No sane person with a life really wants to be a political activist. When activism is exciting, it tends to involve the risk of bodily harm or incarceration, and when it’s safe, it is often tedious, dry, and boring.
– Miriam “Starhawk” Simos
A great deal has been going on in the LGBT world as of late. Same sex marriage spreads to even more New England states, a hate crimes bill is working it’s way through congress, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is entering the realm of public debate again, possible new census rules that would count same-sex relationships arise, and the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots were marred by police violence. On top of all this Obama’s Justice Department released a brief in defense of DOMA which reiterated a few of the foulest arguments against marriage equality.
The Democratic party has a long history now of using Republican obstinance toward equal rights to whip the LGBT community into overlooking their own reticence in adopting an unabashedly pro-equality agenda. They have elections to win and in the south and midwest a social liberal cannot win a primary, much less defeat their opponents. Democratic presidential primary nominees appearing on LOGO to explain to a terse audience why they do not support same-sex marriage is the kind of bone often thrown to ensure future support. And despite the resources and numbers of the gay community it’s most powerful representatives are often little more than overpaid public relations firms.
Several high profile LGBT rights organizations do not fight for advances in equality but have instead become chapters of the Democratic party. Endorsements are guaranteed regardless of the politicians actual stance on the issues. While democrats, secure in the knowledge that they have the gay vote and the funding that comes with it, have no incentive to actually achieve the goals of their supporters. Out of exasperation with this lack of representation a group of activists created the Dallas Principles. A list of eight ideals meant to underlie equality activism. They are presented almost as a contract between the gay community and it’s representatives (both public and governmental).
1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.
2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.
3.Separate is never equal.
4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.
5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.
6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.
7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.
8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.
A general sense of exasperation is often expressed at the progress, or lack their of, in the culture wars. So I think it comes as no surprise when some activists offer alternatives to simple protests and public condemnations. A grassroots organization recently put together a series of simultaneous protests to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. This Million Gay March was intended to raise national awareness but many feel it was ill-timed and due to it’s grassroots nature was not able to harness the advertising power of the larger LGBT organizations.
Another tactic altogether comes from Dan Savage of Savage Love. He puts forth the idea of high visibility civil disobedience. What he proposes is for same sex couples denied equal rights due to DOMA to go to the White House and demand to see the president. When refused they would sit and and refuse to leave until they are carried off by the police. A couple a day would do this and a support organization would be set up to raise money for their bail. The couples would be hand picked from across the country with famous couples hopefully joining in. The pros of this action would be that it would generate massive press and raise popular awareness of the LGBT community and the problems caused by anti-gay legislation.
Maybe it is only a matter of time and persistence, wearing away the rock in order to achieve fairness. Or it may be time for renewed action and more compelling grassroots activism. The frustration with the state of the world certainly makes lashing out Abbie Hoffman style look like a viable option. I fear it would just be a bit of spurious catharsis that alienates the hearts and minds rather than winning converts and attracting allies. There are no easy answers here but I cannot help feel that something must change from the slow gradual grind that has become the norm for LGBT rights groups.