Going to Any Gay Rights Rallies on Saturday?

Have you heard about this? No? Well, not surprised. I had almost forgotten about it myself! The same folks (Join the Impact) who organized the incredible nationwide turnout after the passage of Prop 8 in California were attempting to organize another big event to keep momentum going on issues important to the LGBT community. This time they were hoping to gather 1 million signatures by January 10, 2009 (tomorrow!) to deliver to President-Elect Obama on his first day in office.

In support of this drive, organizers were encouraging local community rallies across the country to draw attention to the issues. But it's pretty much fizzled, from what I can tell. Very little buzz on the blogs, and there's maybe 1 Saturday event planned for my entire state. Blame it on the holidays, cold weather and "hit-the-streets" fatigue in general.

The issues (click here to read letter) are important--and yet, it's the same old crap we've been bitchin' about for years. The same old crap that never seems to get anywhere in Congress, that never inspires anyone much to take action. Which is kind of sad. But as I've said before, I think we need to rethink our approach. If the same old dog you've been trying to get to hunt for years still isn't huntin', then dressing him up with some new, fancy collar and a bath isn't going to make a difference.

In other words, petitions and signatures aren't working. I fear the organizers behind Join the Impact may have fallen into the same trap with all other national LGBT groups. Snore. Still, there will be at least 100 Saturday rallies.

While I went to the local Prop 8 rally back in November, I'm sitting this one out. After all, nothing's going on nearby, and I've never had the skills for collecting signatures and organizing things like this myself. (Trust me, I've tried!)

Besides, I'm thinking that Obama is already either committed to supporting gay rights or he isn't. Whatever signatures collected aren't going to sway him one way or another. The issues at hand are familiar, and it's either part of his agenda or not. And with all the economic troubles we're facing, we shouldn't expect anything to happen too quickly.