This is an action alert on the upcoming protest at the gay DNC fundraiser to take place this Thursday at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It includes a couple of useful links and, most importantly, a call to join us in the protest and to assist us in getting word out.
A group is forming to protest the DNC's fundraiser on Thursday, which is targeted at raising money from gay Democrats. Celebrate Stonewall the old-fashioned way!
Here are some things you can do to help us make this act of community organizing a big success:
- Join the Facebook Group and publicize the protest amongst your friends. Here's the link:
http://www.facebook.com/...
- Call the DC Mayor's office of Gay and Lesbian Affairs and let them know that we we do NOT want the mayor of our Gay-friendly city crossing this protest line. I spoke with the Director, Christopher Dyer, who was very helpful and agreed to pass on my concern to the Mayor's scheduler. I'm sure it would help if a few more calls came through.
Office of GLBT Affairs, DC Mayor's Office (202) 727-9493
http://lgbt.dc.gov/...
- Write or call the offices of Congressman Barney Frank and/or Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, and let them know that we do not approve of the soft bigotry that they are enabling as gay representatives. Especially helpful if you are a constituent of theirs. I am going to write a separate diary on this subject tomorrow and will provide links and try to drum up co-signers in the comment thread. But, a personal letter or call is the BEST thing to do.
- COME PROTEST! We will meet at the entrance to the Mandarin Oriental. The facebook page has a map and discussion amongst protestors, but here are the basics.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Time:
5:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Street:
1330 Maryland Avenue SW
- If you feel so moved, your recommends would be appreciated so we can get word out.
Let me say that this protest was a difficult personal decision for me, especially because there are so many worthy issues I would rather be devoting my time to. But, the dismissive and insulting attitude of Democratic leaders in both the Administration AND Congress make this a necessary action. Hopefully, if we can have an impact now, we can concentrate our efforts on building the progressive movement and securing its benefits for everyone. For now, however, our leaders need to grow a spine and, if this intervention can help them do it, then we will all be better off for it.
Oh yeah - any cool signage ideas? Also, anyone have connections to the Post or other media we can use to get coverage? Make your suggestions in the comments.
Finally, if any of the big dollar gay fundraisers who are attending this farce (the dinner, not the protest!) happen to be reading this, then let me reach out and express to you my heartfelt brotherly request that you skip the canapes and join us on the sidewalk. Your presence with us will demonstrate a unity of purpose that can only strengthen the march towards equality, and show the DNC that gays are not bought off by flattery, rhetoric, or trifling gestures of support.