Orlando Info ...

[DVC~OKW~96]

Where: Orlando City Hall

One City Commons
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32802-4990
(at the corner of Orange Avenue and South Street)
Map: Google Maps
When: Saturday, November 15th @ 1:30pm EST

What: JoinTheImpact National Peaceful Protest of Florida Amendment 2, California Proposition 8, and Arizona's Proposition 102

Join the Orlando/Central Florida Human Rights Campaign on Saturday November 15th @ 1:30pm EST for a peaceful protest.

The HRC Orlando Steering Committee (still grieving from our own loss of Amendment 2) is coordinating with the national "Join the Impact" protest at http://www.jointheimpact.com to show solidarity with California and the 30 states that now have constitutional amendments banning same-sex unions.

This protest is also a place for emotional release... a chance for those of us defeated by Amendment 2 to tell the world "no more". It's a chance to say that although Amendment 2 knocked us down... we are back up on our feet, standing united against discrimination and will not accept further assaults on our humanity. It's our responsibility to say 'enough'.

While calling for the most powerful nationwide visual of unity ever seen, we want to be very clear that this will be a peaceful protest... One that demonstrates the hope and the resilience of our community.

We can’t do this alone! We need your help! We need you to step out for equality. If you have plans…cancel them. If you don’t have plans... you do now! This could be the biggest outpouring since Stonewall and we hope you will join us and be a part of it.

So, bring your friends, bring your families, bring your neighbors... This is about GLBT people standing shoulder to shoulder with our straight allies and sending a message to those who have discriminated against us.

It's time for the world to see that we are a strong, adamant and powerful community that deserves equal rights and that even though we were knocked down, we are back on our feet and we can not be defeated.

 

[rpmdfw]

I'll be there!

 

[ConcKahuna]

I work and wont be able to make it, but I'm posting it at work

 

[zulemara]

I am ironically attending a gay commitment ceremony that day, but I will be there in spirit with you guys

 

[jeanigor]

I'm up in the frozen north. They are having one in downtown Detroit, so that's where I'll be.

Same time. Same cause.

Go to the national website if you're interested in finding a rally/peaceful protest near you. Its important.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

We'll be there too.
Sorry you are working ConcK and OrlandoMike! But we'll carry your thoughts with us.

Any suggestions for signs?

Everything I come up with I'm told is too "angry."

 

[rpmdfw]

Any suggestions for signs?

Everything I come up with I'm told is too "angry."

How about this, which was part of an email I just got from the HRC:

Our anger is just.
Our goal is vital.
Our cause is love.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I saw that too. I was thinking something like: "Your G-d made me. Who are you to say s/he was wrong?" DP says NO! LOL. See. Too angry. Guess I'd better not plan on a sign. Are either of you going to have one?

Where are you planning on trying to park? How early do you think participants (who have to park ) should arrive?

Downtown Orlando can be a real problem when it gets busy.

 

[zulemara]

I think a sign shouldn't target any specific group and shoudl focus on the love we're fighting for. I always like the "love knows no gender" or something like that

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

In my more rational moments, I agree.

Not so very rational right now.

 

[rpmdfw]

I saw that too. I was thinking something like: "Your G-d made me. Who are you to say s/he was wrong?" DP says NO! LOL. See. Too angry. Guess I'd better not plan on a sign. Are either of you going to have one?

Where are you planning on trying to park? How early do you think participants (who have to park ) should arrive?

Downtown Orlando can be a real problem when it gets busy.

Scott isn't able to attend. It's his last acting Shakespeare class at the Orlando Shakespeare Festival until after the new year. I'll be going with some friends.

We're not planning on signs.

No freaking idea where to park. My experience downtown is very limited.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Ah. Gotcha.
I imagine we'll head to the parking (fee) area under I-4. I'll have to see how convenient it is to the courthouse, but I don't imagine it will be too far.

 

[zulemara]

In my more rational moments, I agree.

Not so very rational right now.

I know it's hard. I've been there. In 2006 when WI passed the same amendment, there were no protests and no one seemed to care. At least this time around, although FL is not in the limelight, what has happened in CA has spurred a huge rise from apathy to activism to show the country we aren't gonna take this **** sitting down. Enjoy it and participate in it, but don't piss more people off in the process. Keep it peaceful and we'll prevail

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Sorry, I only half agree with you. But that is what makes this world go 'round, whether some want to see it or not. Diversity is the glue that should be holding us together.

We'll see if any of it does any good. CA is the major focus, and it should be since it acts as the bellweather...however, AZ, FL and Arkansas should not be disregarded, or any other state that has already enacted hate based legislation.

It really is time to stop "letting it flow." At least voicing one's opinion regarding the discrimination is a place to start.

Although I know you mean well, and I honestly believe that, don't presume that your version of "peace" is my version, nor that it is more effective.

 

[zulemara]

all I'm saying is don't resort to the mud slinging they used on us.

and I found out there is a protest at my city hall in La Crosse, WI around noon which will fit into my schedule, so I'll be going to a protest, then booking it to a gay commitment ceremony, then djing at the gay bar. Wow what a day!

 

[hematite153]

"Your G-d made me. Who are you to say s/he was wrong?" DP says NO! LOL. See. Too angry. G

I think a sign shouldn't target any specific group and shoudl focus on the love we're fighting for. I always like the "love knows no gender" or something like that

I think that a religious sign isn't a bad idea, but, I agree that it shouldn't be an angry one.

There are MANY, MANY religious people and religious groups who believe passionately in equal marriage, equal rights and supporting ALL marginalized people. If you can come up with a sign that those people will notice, it may get them interested in your specific cause and bring new fighters into the mix.

Also, there are many people who go through life following the path of least resistance. If you can use language that speaks to them in a way they haven't thought of you may get them to start thinking and engage their faith. Studies have shown that people who engage with faith generally end up with a more progressive theology.

My church has a banner that we take to protests, marches, etc. that reads:
"Proclaiming a Passionate, Radical Vision of Faith"

Other ideas that I come up with that stick with your original idea without engaging the anger:
"Made in the image of God"
"I am a child of God, in whom God/(s/he?) is well pleased."

Whatever you do with the signs...I hope you raise awareness.