Supporting global LGBT Rights during the #Sochi Olympics!

Many of us have watched events unfold in Russia with absolute disgust and horror.  Being sold out by corporations like Coca Cola, Visa, NBC, the list goes on and on.  LGBT rights are less important than the almighty dollar.  But is there anything we can do from home?

My friend Will Welch came up with the most brilliant idea!  I plan on participating, and want as many of you to join in!  I'm sharing his Facebook note, with permission.








Dear Friends,   The Olympics are little more than 2 weeks away in Sochi, Russia.  As you all certainly know by now, the Russian government passed harsh anti-LGBT laws that have led to increased violence and legal marginalization of LGBT Russians. For this reason, many groups have condemned the International Olympic Committee for their decision to allow Russia to host the Olympics, especially since discrimination such as this is against the Olympic charter.  There was even a push to move the games at the last minute from Sochi to Vancouver, to no avail.  The danger that has been brought upon LGBT Russians is inexcusable.  Vladimir Putin does not deserve to host the Olympic games. He is going to anyway, but WE DON"T HAVE TO WATCH.

• BEAR WITH ME HERE!!  I know that many of you want to watch the Olympics, or will be in family/friend situations where you will naturally find yourself doing it. However, as long as there is some time (hopefully a lot of time :)  you can set aside during the games to deliberately do something else and tweet and/or facebook about it using the hashtag #NotwatchingtheOlypmics, you can help:
• Imagine what kind of a message can be sent to Putin and corporate sponsors of the games if a large number of people not only reduced their viewership significantly, but also filled up social media with the message that we are #NotwatchingtheOlympics . It's too easy to pass up right? 
• Here are some fun examples:
  1. "I can't wait to watch old reruns of Golden Girls while I'm #NotwatchingtheOlympics "
  2. "Ack! I skied straight into a tree today while I was #NotwatchingtheOlympics "
  3. "Having a great time bowling with my family in support of #LGBTRights while we're #NotwatchingtheOlympics "

• You can even start planning now what you might want to do when you are #NotwatchingtheOlympics  
• RECRUIT YOUR FRIENDS!
• P.S. If you don't have twitter, I would suggest getting one even if just for this.  You don't have to follow anyone for your hashtags to count.

Anniversary Challenge!

This week, my partner Les and I celebrated our 19th anniversary.  We chose to use our anniversary to make a statement and engage others about marriage equality.  You see, because we are both gay men and happen to be in love with one another and not someone of the opposite sex, our relationship is reduced to "boyfriend," "lover," or "partner" status opposed to having the right to marriage.  We would prefer to have spent the entirety of our anniversary in celebration, but felt that instead, we should visit our local county courthouse and demand a marriage license.  As we were walking into the building, a very happy opposite sex couple was leaving with a license in hand.  We entered the Clerk's office, took a number (D 134), and sat down to fill out our application.  Discrimination was evident from the get-go as we had to scratch out "Bride" in multiple place on the application and replace it with "Groom number 2".  When our number was up, we handed our application and drivers licenses to the lady behind the desk.  She looked the paper over, as well as our IDs and promptly informed us that due to a Florida statute, she would be unable to issue us a license because we are a same sex couple.  We discussed the issue with her, and even asked if she agreed with the statute (which she refused to answer).  We remained civil but made sure to push the issue a little instead of just taking her "no" and leaving.  I even asked her if she would be willing to step outside of the box and simply do the right thing.

I have organized marriage counter actions like this, and have participated in them before.  These can be powerful actions as they put faces to the issue.  They force government workers to look us in the eye while enforcing institutionalized homophobic discrimination.  They show our friends and neighbors, our coworkers, those waiting in the lobby with us that LGBT people are everywhere, and it isn't just New Englanders and Californians who think marriage equality is important.  While we were there, friends of ours discussed our action with a family who was there supporting an 18 year old getting her own marriage license.  This family cheered and applauded us as we left the building.  I guarantee you that the lady working the desk as well as the family in the waiting room went home and talked to others about the gay couple who was not allowed to get married.  When these people next hear a politician say something good or bad about "same-sex" marriage, instead of it being an abstract concept, they have real life people to associate with it.  That is huge!

Les and I issue a challenge to all LGBT couples out there:  when your anniversary comes around, if you live in a state where you cannot get married, visit the marriage counter!  Put your faces and names out there, let as many people as possible see us for the human beings with families we are.  This is an example of a simple, very low-risk action.  If you have never organized a protest or direct action before, this is one of the easiest to do.

