Results tagged “nationalequalitymarch”

Under fire from gay rights group for his lack of action since his inauguration, President Barack Obama pledged yesterday to end the military's controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Of course, such a proclamation came with a caveat that likely will cause the criticism to continue: he set no specific time-table for actually ending the policy. Obama made the announcement yesterday at a fund-raiser for the Human Rights Campaign. Speaking to a crowd of 3,000 at the event, Obama said, "I will end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'; that is my commitment...I'm here with you in that fight." The frustration with Obama's lack of action has led to today's National Equality March (which also marks National Coming Out Day). If you want to join the march, you've still got time: it gets underway at 1 p.m. at Daley Plaza. Just watch out for those marathon stragglers.

Come out, come out, wherever you are: Chicagoans unable to make the trek to the national’s capital for the National Equality March can show their solidarity by participating in a rally at Daley Plaza the same day, October 11th— which also happens to be National Coming Out Day. Equality Across America—a national grassroots organization working for federal protections and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people— is organizing the march in Washington, DC. Solidarity marches and rallies are planned for Chicago, Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Canada, and other cities across the country. Organizers of the National Equality March have announced plans to launch a text message campaign (which will also be uploaded to Twitter) allowing marchers—wherever they are located—to communicate live throughout the weekend.

DOMA, DADT, ENDA... Thirty years have passed since the first time LGBT Americans got their cookies together to march on Washington and though the acronyms might be different, the fight remains unchanged. The National Equality March, set for October 10-11, aims to update the queer rights debate and send a message to the nation's lawmakers. The march is being spearheaded by long-time LGBT rights activist Cleve Jones, who will appear in Chicago this Saturday, August 29, at the Victory Gardens Theater.