Comments on: Equality Summit Backroom Struggles See the Light http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/ Free of an agenda. Except that gay one. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:14:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: HopeSpringsATurtle http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110975 HopeSpringsATurtle Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:23:54 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110975 Queerty, your "sausage" analogy is a good one keeping in mind that watching the sausage being made does not include watching the slaughter of the animals it contains. "Transparency" does not necessarily mean observing the in-fighting of GLBT organizers. Much of what goes on behind-the-scenes of any organization deserves to be private. If monkey business occurs, let someone be a whistle-blower. I support the "limited" media approach. I would much prefer to present a united face to the public than give any media outlet fodder to undermine 'the Gay Agenda.' Anyone who has done such organizational coordination knows bringing the GLBT community to consensus is like herding cats. [img]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8[/img] Queerty, your “sausage” analogy is a good one keeping in mind that watching the sausage being made does not include watching the slaughter of the animals it contains.

“Transparency” does not necessarily mean observing the in-fighting of GLBT organizers. Much of what goes on behind-the-scenes of any organization deserves to be private. If monkey business occurs, let someone be a whistle-blower. I support the “limited” media approach. I would much prefer to present a united face to the public than give any media outlet fodder to undermine ‘the Gay Agenda.’

Anyone who has done such organizational coordination knows bringing the GLBT community to consensus is like herding cats.
[img]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8[/img]

]]> By: michael http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110970 michael Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:04:24 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110970 God am I glad that my Canadian citizenship is coming through any day now. God am I glad that my Canadian citizenship is coming through any day now.

]]> By: Jaroslaw http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110880 Jaroslaw Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:57:16 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110880 Thanks Dave, I was going to reply something like that but will emphasize - groundwork is important - one person didn't just walk in to MA and boom! We have marriage. If the SCOTUS had gotten involved and it turned out a different way, it would have been tragic. It might just be luck that it turned out OK. And another point - even if a few groups take your money and get nothing done, it is unfair and counterproductive to lump all the groups in together. Thanks Dave, I was going to reply something like that but will emphasize – groundwork is important – one person didn’t just walk in to MA and boom! We have marriage. If the SCOTUS had gotten involved and it turned out a different way, it would have been tragic. It might just be luck that it turned out OK.

And another point – even if a few groups take your money and get nothing done, it is unfair and counterproductive to lump all the groups in together.

]]> By: Dave http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110866 Dave Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:00:44 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110866 @<a href="#comment-110827" rel="nofollow">Cam</a>: Just because they haven't gotten the big things we want passed does not mean that they haven't laid out a lot of ground work - that being said of course more can be done that goes without saying. And HRC was discouraging couples from suing to have their marriages recognized because in some states like Utah, Oklahoma (hell didn't what's her face win by an even bigger margin after coming out as a bigot?), and sadly even Texas its likely that not only would the state supreme court rule against it but that a conservative minded state AG might well choose to seek the ruling of a federal court which would give conservatives a nasty weapon in any subsequent court cases. In many ways these bigger groups are like ducks drifting on the pond they seem so aimless and effortless in their actions when in reality their feet are peddling like all bloody hell - that's not to say they couldn't learn to do things better but just complaining about how their not doing enough is not nearly as helpful as saying for example Congressmen A, B, and C do not support any of our issues we should raise money to support a better candidate in the districts or its we need to improve our relations in communities of color perhaps we should try and get a group of comedian and musicians of color to speak out on our behalf. Like in Kindergarden its incredibly easy to knock over and play Godzilla with some other kid's sky scrapper but its a hell of a lot harder building your own skyscraper... particularly when the bugger who's skyscraper you trashed comes by ;) @Cam: Just because they haven’t gotten the big things we want passed does not mean that they haven’t laid out a lot of ground work – that being said of course more can be done that goes without saying. And HRC was discouraging couples from suing to have their marriages recognized because in some states like Utah, Oklahoma (hell didn’t what’s her face win by an even bigger margin after coming out as a bigot?), and sadly even Texas its likely that not only would the state supreme court rule against it but that a conservative minded state AG might well choose to seek the ruling of a federal court which would give conservatives a nasty weapon in any subsequent court cases. In many ways these bigger groups are like ducks drifting on the pond they seem so aimless and effortless in their actions when in reality their feet are peddling like all bloody hell – that’s not to say they couldn’t learn to do things better but just complaining about how their not doing enough is not nearly as helpful as saying for example Congressmen A, B, and C do not support any of our issues we should raise money to support a better candidate in the districts or its we need to improve our relations in communities of color perhaps we should try and get a group of comedian and musicians of color to speak out on our behalf. Like in Kindergarden its incredibly easy to knock over and play Godzilla with some other kid’s sky scrapper but its a hell of a lot harder building your own skyscraper… particularly when the bugger who’s skyscraper you trashed comes by ;)

