Diverse crowd marches for gay rights

Activists from around the country gathered in Washington, D.C. this Sunday for the National Equality March, where protesters sought equal civil rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community.

The march began at I and 15 streets, moving to the front of the White House before ending in a rally on the U.S. Capitol West Lawn.

The gathering was organized by two veteran gay rights activists: David Mixner and Cleve Jones along with Kip Williams and Robin McGehee of Equality Across America.

During the protest, a rainbow appeared overhead, and many people slowed down to look at it; some joked that it was a “divine sign.”

Banners and signs featured prominently in the march, with messages like, “All Love is Good Love,” and “Love Has No Gender.” A man standing in front of the White House wore a sign around his neck that read “31 Years Together = Marriage.”

The marchers consisted of a diverse group including students, straight couples, and children. The presence of so many young people was significant to march’s organizers.

“I was overwhelmed and often teary at seeing how the cause has all this fresh talent, energy and hope that showed up at the March,” wrote David Mixner in an e-mail. “There is no question in my mind that we [gay rights advocates] will prevail”.

Despite such an upbeat response to the march, there was a sense of urgency for Lenda Eschelman, 58, who is sick with brain cancer.

“[This is about] having the opportunity to express how we feel about having our rights, being able to attain [the] rights…everyone else has,” said Eschelman, who marched with her partner of 22 years. “I would like to see myself have my rights before I die.”

Many felt a sense of community by participating in a march with people who come from a variety of backgrounds.

“There was a sense … of comradery,” said Sebastian Velasquez (SFS `11), a member of GU Pride.
“There was unity, there was a common goal, and that made me happy.”

Sunday’s march comes at a time when the gay community finds itself debating the proper approach for advancing its goals for equal rights, with some advancing a stratey focused on the federal government while others believe that activism on the state and local level will be more effective.