept a little bit in 2009, some in 2010 and maybe more in the second term. Does anyone think after yesterday election results and the upcoming 2010 election, Obama has the ability to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and "DOMA" next year? Does anyone really believe we haven't already missed a historic opportunity in the first 10 months of this year? Only a courageous fighting President and Congress can now help turn us this around and that we have not seen so far. Enough.

Finally, yes, as a community we have every reason to be proud. We raised the money, we made the calls, we came not in anger and we made the case. My hats off to the brave people, gay and straight, of Maine and Washington who fought in the trenches. We all are so proud of you and to be part of your community. You have no idea how much we love you for your work, dignity and honor. However, it is no longer acceptable to be viewed as brave, patient warriors in defeat.

I don't want to be a brave warrior, I want to be a free one.

Enough!

Vietnam Moratorium - Forty Years Later

This past weekend in Washington, DC was the a gathering of the veterans of the Vietnam Moratorium. This was the organization that was co-founded by Sam Brown, David Hawk, Marge Sklencar and myself to protest the War in Vietnam. Starting out in a small office that March in 1969, it grew by leaps and bounds over the next months.

On October 15, 1969, over two million people around the country in their own cities and neighborhoods held protests against the War. Some read names of the war dead in town squares, some churches tolled their bells for each of the dead and some gathered in cities like Boston, New York and San Francisco in massive demonstrations against the war. Folks who worked on this effort have gone on in so many ways to excell in leadership and change the world,

Sam Brown served President Carter as head of the Peace Corps and President Clinton in Vienna as part of the nuclear arms talks. David Hawk, the All American swimmer and draft resister from Cornell is now vigorously documenting the human rights abuses in North Korea after doing the same in Cambodia. Susan Werbe has won two emmys at the History Channel. John O'Sullivan is a powerful DC attorney. Greg Craig who ran the New Haven Moratorium is working as White House Counsel for Obama. Marylouise Oates (who couldn't make it) has become a best selling author, worked to assist the peace process in Northern Ireland and is one of the nation's strongest straight allies of the LGBT community. The list could go on and on of talented young people emerging from this effort to make the world a better place.

However, for a brief moment this weekend, it was about warm and loving feelings for old friends who were bounded in one of the great epic stories of this nation. A time with this country's young attempted to stop an unjust War. For many of us the most moving time was when, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, gathered us around and we sang old peace songs. For that brief moment, we could remember the battle that brought us together forever. Somehow the sacrifices and difficulties we all faced in that time vanished into the background as his music one more time brought us together