So, for those who have been living in a cave for the past couple months, you might be unaware that there is a deep (and growing) schism between the major LGBT groups in California. Equality California, arguably the best known organization, has opted to build a foundation and attack Prop 8 in 2012. Courage Campaign and Love, Honor, Cherish (LHC), two other major players on the LGBT scene, have decided to take the fight to the 2010 ballot, guns blazing, fallout be damned.
Why 2010: It's fast, it's dirty, its the kind of shock and awe campaign that gays and lesbians have been screaming for since November 2008. Our blood is burning and everyone wants a piece of this action. The 2010 crowd will have no problem getting volunteers for their signature gathering and for the next year every gay person from San Francisco to West Hollywood is going to be ready to shell out big bucks to punish the mormons, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the religious right, the Republicans, and anyone else who ever dared to take away what we fought so hard to achieve (not that it's been much of a fight, but thats a rant for another post). In short, 2010 is about capitalizing on the rage while its still burning hot.
Why 2012: It's deliberate, it's inclusive, and it's the kind of long-term thinking our community has sorely lacked since the birth of the movement over 40 years ago. The strategy EQCA has outlined will bring together the elements we lost in 2008 (Blacks, Latinos, and Religious Progressives just to name a few). They will also use these 3 years to build a monetary base to fight the millions that religious radicals can funnel into the state at a moments notice. They will also use the time to built a foundation of voter and high ranking support that will be necessary to lasting change in California culture (and eventually American culture). Where the 2010 people are banking on the hope that lots of noise and fist pounding will force open the doors of change, EQCA is building a big ass ram to smash the door off its hinges.
What do I think: I think these organizations need to put their pride (forgive the pun) back in the closet and leave it there until this is all over. I'm sick and tired of hearing the two sides try to one up each other. Think about it for a second. Let's say I am EQCA. I punish CC and LHC because they are being silly and wont agree with me. I do everything in my power to make things harder for them. If they win in 2010, I look like the idiot who wouldn't get on board and I go from #1 organization in CA to sad afterthought. NO ONE will want to donate to us, join our causes, or be our friend. Now, lets say for a moment they lose... now its my turn. BUT now CC and LHC are pissed at me and think I lost the 2010 measure because I held out on them. Rather than coalescing into a unified 2012 campaign, EQCA goes it alone with donors who are worn out and bitter, other organizations who are worn out and bitter, and a voter base that is sick of me because (they think) I let me arrogant sense of my own righteousness get in the way of their victory.
If there is one thing I have learned from my days in politics and the endless days and nights of CNN and Fox News, it is that as long as the question is 2010 vs. 2012, the answer will be we lose. If we fight amongst ourselves, even behind closed doors, we better hope that people's "hearts and minds" change pretty fast because we aren't impressing anyone. End of discussion.
Quick Fix: EQCA needs to get off its butt and get in the game. I'm not saying they have to give 100% to the 2010 cause, but they need to at least LOOK like they are supporting the cause. Whether or not they do is for them to decide, but get out there and be the voice of equality in ANY year, not just the year you picked. If you get asked a question, don't avoid (I HATE avoidance), give a solid answer that supports and affirms the organizations fighting for 2010 but also recognizing that EQCA is doing something bigger than just marriage, they are fighting for both social and political change and that is a longer battle. Why: Because we are going to lose in 2010. Everyone knows it. when that happens EQCA is either going to come out as the hero who had the foresight to prepare for another 2 year fight, or the brat saying "I told you so."
My Advice: LHC and CC, give EQCA a break. They are just as committed as you, they are just more cautious in preparing for a longer fight. And also, be ready to suck it up and jump on their bandwagon if you lose. EQCA, get in the game. even if it means you have to commit some resources to 2010, if you don't start looking like you are in this pretty soon, you've got no hope of being the savior this movement in CA is going to need in a year. The fate of this whole deal is really in your hands and you can either play the politically savvy card and be a hero, or you can be stubborn and we are all going to have to get used to not being able to get married in CA. Not really a hard choice.
Let's use some common sense!
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