Moving Equality Forward in 2009: A Gay Activists Inside View

By Dan Coleman

It’s nearing the end of 2008 and it is not hard to notice that the LGBT community is still lacking equal rights in the United States. The movement has been heading forward with the addition of marriage in California and Connecticut, though Proposition 8 has currently stalled equal marriage rights in California. Even with the slight setback in California we at least have a more LGBT friendly and inclusive president. At this point it is difficult predicting where the future of the movement is headed, and as a gay community organizer, I think I have a clearer picture of that future.

Let’s take a step backward and look at this past election. The most costly ballot initiative campaign took place in California with a price tag of around 70 million dollars. Fair-minded candidates took offices all over the United States and in Ohio, where I am stationed, we specifically saw this first hand in the flipping of our State House to a more progressive group. President-Elect Barack Obama ran a very successful campaign. He did so many things well and there are many lessons that we need to take from this.

First, millions upon millions of dollars can be raised on five-dollar donations. This element-giving gives power to the individual knowing their small contribution made a significant difference. Second, is reaching out to the communities that are traditionally ignored. I don’t think I once canvassed in a neighborhood that wasn’t considered lower income this season. While canvassing and talking with voters, they informed us of how much people were reaching out to their communities to engage them in the process. It is uplifting and it was the “change” that Obama had to have statistically. Third, the LGBT community came OUT in significant numbers across the United States. We had a presence and if you think it wasn’t noticed, remember Obama’s speech election night when he mentioned “gay or straight.” Please note that I understand and support our community being as diverse politically as possible. I am looking at the success of this campaign as a learning opportunity for the LGBT movement in America.

Now with these three lessons in our pockets, let’s look at 2009. This is a year of promise for our community. There are many inside conversations about the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the passage of ENDA (let’s make sure it is all inclusive). California’s marriage equality is now back in front of their Supreme Court for a second round. As I write this I have a small hunch that Proposition 8 will be struck down due to the entire ballot initiative being done incorrectly to the state constitution. And many Equality organizations are spending their time with positive legislation and are gearing up for a year of LGBT wins and successes across this nation.

One other major change in 2009 comes from the grassroots web-organization “Join the Impact.” This is a national movement started via the web. Nothing but a wiki website and the hopes that grassroots organizers would catch on and share their anger and frustrations over California. The “Join the Impact” group reminds me of the #1 and #2 successes of Obama’s campaign. Involving those that traditionally have nothing to do with the LGBT movement and now watching them harness the power of a community coming together and seeing their individual contribution as valid and vital. After speaking at the Prop 8 rallies I know that these newly engaged LGBT people are looking to get involved and this movement needs both the organizational work and the work of the grassroots leaders and followers. I always remember this as I organize the LGBT and allied communities in Ohio, we’re all in this together. Let’s learn from our successes – and failures – as we move toward Equality in 2009. And together is how we can make this country a place where everyone can feel at home!