Wednesday call for ‘Day Without a Gay’ gets mixed reaction
”We’ve reacted to anti-gay ballot initiatives in California, Arizona Florida, and Arkansas with anger, with resolve, and with courage. NOW, it’s time to show America and the world how we love….. On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in “gay”–and donate your time to service!”
A website calling for this Wednesday to be a day of workplace protest has been established by organizers at DayWithoutAGay.org
”It’s extra-challenging for people to think about taking off work as a form of protest, given that we are talking about people who may not be out (as gay) at work, and given the current economic situation and job market. There is really not any assurance employers would appreciate it for what it is.”
Jules Graves, 38, coordinator of the Colorado Queer Straight Alliance, remarking on the coordinated call for tomorrow, Wednesday, December 9 to be a workplace-based method of protesting the overlooked needs of equal benefits for gay employees. (Associated Press)
”Our community leaders who are running book stores, newspapers, flower shops, coffee houses, bars and many, many other things are hurting right now, so paying attention to their needs during this hard time is an effective form of activism.”
Bob Witeck of Washington-based PR firm Witeck-Combs remarking on the potential effectiveness of the upcoming call for a ”Day Without a Gay” which is based on the ideas crafted by Latino activists who organized ”Day Without a Mexican” (Associated Press)
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