Here are some simple steps for having a marriage counter action of your own.
1.  Plan ahead if possible.  You might want to get the word out, a crowd of friends can help to dramatize and further publicize your action.
2.  Prepare messaging.  Messaging is very important.  You want to pick one or two main talking points, main issues or reasons for doing what  you are doing.  Come up with different ways to express those talking points and practice getting those words out as eloquently as possible.
3.  Notify press.  Press is very important, but not everybody is comfortable talking to a camera or reporter, so be prepared with one or two strong bullet points.  It is best to send out an advisory a day or two ahead of time, and a press release the morning of your action. I would be more than happy to help with composing press releases, you can email me anytime!
4.  Come prepared.  While it is extremely rare, some offices in the past have decided to issued marriage licenses.  I can think of nothing worse than a couple showing up, a clerk saying yes, and that couple not having the required documentation or money ready.  You can find information on what is required in your state/county by clicking here!
5.  Be civil.  This can be a very emotional experience.  Even though you know you most likely will be turned down, it still can be hard to hear the words.  It is important to remain as civil as possible during the interaction with the government workers.  The last thing you want is to be perceived as rude or spiteful because, remember, those you interact with will see you as the face of marriage equality when the topic comes up in the future.
6.  Be strong and consistent.  Just because you are being civil, it does not mean you have to meekly take the "no" and leave.  Engage the worker with questions and statements.  Ask them why they cannot give you a license.  Ask for documentation, statute numbers, etc.  Many clerk's offices have had some training on this and will actually have a copy of your state's marriage statue on hand to provide you.  Give them a personal story, a reason why marriage is important to you as a couple.  Give them a statistic or two about "traditional" marriage in the USA.  You could also ask to speak to their supervisor and go through a similar scenario.  When you are done, thank them for their time.
7.  Get pictures and video!  Have a friend or family member take pictures and/or get video of your visit.  This is very important.  Direct action should always be documented.  Share pictures and videos online, particularly on social networking sites, share your experience with people (we all have friends or associates who don't really get why this is important, this can help educate them).
8.  Debrief.  Write about your experiences as soon as possible after your action.  Write, video log, audio, however you are most comfortable documenting things.  This gives you something to fall back on in the future, and gives a record of your experience.

I hope these steps help those of you who want to take part in our challenge.  Again, you can email me anytime with questions or comments.  So, couples, are you up for the challenge? 

Onward!
Jarrod

RNC in Tampa: What not to bring!

Well, as many of you know, Tampa is about to host the Republican National Convention.  Obviously, there will be a lot of protest activity around the convention.  There will be demonstrations, rallies, marches, you name it, it will probably be happening throughout the week of 08-27.  What you aren't hearing a lot about is the list of prohibited items in what is being called the "event zone".  Kind of long and confusing, but if you are planning on heading out to protest, you really should spend some time looking not only at the list, but the full ordinance for the RNC.  It is important to think outside of the box when looking at the list.  For instance, puppets (except for maybe sock puppets) would be prohibited because their parts may fit into several of the prohibited item categories.  Want to wave the rainbow flag?  Don't do so with a flagpole unless it is less than less than 2 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick.  Basically, there isn't much you CAN bring other than yourself and signs (be sure if you have posts holding those signs up that they are "within" dimensions.  I URGE anybody planning on protesting to pay close attention to this list so as not to give authorities a reason to badger you or arrest you.

Anything made of lumber, wood, or wood product unless it is 1/4 inch or less in thickness and 2 inches or less in width, or if not rectangular in shape, it shall not exceed 3/4 inch in its thickest dimension.  If an item does not exceed these dimensions it is allowed only if the object is not filled with any material, liquid or gas
and both ends of the length of lumber, wood, or other wood product are blunt and not pointed.

Anything made of metal, plastic, or any other hard material whether hollow or solid shall not exceed 3/4 inch thickness in its thickest dimension, and 1/8 inch in wall thickness.  If an item does not exceed these dimensions it is allowed only if the object is not filled with any material, liquid or gas
and both ends of the length of lumber, wood, or other wood product are blunt and not pointed.

Aerosol cans.

The following items, defined as weapons: air rifle, air pistol, paintball rifle, explosive, blasting cap(s), switchblade, hatchet, ax, slingshot, BB gun, pellet gun, wrist shot, slung shot, blackjack, metal knuckles, nun chucks, mace, iron buckle, ax handle, chain, crowbar, hammer, shovel or any club or bludgeon or any other instrumentality used or intended to be used to cause property or personal damage. (except for guns, if you have a carry permit, you can have guns -- yeah, that still makes no sense).

Any container or inflatable device filled with urine, fecal matter, blood or any other bodily fluid.

Any container filled with any liquid, solid or gas.

Any projectile launcher or other device which may be used for the purpose of launching, hurling, throwing or spraying any object, liquid material or other substance. The prohibited items shall include but are not limited
to, water guns, super soakers and water cannons.

Rope, chain, string, strapping wire, cable, string, line, tape, or any other material of a similar nature, having tensile strength greater than 30 pounds and length greater than 6 feet.

Frangible containers of any kind, including, without limitation, glass bottles, glass ornaments, light bulbs, or ceramic vessels, regardless of whether the container holds any substance.

