St Louis - the need to DO SOMETHING

The St. Louis greater LGBT community and it's straight alliance gathered today to participate in the nationwide protest against HATE. While it was 35 degree's out, it was truly heart warming (yes I was emotional) to see the speakers present a unified voice.

Speakers included St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, leaders of the ACLU, Growing American Youth, the Latino community, Black Pride, The Gateway Sisters of Indulgence, the bear community and the Imperial Court and others. The police estimated 1000 people present. It was an electrifying moment.

During the nationwide moment of silence I was struck by a mixture of strong emotions. Comforted by the knowledge that I stood with 1000 people and an estimated 1 million family members across the USA, yet saddened that we, in the year 2008, still have to struggle for BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS.

We as one voice recognized the need to DO SOMETHING and to be satisfied with no less than victory.

Tonight as the Gateway Sisters manifest, those of us who stood today to make a statement feel a renewed calling to stand for what is right, to educate those who are ignorant and above all, return love when faced with hate.

Guard Brian


We thank Guard Brian, of the Gateway Sisters, for sending in his picture and words.

If you'd like to see your pictures, words or video here send them to humans4equality@gmail.com because we want to hear from people all over the world about how they feel about Equal Rights!

The Next National Demonstration for Equal Rights

WHAT IS LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FOR EQUALITY?
On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector. Candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in vigil for the rights of 18,000 same-sex couples who married and look forward to the day when those rights are available again - for EVERYONE. <>

HOW DOES IT WORK? Please take to your local commercial district -- be it a shopping mall, outdoor financial center, you name it. Check your city page for the time and location of your event. This will be a peaceful demonstration in the spirit of the holidays. Dress alike. Wear the same t-shirts or signs pinned to your coats. You can make or buy a "2nd Class Citizen" t-shirt, but the message is optional. Learn more about why we suggest "2nd Class Citizen." This will be the culmination of our National Food Drive for Equality

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?

• Hosting peaceful candlelight vigils
  
• We will stay silent unless asked a question, we will not yell, instigate, or bear signs. Instead, we will let our shirts do the talking and our candles pay our respects. Bring candles (battery powered if you'll be huddling inside).
• Singing and/or silence encouraged...chanting is not....keep it peaceful and in the holiday spirit.

From Bill G

Our thanks to Bill G. for these photos!
If you have photos, videos or just something to say in support of equal rights, be they about employment, marriage, adoption, or something completely different, send them to humans4equality@gmail.com