Comments on: What Should the LGBT Movement Fight For?

By: lichen

lichen — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:10:31 +0000

Yes, and homophobia is very prevalent among African Americans and women; this reflects the problem of identity politics whereas some people think they can take without giving back, who have no solidarity and no real view for the equality of all people.

By: Deadbeat

Deadbeat — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:44:03 +0000

I heard the FIERCE speaker refer repeatedly to the ways in which this struggle does not include youth issues or leaders or — not surprisingly — many youth in its ranks.

This is a very important comment because I’ve heard the similar complaints from other people who have been involved in gay movement. In fact I have heard that racism is very common among gays. Since I am not involved with this movement I have refrained comment but seeing someone who was present at this gather make the aforementioned observation it also reflects some of the problem with identity politics — both the women’s and LGBT movements and their neglect of both race and class issues and its eventually breakdown of solidarity.

By: Kay Schermerhorn

Kay Schermerhorn — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:02:42 +0000

Sherry and I must have been at two different sessions last weekend. I heard the QEJ speaker refer repeatedly to the ways in which the current struggle for marriage equality uses civil rights allusions and references without demonstrating meaningful understanding of how LGBT issues play out in black communities. I heard the FIERCE speaker refer repeatedly to the ways in which this struggle does not include youth issues or leaders or — not surprisingly — many youth in its ranks.

Since this was a gathering of leftists, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to me to expect serious discussion about or understanding of the importance of anti-oppression frameworks to our struggles if we want them to be inclusive — and therefore more broadly based and powerful.

Some elements of the women’s liberation movement were never able to “hear” Black women’s critiques of their marginalization or to be anything other than dismissive of many radical Black women’s decision to struggle separately. It would be a shame if we didn’t learn from our own history.

By: lichen

lichen — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:55:33 +0000

Yes, gay marriage is a great thing, and extending these rights to gay and lesbian couples is a valid reform; I’m glad the state is involved and it isn’t, and never will be, a religious thing. Those who wish to otherwise change the 100% civil institution of marriage into something else can best find their own fucking movement, and not express a homophobic contempt for people simply organizing for their own rights when most ‘socialists’ don’t give a fuck and would rather try to appeal to a “broader audience” by remaining silent about equality for LGBT people.

By: rosemarie jackowski

rosemarie jackowski — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:07:13 +0000

The Socialist Party should fight for the rights of ALL. Some people do not fit LGBT or Hetero label. LGBTH leaves out a lot of people.

Why should the State sanction gay marriage? Why should the State sanction non-gay marriage? The important question is why should the State be involved in any marriage.

There are between 200 and 1000 (depending on which State) legal rights that accompany marriage. Those rights should be separated from marriage and EVERYONE should have those legal rights – married or not. The move toward State sanctioned gay marriage puts the government in the bedroom – because the rights are available only to those who are in a sexual relationship.

The answer is a “Next of Kin Law”. This is important for the elderly, disabled, and all of those for whom marriage is not an option.

Sometimes it is too easy to forget about all of those who are not exactly like we are.