“We call for the end of the world as we know it. We call for the end of racism and sexism and bigotr
“We call for the end of the world as we know it. We call for the end of racism and sexism and bigotry as we know it. For the end of violence and discrimination and homophobia as we know it…We stand for freedom as we have yet to know it, and we will not be denied.” – Urvashi Vaid, organizer, March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights & Liberation, Washington, D.C., April 25, 1993. (Picture by Eric Evans, c/o @onearchives)..On April 25, 1993, twenty-four years ago today, members of the queer community from across the world descended on Washington, D.C. for the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation..Speakers and performers included, among others, Judith Light, Melissa Etheridge, RuPaul, Ian McKellen, Whoopi Golderg, and Eartha Kitt. With vigils, social events, historical and art exhibits, political workshops, and protests, and with a broad platform that at least referenced concerns of the bi and trans communities, the third March was, in many ways, more inclusive than the previous gatherings..The lack of meaningful bi and trans representation at the March itself, however, did not go unnoticed..“Recognition of bisexual orientation and transgender issues,” bi activist Lani Ka’ahumanu told the crowd, “presents a challenge to assumptions not previously explored within the politics of gay liberation. What will it take for the gayristocracy to realize that bisexual, lesbian, transgender, and gay people are in this together, and together we can and will move the agenda forward? But this will not happen until public recognition of our common issues is made, and a sincere effort to confront biphobia and transphobia is made by the established gay and lesbian leadership in this country. The broader movement for our civil rights and liberation is being held back.”.Organizers and D.C. Police put attendance at one million, while the National Park Service infamously estimated attendance at about three-hundred thousand; the Park Service estimate attracted such negative attention, however, that the Park Service soon stopped issuing official estimates for large events. #lgbthistory #HavePrideInHistory #Resist (at The Mall (Washington DC)) -- source link
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