Kissing for Equal Rights

by Michael Jones · 2009-07-21 19:50:00 UTC
Topics:

Kiss-in

So far in 2009 there have been four states that have legalized same-sex marriage, several historic LGBT appointments to the White House, one additional LGBT member of Congress added (Rep. Jared Polis), and an Oscar-worthy celebration of one of the biggest heroes in LGBT history.

Sadly, there have also been two ridiculous police raids targeting LGBT folks (Fort Worth, Texas and San Diego, California), and three incidents where LGBT people were harassed and detained by police or security guards simply for kissing.  In Salt Lake City, San Antonio and El Paso, LGBT women and men were targeted simply for kissing in a public space.  Two men or two women kissing is not illegal of course, but that still didn't stop police from detaining folks.

Now, activists are fighting back, and they're doing so by staging a nationwide event - The Great Nationwide Kiss-In.  Organized by bloggers David Badash and David Mailloux, as well as Join the Impact organizer Willow Witte, the event will take place on August 15, 2009, at 2:00pm EST.  The gist?  Here's the scoop from their Facebook page:

On the suggested date and time, in a public place - whether it's a park or plaza or popular thoroughfare in your city or town - you'll bring your husband or wife or partner or boyfriend or girlfriend or good friend, and at 2 p.m., you'll kiss. It's one of the simplest things in the world to do!

Why, you ask? Why are you doing this?

After incidents in El Paso, TX and Salt Lake City, UT - where two different gay couples were harassed or detained by law enforcement or other people for the simple act of kissing in a public place - we need to make a strong statement to everyone everywhere: kissing is not a bad thing, nor has it ever been. It's not vulgar or inappropriate. It's a sign of affection that is as old as time itself. And it's a beautiful thing that we share with our loved ones every single day.

Sounds like the type of direct action that will not only send a message, but also nab some powerful images to spread the message that LGBT people can love and express love as meaningful as anyone else.  As of today, more than a half dozen cities will be hosting kiss-in events, including Boston, New York, Irvine (Calif.), Memphis, Philadelphia, Northhampton (Mass.), and San Francisco.  For my part, incidentally, this will happen right in the middle of Netroots Nation, which for me means kissing in the middle of Pittsburgh, PA.

Check out the Facebook page for more information, or to start your own kiss-in event in your own community.

(Photo originally published in the Cornell Daily Sun.)

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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