Leveraging Stonewall Anniversary for LGBT Outreach

by Michael Jones · 2009-06-23 09:28:00 UTC
Topics:

Stonewall Inn Riots

The Stonewall Riots mark their 40th anniversary this week, and a number of organizations are using the week to commemorate both the history of the LGBT rights movement, as well as push forward an agenda that continues the fight for equal rights.  SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) is hosting an event this week to commemorate the founding of the Gay Liberation Front (which laid its foundation in the immediate aftermath of the Stonewall Riots).  And the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has put together a "Stonewall Toolkit" to help reporters and bloggers cover the historic week.

The reason?  Well, as GLAAD acknowledges, the Stonewall anniversary is an opportunity to couch history with present-day struggles for equality.

With the 40th anniversary of Stonewall occurring this month, GLAAD is encouraging media professionals to use this important milestone as an opportunity to look at the progress made by the LGBT community and its allies over the last 40 years, as well as to examine recent progress and setbacks on LGBT-related policy issues at the federal, state and local level. GLAAD also encourages journalists to frame their coverage of 2009 Pride events, many of which will occur in June, in the context of these past 40 years of cultural, legal, political and community progress.

Even the White House is getting in on the act, with the announcement today that on Monday, June 29 (one day after the 40th anniversary), a special event will be held at the White House for LGBT folks, with an address by President Obama.  The NY Times is noting that the gathering at the White House is intended as a celebration and commemoration of Stonewall, but also an opportunity for Obama to address the growing tensions that have popped up between his administration and LGBT voters, over certain issues like the Defense of Marriage Act, delays in overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and lack of any substantive statements from the Obama administration on the issue of marriage equality (despite four states legalizing same-sex marriage this year alone).

One other thought in terms of leveraging the Stonewall Anniversary; how karmaliciious would it be if during the week of Stonewall's 40th anniversary, the New York State Senate voted to enact marriage equality in the Empire State.  It could happen, with Governor David Paterson calling for a special session this week where it's expected marriage equality will be debated.

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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