]]> By: 24play http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110837 24play Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:45:02 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110837 That's more like it, Japhy. Well done. That’s more like it, Japhy.

Well done.

]]> By: Cam http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110827 Cam Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:27:37 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110827 @<a href="#comment-110806" rel="nofollow">Jaroslaw</a>: You said ""No. 13 · Jaroslaw To all the folk who think these groups are BS - well, see how much you can get done on your own then. I certainly understand how you feel, but with 50 people on a committee and Gay people constituting every possible variation in society, getting that many to agree is a Herculean task."" _____________________________________________________________- Um, HRC has been lobbying and taking our money to get ENDA passed for over ten years. In that same time they were pressuring couples NOT to sue for things such as marriage or Civil unions. So what has happened? We have Marriage in MA. Civil Unions in Vt. CT., and a number of other states, Recognition of outside marriages in NY state and still no ENDA. So please don't try to tell me that these groups are good at getting anything done. @Jaroslaw:

You said “”No. 13 · Jaroslaw
To all the folk who think these groups are BS – well, see how much you can get done on your own then. I certainly understand how you feel, but with 50 people on a committee and Gay people constituting every possible variation in society, getting that many to agree is a Herculean task.”"
_____________________________________________________________-

Um, HRC has been lobbying and taking our money to get ENDA passed for over ten years. In that same time they were pressuring couples NOT to sue for things such as marriage or Civil unions. So what has happened? We have Marriage in MA. Civil Unions in Vt. CT., and a number of other states, Recognition of outside marriages in NY state and still no ENDA. So please don’t try to tell me that these groups are good at getting anything done.

]]> By: seitan-on-a-stick http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110821 seitan-on-a-stick Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:07:52 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110821 In the Age of Blogging, even the Gay Press (with it's anonymous criticisms) can eviscerate any Gay Org, and rightly so. While I've criticized Japhy in the past, he is doing the journalistic effort which is needed to demystify this group who speaks for the entire Gay Population (let's stop kidding ourselves with the word "community") Andrea Shorter has proven herself to be untrustworthy with the simple fact SHE LIED! Who are the Co-chairs of the Equality Summit and can they be interviewed immediately as their very reputations of solvency and trust are being questioned? Given the Exalted Gay Leaders past monumental failings to prevent Prop 8 from passing in California and other measures across the country, we demand transparency within our own camp first. To not include the Gay media, or restrict ALL media is becoming the story itself. Too bad they didn't have their act together before the Inauguration for maximum exposure or is the delay on purpose so as not to tread on Obama's shiny new loafers? And, what of the absolutely necessary March on Washington (How soon can we get a permit for July 4th weekend?) In the Age of Blogging, even the Gay Press (with it’s anonymous criticisms) can eviscerate any Gay Org, and rightly so. While I’ve criticized Japhy in the past, he is doing the journalistic effort which is needed to demystify this group who speaks for the entire Gay Population (let’s stop kidding ourselves with the word “community”) Andrea Shorter has proven herself to be untrustworthy with the simple fact SHE LIED! Who are the Co-chairs of the Equality Summit and can they be interviewed immediately as their very reputations of solvency and trust are being questioned? Given the Exalted Gay Leaders past monumental failings to prevent Prop 8 from passing in California and other measures across the country, we demand transparency within our own camp first. To not include the Gay media, or restrict ALL media is becoming the story itself. Too bad they didn’t have their act together before the Inauguration for maximum exposure or is the delay on purpose so as not to tread on Obama’s shiny new loafers? And, what of the absolutely necessary March on Washington (How soon can we get a permit for July 4th weekend?)

