Politicos Come Out to Celebrate Empire State Pride Agenda

Groucho Marx had this saying, "I would not join any club that would have someone like me for a member." I get his point, but I'll tell you one thing: when it comes to joining the marriage equality club, I'd like a lifetime membership, please. It's the best club in town and its membership roster is growing more impressive each day.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor David Paterson, Senator Kristin Gillibrand, Speaker Christine Quinn, Senator Charles Schumer, Ross Levi, Frank Selvaggi, Andy Cohen, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Fallon and about 1,200 wonderful members of the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) met Thursday night to discuss the state of affairs in New York City. Truth is, it's pretty bleak here right now. But we laughed, we cried, we had moments of silence and moments of celebration. And despite the devastating spike in homophobic attacks in and around our little city, this New Yorker left feeling empowered and uplifted.

Mayor Bloomberg, fresh off his surprise appearance at a recent PFLAG meeting, opened the evening. He lashed out against the recent attacks in the Bronx, ashamed of such goings on in a "city built on the principles of diversity and tolerance." He had a simple message from NYC to the LGBT community: 1.) We want you here. 2.) We will work to keep you safe. 3.) We will severely punish those who threaten that safety. He wished for everyone the joy of falling in love and the happiness of walking down the aisle in celebration. He wasn't pandering, he wasn't campaigning, he was matter of factly stating his opinion that all New Yorkers should have the same rights. Period.

Governor Paterson invoked Martin Luther King Jr., reminding us that the "arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice." He reminded us of the successes achieved (including praising the intelligent governor brave enough to pass the Dignity for All Students Act.) Then he righteously slammed a certain gubernatorial candidate, urging us all to move forward as we "mull through the fog of his confusion." The connection between such hateful words and the recent tragedies within the community, with an attack on a teenager in Long Island Wednesday, was clear and sobering. But Patterson, like many of the night's speakers, kept an optimistic tone.

Senator Charles Schumer applauded Judge Virginia Phillips for ruling that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was unconstitutional, condemned the Justice department's decision to appeal the case, and vowed to get the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" back on the Senate floor in November. He, too, highlighted the connection between the government's institutionalized discrimination and the wave of bullying crashing down upon us.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, awesome as always, warned that the gay rights movement "stands at a razor's edge" and that "we cannot give up." I have to say, it's so satisfying to see all these straight allies calling this "our" struggle, outlining things "we" must do to win, making it a collective human struggle.

Individually, each speech was powerful, emotional, sincere, serious — a call to arms. There are things that we can no longer tolerate. Dead children, adult bullies passing down their techniques to elementary school kids, discrimination in the military. These life and death scenarios demand our attention. The urgency conveyed was palpable.

Amazingly, the night was warm and encouraging. Thanks to hosts Andy Cohen and Sarah Jessica Parker, the collective attitude was optimistic. Because what everyone in that room knew, and what most of America is starting to figure out, is that despite the seemingly endless attempts to destroy our spirits, to force us to resign it all and go straight, we are mostly living happy, productive lives. We are still falling in love and celebrating each other and having families.

We need to let young LGBTQ kids out in the world know that not only is this club, this group of inclusive and supportive people, one of the best in the world, but that the membership office is always open.

Photo credit: David Prior