Are Gay Equality Rigths Orgs Really Fighting for Equality?

Last year I went to speak in Mississippi and that was the first time I had ever been to that State. As soon as I stepped off the plane I realized that the Mississippi state flag still has the Confederate Flag in it (see picture above)! Seriously Mississippi, it’s 2010.

Anyway, I’m sure by now you have heard about the prom in Mississippi that was canceled because a lesbian wanted to go with another girl and wear a tux. I have a few thoughts:

You can see on the link above that GLAAD, among many other organizations offered to pay for a LGBT-inclusive prom. Though it is a great idea to keep the kids safe, of which I’m all for, I find myself conflicted because GLAAD and other LGBT equality organizations say they are fighting for equality. In my eyes, equality is defined as equal, therefore, integrated. I just don’t see how one can fight for equal integration while promoting separation? I know, I know…the safety of the kids. Yes, I get that! I especially get that in Mississippi!

But instead of trying to “fight” by sending mixed messages by separating, try to “fight” within the given structure—injunctions, etc. I am really proud of this lesbian girl because she refuses to let GLAAD or anyone else pay for a separate LGBT prom, because she wants to be integrated. Good for her—she’s showing much more maturity than the gay organizations that are supposedly fighting for her right to be equal.

What do you think?

Much love.

www.themarinfoundation.org