The Great Queer Walk-Out: Gay Protest in Dallas

Almost 11 years ago, America was introduced to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people in a more casual setting when Will & Grace hit the airwaves on NBC. For the first time, the word "gay" wasn't being shushed, rather it was played heavily in slapstick humor with characters like Jack (Sean Hayes) who flaunted his sexuality proudly onscreen. America laughed along with Will & Grace, and slowly, the show seemed to desensitize Americans to the reality of homosexuality.

But, as many gay people may attest, Will & Grace may have been funny, but it did not accurately portray the GLBT person or community. In fact, some would even go as far to say that the show allowed heterosexual people to poke fun at the gays. The show may have done just as much good as it did bad.

Many advertisers hopped on the gay-defamation bandwagon during this era of gays in the mainstream. For example, consider the Bridgestone ad where Alice Cooper was driving his car at night, dodging deer and other animals in the road. But, when an unsuspecting Richard Simmons appears on the road, Cooper steps on the gas instead of dodging the obstacle. The Bridgestone commercial aired during the Super Bowl, the most-watched event on television.

Today, the GLBT community has had enough. We have protested inequality and defamation since the Stonewall riots in 1969. For those that are counting, that's almost 40 years of fighting for our rights. As news of electing the first African-American president spread around the world, millions of people of all walks of life rejoiced with great relief. Barack Obama stands for hope and change.

Sadly, good news came with bad news when anti-gay propositions in California, Arizona and Florida passed, thus preventing GLBT Americans from legally marrying in their state. Since the passing of the propositions, America has been in an uproar. Protests are taking to the streets, the Internet is plastered with news articles, blogs, social networking groups and campaigns urging Americans to stand up and fight this anti-gay movement.

Melissa Etheridge wrote a blog, sounding off about California's passing of Proposition 8, satirizing about not paying her taxes if she's going to be categorized as a second-class citizen. I applaud Ms. Etheridge for her efforts. We need more celebrities to stand up and tell the world what they really think about inequality.

An estimated 8.8 million Americans identify themselves as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Say it with me..."Eight-point-eight-million-Americans." Do you realize the economic impact of 8.8 million people? The GLBT community has so much power and most of us don't even realize it. If only one half of us stood up and walked out into the street at an organized date and time, America would fall to its knees.

So, I propose this...if you're not "out", now's the time. Be a part of history. I would rather say that I fought for my own rights, than sat back and did nothing while my brothers and sisters did it for me. STAND UP!

If you haven't heard yet, a national protest has been slated for Saturday, November 15th at every single City Hall in America. This will be one of the largest protests in American History. If you are proud of who you are...show it. Whether you're GLBT or a straight ally, please join us on Saturday.

Make your voice heard.