Some friends and I are looking to start a protest in the next few months against the possible ban on gay marriage in Massachusetts. We want to get the option off the ballot, because we all agree that human rights are NOT something that should be put up for vote. Anyway, we're all new to the protesting scene, aside from attending some Youth Pride marches in the last few years. Anyone have any advice on how to go about starting one?
2007-03-22 14:52:00 · 6 answers · asked by Monique 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I regret that I have no advice for you on this matter but I send you my love and support.
Oh, don't "lose your cool".Two fingers* get the message across better than sticks and stones.
Strength to you,
Rose P.
*Or is it one finger in the US ? RP.
2007-03-22 14:59:27 · answer #1 · answered by rose p 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A good place to start might be to contact the Human Rights Campaign. http://www.hrc.org/
To start the demonstration, you should decide on a date and place; you want it public and you want it relevant. If you can do it during a time when discussion is taking place regarding the legislation, that would be good.
You need to get the word out. Start a web site and keep current information regarding your activities and publicize it.
Send out press releases to the local media; Television, Radio, newspapers and such.
If you can get support or help from people with recognized names, that will always help. The more visible and promoted you can make it, the more impact it will have. You also might wish to have some speakers, and let the public know what sort of people these laws affect and help; how having a recognized marriage allows a couple to be together in a hospital when one is dying; how it supports families and helps prevent discrimination.
I'm actually doing a radio program on this topic tomorrow evening at 7:00 (EDT) and you can listen in at http://www.portsmouthcommunityradio.org
We'll be talking about some gay marriage or civil union legislation in New Hampshire.
It's my first formal interview and I'm not sure how it will go, but I hope that it helps some people out.
Good luck.
2007-03-22 22:09:28 · answer #2 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of the more effective actions that you can take would include:
Writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper.
Writing letters to your elected politicians.
If your local television stations have editorial commentary, request to give either a rebuttal or agreement (depending on the stations point of view).
Protesting at relevant and highly visible locations likely to get media attention. Putting a human face on your protest by showing precise ways how such legislation affects people always helps others relate to your viewpoint and can help you persuade others.
You can also help grow your numbers with a web presence such as meetup.com
Always remember that persuasion works better than confrontation, so arguments should be presented as "This is wrong because..." instead of "You are wrong because..."
2007-03-22 22:35:04 · answer #3 · answered by χριστοφορος ▽ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all let me say that I do not agree with the gay lifestyle, but I have no prolobem with someone that leads that life style. You or anyone else has a freedom to be gay, but I also have a freedom to be free from you. Human rights are voted on everyday. That is how all countries are formed. Human rights are the very foundation that of all civilation. With out human rights there would be no civilation to be able to gain support for a rally or protest. Maybe insted of trying to over through a democratic process of voting on an issue try to convince the people of Massachutes that there is no diffrence between gay coupples and hetrosexual couples. You know this will never work because there is on major diffrence, the ability to reproduce natraualy with sexual intercourse between a male and a female. When gay marriage is leagl what will be the next "minority" group to want there behaivor legalised? Child moleasters, Persons that pratice beastality, or people that practice incest. Know I know you are proloby calling me crazy amoung other colorful tearms right know but put your self in 1960. Would you ever think about trying to talk to a small group of people in private about this more less going to one of americas bigest cities and holding a protest? If you were in your right mind I think not! Don't try to shove something down someones neck because. If a democratic group of people belive this is the right thing to do they will do it if not you can forget it. Lets say this dose pass with a slim majority of the vote it will be held up in courts just like in Michigan with the racial qouteas of hiring. All the nation hears about from the gay right activest groups is lets have a democratic society. Let people do what they choose. Well here it is let the people of Massachutes od what they choose and stop talking out of both sides of your mouth!
2007-03-22 23:07:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
hey! it's good to see someone from boston on this thing!!
i am not quite sure about the answer to this, though i bet i could get you some great information if you email me.
my ex girlfriend (who i am still very good friends with) has been a part of and even been the head of many protests. she is a huge part of the LBGT in boston.
drop me and email..and maybe i can give you some info and even join in! good for you
2007-03-22 22:00:14 · answer #5 · answered by Taken by a Texan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check the colleges in your area. They're always going to and organizing protests.
Good luck!
2007-03-22 22:09:59 · answer #6 · answered by Flop Mucket 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