Stonewall today :: the fight goes on...
40 years after Stonewall, there are still plenty of things to fight for.
Just because we're celebrating a milestone in fighting for our equality doesn't mean it's time to rest on our laurels. Many gay Americans still can't get married, serve in the military, adopt children and enjoy freedom from employment discrimination.
Throw money, not bricks
While throwing bricks, bottles and parking meters won't work now like it did at Stonewall, you can do plenty of good with less violent means like these.
Come Out: By putting a personal touch on our issues for all the people in your life, we'll gain more allies and support. Even if your family and friends know you're a big 'mo already, come out politically and let them know we need their support on our issues.
Show Up: If you hear of a protest, march, demonstration, fight, fundraiser or bachelor auction for charity, be sure to put it on your calendar and go. Even if the event isn't meant to raise money, there is strength in numbers and we must show the public how many people are affected by inequality.
Donate: The organizations that fight for gay civil rights don't run for free. If you don't want to just give them a big chunk of change, then buy a ticket to a fancy, star-studded benefit. Then you get to rub elbows with a celebrity or two at an open bar and the rest is just gravy.
Volunteer: Not all of us have money to burn, but we can all give our time. Even if you can't organize a protest, you can volunteer to lick envelopes, do heavy lifting or find an organization that could put your special talent to work.
Call Your Representatives: We know it sounds trite, but letting your representatives know that their constituents demand equal rights does have an impact! If you don't know your representatives to the U.S. Congress, visit Senate.gov or WriteRep.House.Gov. To find your New York state senators and assemblymen via zip code visit either NYSenate.gov or Assembly.State.NY.US/Mem.
What should you wear to a riot, and other relevant questions...
Sherry Vine Says:
What's the easiest way to start a riot?
Turn the lights on in the back room and yell, "Last call!"
The legend is that the Stonewall Riots happened because Judy Garland had just died. What would happen if Madonna died today?
I don't even want to think of it! Madonna will never die!
Sherry Vine is off to Europe this week. Check out her website for upcoming appearances.
Sweetie Says:
What should you wear to a riot?
Go iconic. Think Patty Hearst SLA effects, but make it your own with a Swarovski-encrusted gas mask. Norma Rae denim looks from Marc Jacobs with huge Angela Davis Afros can also be cute.
What slogans do you like to shout at a protest?
I'll shout almost anything as long as I am standing behind a pack of burly lesbians. They know how to take a punch. I bruise easily.
Catch Sweetie every Saturday in Astoria at Lavish Lounge (3403 36th Ave, 718-361-0022 and celebrating Pride in Cherry Grove at Cherry's (158 Bayview Walk, 631-597-7859)
Epiphany Says:
What should you wear to a riot?
A fat suit so the police batons don't hurt as much, just ask Sweetie.
Have men ever fought over you before? What happened?
Yes, they both lost cause I went home with someone else while they were going at it.
Epiphany performs Saturday, June 27, at the Love Ball at Nokia Theater (1515 Broadway, 212-930-1950). Visit SaintAtLarge.com for more info.