March on Washington
The National Equity March was the largest gay rights march since 1993
Shannon McEvoy
Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: News
From 150,000 to 300,000 gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered and their allies marched for their rights in Washington D.C on Oct. 11, 2009. They marched past the White House, Congress and the Senate, all the while chanting "What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? NOW!" They were demanding their rights to be treated as first-class citizens.
After the march, the LGBT marchers rallied at the Capitol Mall, where they heard moving speeches from Cleve Jones (founder of the NAMES project AIDS memorial quilt), Sherry Wolf (author of Sexuality and Socialism and ISO member), to the popular Lady Gaga (musician).
"Being a gay man, this march meant a lot to me. Especially seeing Lady Gaga, who is one of my top idols. Her heartwarming speech inspired me greatly." Memory Rayeshades stated.
Judy Shepard (mother of Matthew Shepard) who "lost her son to hate," had the same meaningful message: "It is our time! We will not wait any longer! We want our rights!"
Madison was part of this powerful movement, with more than 200 students, workers and members of the LGBT community, on four buses, driving 14 hours to reach Washington D.C. Not only were they marching for their rights, but also for the rights of the others in the LGBT community in Madison. It took a lot of work for the LGBT organizers. They had many fundraisers put on by community organizations such as Out There and OutReach. There was also a Cleve Jones event, where he came to Madison to talk to about 400 people to get the word out. Out There had a potluck to raise money for the trip, which also included a movie.
Everyone was very excited for the march. Even the people who couldn't go gave us encouraging words. " I feel that this march is a fight for my rights to be equal to any heterosexual..." said MATC student David Coumbe in response to the March. "Not only will I not be discriminated for my gender orientation but my uncle won't be discriminated for his sexual orientation. This march allows me to be treated like anyone else."
This wasn't a "gay pride" parade. This was a march to fight for the rights of every homosexual, bisexual, and transgendered person out there. The demonstration stated not only to President Obama, but to Congress as well, that citizens will no longer wait for the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy to be eliminated. This march was a fight for discrimination to no longer exist. This was a march for the right to be treated, by law, like every heterosexual. This march was beautiful and inspiring for all involved bringing most marchers to tears.
After the march, the LGBT marchers rallied at the Capitol Mall, where they heard moving speeches from Cleve Jones (founder of the NAMES project AIDS memorial quilt), Sherry Wolf (author of Sexuality and Socialism and ISO member), to the popular Lady Gaga (musician).
"Being a gay man, this march meant a lot to me. Especially seeing Lady Gaga, who is one of my top idols. Her heartwarming speech inspired me greatly." Memory Rayeshades stated.
Judy Shepard (mother of Matthew Shepard) who "lost her son to hate," had the same meaningful message: "It is our time! We will not wait any longer! We want our rights!"
Madison was part of this powerful movement, with more than 200 students, workers and members of the LGBT community, on four buses, driving 14 hours to reach Washington D.C. Not only were they marching for their rights, but also for the rights of the others in the LGBT community in Madison. It took a lot of work for the LGBT organizers. They had many fundraisers put on by community organizations such as Out There and OutReach. There was also a Cleve Jones event, where he came to Madison to talk to about 400 people to get the word out. Out There had a potluck to raise money for the trip, which also included a movie.
Everyone was very excited for the march. Even the people who couldn't go gave us encouraging words. " I feel that this march is a fight for my rights to be equal to any heterosexual..." said MATC student David Coumbe in response to the March. "Not only will I not be discriminated for my gender orientation but my uncle won't be discriminated for his sexual orientation. This march allows me to be treated like anyone else."
This wasn't a "gay pride" parade. This was a march to fight for the rights of every homosexual, bisexual, and transgendered person out there. The demonstration stated not only to President Obama, but to Congress as well, that citizens will no longer wait for the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy to be eliminated. This march was a fight for discrimination to no longer exist. This was a march for the right to be treated, by law, like every heterosexual. This march was beautiful and inspiring for all involved bringing most marchers to tears.
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