Tonight, in an unprecedented union of GLBT grassroots organizations here in Massachusetts Join the Impact brought together members of MassEquality, KnowThyNeighbor.org,The Anti-Violence Project, and such notable leaders as GLBT icon Arline Isaacson, and Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons for a 6:00PM rally in the Boston Common in response to Maine's vote to deny marriage equality in their state November 3, 2009.
The mood of the crowd seemed somber yet determined, and one thing was different than I've seen before; our differences no longer matter. We need to do what we can together if we are going to win this battle once and for all across our country. If we work in a cooperative effort in the things we agree on we would be stronger than our opposition. We can maintain our own beliefs, structures, and reserve the right to disagree, but we must start working towards our mutual goals together. It seems we have taken a step in that direction and have found the silver lining in Maine's defeat on Question 1.
Allow me to share with everyone some of what we who were there saw tonight and encourage you to think about how you feel about what happened in Maine, and what you want to do about it. If you can't be involved, and I say can't, not I don't feel like, then donate generously to the groups you believe in. I'm talking directly to the 31,512 individuals that visited this site in the last 24 hours who remain in the shadows; what are you waiting for?! What's it going to take before you stand up and be heard?! There is a job for everyone somewhere in the group you want to help, go find it and do your part to help end discrimination once and for all. Be the change friends... be the change.
By John Hosty-Grinnell
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