]]> By: Jaroslaw http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110806 Jaroslaw Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:25:01 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110806 To all the folk who think these groups are BS - well, see how much you can get done on your own then. I certainly understand how you feel, but with 50 people on a committee and Gay people constituting every possible variation in society, getting that many to agree is a Herculean task. I don't see where anyone deliberately lied; group stuff is like this. As already mentioned, go on your own and see how far you get. To all the folk who think these groups are BS – well, see how much you can get done on your own then. I certainly understand how you feel, but with 50 people on a committee and Gay people constituting every possible variation in society, getting that many to agree is a Herculean task.

I don’t see where anyone deliberately lied; group stuff is like this. As already mentioned, go on your own and see how far you get.

]]> By: Bob http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110798 Bob Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:03:43 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110798 Jesus. Make the "coffee." LOL Jesus. Make the “coffee.” LOL

]]> By: Bob http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110797 Bob Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:02:42 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110797 That should be "every last one of them" and "And now all involved..." Should have morning ocffee before posting. That should be “every last one of them” and “And now all involved…” Should have morning ocffee before posting.

]]> By: Bob http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110795 Bob Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:01:01 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110795 Bunch of liars and self-serving pieces of shit, ever y last one of them. Yes, Japhy got played by Andrea Shorter, as PearlsBeforeSwing pointed out. It happens with these people, because they're as accomplished liars as the Bush administration folks. And now involved are backpedaling and spinning away. And telling more lies. Disgusting. We deserve second-class status as a community as long as we continue to support these "leaders." Bunch of liars and self-serving pieces of shit, ever y last one of them. Yes, Japhy got played by Andrea Shorter, as PearlsBeforeSwing pointed out. It happens with these people, because they’re as accomplished liars as the Bush administration folks. And now involved are backpedaling and spinning away. And telling more lies. Disgusting. We deserve second-class status as a community as long as we continue to support these “leaders.”

]]> By: Sean http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110789 Sean Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:44:03 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110789 SOunds like much to do about nothing to me. Personalities need so much high maintenance stroking it seems and I think that is as much of the "old way" then "change." The real issue is progress if you asked me not media coverage. SOunds like much to do about nothing to me. Personalities need so much high maintenance stroking it seems and I think that is as much of the “old way” then “change.” The real issue is progress if you asked me not media coverage.

]]> By: Anthony in Nashville http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110780 Anthony in Nashville Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:02:13 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110780 This was good reporting, and I have to credit Japhy for this new emphasis on original articles. That said, I am growing tired of the focus on the infighting at the Equality Summit. Is the internal drama more important than the reason for the meeting? It seems people are getting more involved in finger-pointing or being proven right than in the task at hand. Then again, the inability to keep "eyes on the prize" is a long standing criticism of liberals. You see it also in the handling of Burrisgate in Illinois. Liberals get too caught up in minor matters and lose focus. I'm not conservative/Republican by any means but I will give them credit for being able to determine what their objectives are and stay on point until the goal is accomplished. This was good reporting, and I have to credit Japhy for this new emphasis on original articles. That said, I am growing tired of the focus on the infighting at the Equality Summit.

Is the internal drama more important than the reason for the meeting? It seems people are getting more involved in finger-pointing or being proven right than in the task at hand.

Then again, the inability to keep “eyes on the prize” is a long standing criticism of liberals. You see it also in the handling of Burrisgate in Illinois. Liberals get too caught up in minor matters and lose focus. I’m not conservative/Republican by any means but I will give them credit for being able to determine what their objectives are and stay on point until the goal is accomplished.

]]> By: Cam http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110773 Cam Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:41:06 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110773 Typical problem with our gay groups, they are too busy worrying if the tablecloths and curtains are enviro-friendly, the food is vegan friendly and other ridiculous details rather than being the least bit concerned about furthering our cause. And why should they be, if we get full equality they lose their jobs. Frankly, they should be willing to meet in an old garage with no heat if it will get the job done. Enough with their trivial bitchiness already. Typical problem with our gay groups, they are too busy worrying if the tablecloths and curtains are enviro-friendly, the food is vegan friendly and other ridiculous details rather than being the least bit concerned about furthering our cause. And why should they be, if we get full equality they lose their jobs. Frankly, they should be willing to meet in an old garage with no heat if it will get the job done. Enough with their trivial bitchiness already.