Locks including, without limitation, padlocks, bicycle locking devices, chain locks or similar devices, but not including: (i) an integral component of a conveyance or structure; (ii) locks when utilized by the owner of private real property to secure permanent or temporary fencing; or (iii) locks attached to a bicycle.

Material designed, intended or readily adaptable for use as a portable shield but not including, common umbrellas made primarily of fabric or soft vinyl without metal tips or other potentially hazardous modification.

Any gas mask or similar device designed to filter all air breathed by the wearer in an attempt to protect the respiratory tract and/or face against irritating or noxious gasses or other materials. This prohibition on gas masks shall not apply to any person wearing a medical oxygen mask that fits over the nose and mouth of the person and oxygen from an oxygen tank to the person.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to wear any mask, or device whereby any portion of the face is hidden, concealed or covered as to conceaI the identity of the wearer in the Event Zone. The following persons are exempt from this prohibition:
(A) Governmental employees in the performance of their official duties; and
(B) Any person in the Public Viewing Area; and
(C) Any person parading in a parade in the Official Parade Route.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, project, hurl or launch any object with the intent to cause intimidation, apprehension, injury, harm or damage to any person or property.

It shall be unlawful for any person to set, light, or use any fire, bonfire, campfire, or fire pit on public property without a permit, or on private property without written consent from property owner.

The list goes on to name other things which are pretty much normally against the law such as blocking public right of way on sidewalks, streets, repelling down buildings, performing a "sleeping dragin", public urination and defecation, camping in public places, and so on.

Here is a map of what is considered the "event zone" during the RNC:

 

Onward!

A long month full of organizing

This past month has been a whirlwind for my family and for myself.  On top of preparing for our move from NM to FL, lots of crazy overtime at work, school stuff for our daughter, we have been involved in some very important organizing on both local and national levels for Equality.  Since the Easter Egg Roll trip to DC, I have worked with my great group at NM GetEQUAL on organizing a series of visits to OFA offices in our area, particularly the state headquarters located in Albuquerque, .  GetEQUAL groups around the country have been paying visit to campaign offices to have dialogue about the executive order, and demonstrate in creative ways.  In NM, during the first week, we had a prepared statement about the EO and the need for a signature (and the lack of a valid reason for not signing from the White House).  Our second visit to OFA NM's office included an open letter to OFA. the letter was delivered with more pens, a spine, and the mock thank you card.  We then engaged our local OFA LGBT liaison in discussion about the executive order and about Obama's LGBT advocacy record.

Week three consisted of nearly two dozen activists from around the country traveling to DC to further escalate our issue.  We had things planned out pretty well, but as we were all heading to DC on Wednesday, news broke about the President announcing his support for equality (I will write more on my own views on that later).  So when everyone arrived that night, we had a long, difficult planning session on how to proceed.  In the end, the decision was made to forgo a pre-planned arrestable action at the White House and instead, picket with messaging of "Thank you" to the President, "AND.... sign the executive order, AND... stop LGBT bullying, AND... stop deporting our families".  So we picketed the White House Thursday morning with those signs.  It was important to give thanks for the support the President gave while reminding him of things that still need to be done, some of which he can do TODAY rather than next year.  The picket went well, and we all felt great about the work we had done.   

The next morning, we pulled together another action out of thin air.  Stories were going around the media about Mitt Romney's bullying activities (holding a kid down and cutting his long hair) in school.  Our managing director, Heather Cronk set out to hunt down scissors at some stores, while others worked on messsaging and signs.  Then we marched a mile to the RNC headquarters and protested just outside their door.  Great chants, like "Hey Hey! Ho Ho! Mitt Romney has got to go", and signage insisting that the RNC "cut out" bullyiing of LGBT people.  We received a lot of support from the public on this one, way more than I can remember receiving at any action ever!  It was a great action, and we got our messaging across just fine.  

What a month!  I've had a couple days of complete down time, and now time to get up and regroup, so much more work to be done (including packing for our move at the end of this month)! 

Onward!

The "I Want To Know What It's Like" Video

If you have not yet seen the "I Want To Know What It's Like" video, you really should take 5 minutes, sit down, and watch!  I've seen it said that this is the gay rights video that will give you chills.  In my opinion, that is an underpayment.  The power of poetry, the power of performance poetry, well, it can be an amazing thing.  A friend pointed this out to me yesterday, and I was just blown away.  Yes, I'll admit, I did get chills, but more than that, I bawled.  It is moving.  I posted it on my facebook page and a friend commented that it made her want to go march the streets!  Yes!  If only we could get more people to feel that way from a simple video or two, imagine the impact if every single person who is moved by this video (currently over 600,000 hits) not only shared it with loved ones, but immediately took some form of direct action.  Be it a phone call, a letter or two, or literally took to the streets to start conversations and raise awareness?  What are we waiting for?  Like the video says, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE!

 

This video is part of a project, the Second Class Citizens film, you can visit their facebook page here for more information.