In honor of Harvey Milk, the slain gay rights activist and San Francisco politician, his birthday, May 22 has been designated a holiday in California and is celebrated in numerous cities in the US and worldwide. In Seattle, you can honor the life of Harvey Milk by participating in a Rally for Equality to Repeal DADT and Pass ENDA being held Saturday from 12noon to 2pm at Westlake Plaza in Downtown Seattle. You can RSVP to the event on Facebook, (but it’s not required to participate; just show up and show your support), and for more info visit the SeattleOutProtest website. From their press release:
Despite the fact that President Obama has promised to be a “fierce advocate” for LGBTQ civil rights, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) and passage of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) continue to languish in Congress while we are told to “wait” for our equality.
It is crucial that politicians act immediately to pass this legislation. According to a 2009 Gallup Poll, 69% of civilians support allowing LGBT people to serve openly in the military regardless of their sexual preference. Similarly, although it is still legal to discriminate in hiring and firing based on sexual orientation and gender identity in most of the U.S., 89% of Americans believe LGBTQ people should have equal job opportunities.
Come to the rally, bring your friends, and voice your support for these vital issues and for full LGBTQ equality NOW!
For more information on Harvey Milk Day and celebrations and political rallies in other cities, check out the Equality Across America website as well.
About the Author: Michael Strangeways