]]> By: Wolf http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110772 Wolf Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:38:56 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110772 Alot of bullshit if you ask me. Thats been the MAJOR problem with the people who are taking chatge. Its a meeting with the "grassroots organizations: but they want to run it like a formal corporation and then get cuaght up in poetty politics, commitees, sub commitees and bullshit instead of focusing on what they should. I thow my hands up with these Groups. I will no longer support them or listen to them/ Alot of bullshit if you ask me. Thats been the MAJOR problem with the people who are taking chatge. Its a meeting with the “grassroots organizations: but they want to run it like a formal corporation and then get cuaght up in poetty politics, commitees, sub commitees and bullshit instead of focusing on what they should.

I thow my hands up with these Groups. I will no longer support them or listen to them/

]]> By: Drake Roberts http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110770 Drake Roberts Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:36:24 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110770 Japhy, I think you, all queerty readers, and all members of the gay community should take your advice...we all need to take a deep breath, stop lashing out in anger, no matter how justified that anger may be, and start educating! I find it ironic that this post takes such a zen attitude to the situation, when other posts have flown off the handle (ie-Warren). We all need to take a deep breath and re-group intelligently. Japhy, I think you, all queerty readers, and all members of the gay community should take your advice…we all need to take a deep breath, stop lashing out in anger, no matter how justified that anger may be, and start educating!
I find it ironic that this post takes such a zen attitude to the situation, when other posts have flown off the handle (ie-Warren). We all need to take a deep breath and re-group intelligently.

]]> By: David in KC http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110767 David in KC Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:25:04 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110767 Wow, it's just like being at work. Lots of meetings, calls, emails, and still nothing ever gets resolved. Wow, it’s just like being at work. Lots of meetings, calls, emails, and still nothing ever gets resolved.

]]> By: ONTD http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110762 ONTD Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:14:55 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110762 @<a href="#comment-110759" rel="nofollow">PearlsBeforeSwine</a>: PBS, I have no idea what you're talking about. Japhy is constantly winning at life. @PearlsBeforeSwine:

PBS, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Japhy is constantly winning at life.

]]> By: PearlsBeforeSwine http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110759 PearlsBeforeSwine Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:05:38 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110759 Queerty, I'd say you got played yesterday. And sarcasm doesn't come off well when writing. Queerty, I’d say you got played yesterday.

And sarcasm doesn’t come off well when writing.

]]> By: Michael http://www.queerty.com/equality-summit-backroom-struggles-see-the-light-20090107/#comment-110742 Michael Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:09:54 +0000 http://www.queerty.com/?p=36885#comment-110742 "no press – come together as a community w/o media, then release something we agree upon" First off, this assumes the "mainstream" media gives a damn about anything at this stage. Ha ha! How risible. Secondly, I would have to agree. Let's get our story straight, so to speak, because up to this point it's been a slew of disparate voices feigning to speak as one. In reality, we are a highly factioned "community" that is facing a large schism in the coming decades if we don't face the reality that the status quo is not working. Not only does it present a distorted picture of the face of Gay America, it is also fails to represent a great number of men and women (especially those outside your average gay Mecca). Year after year, a certain subset of gay society takes upon itself the task of speaking on everyone’s behalf without any real sanction and frequently squashing any voice that dares say otherwise. “no press – come together as a community w/o media, then release something we agree upon”

First off, this assumes the “mainstream” media gives a damn about anything at this stage. Ha ha! How risible. Secondly, I would have to agree. Let’s get our story straight, so to speak, because up to this point it’s been a slew of disparate voices feigning to speak as one. In reality, we are a highly factioned “community” that is facing a large schism in the coming decades if we don’t face the reality that the status quo is not working. Not only does it present a distorted picture of the face of Gay America, it is also fails to represent a great number of men and women (especially those outside your average gay Mecca). Year after year, a certain subset of gay society takes upon itself the task of speaking on everyone’s behalf without any real sanction and frequently squashing any voice that dares say otherwise.

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