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Organizers for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community's fourth March on Washington today [April 30, 1998] announced the event will be held on April 30, 2000. The March aims to articulate the concerns of our community and focus our nation's attention on our quest for equality in all aspects of life.
"We expect one million of my gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered sisters and brothers and our enlightened allies to stand on the Mall and call upon our nation to live out the promise of equality under the law," said the Rev. Troy D. Perry, long-time gay activist and founder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.
Organizers took steps this week to begin incorporation of a non-profit entity to handle planning, production and financial arrangements. Efforts are underway to make sure this is a democratic process where all segments of our community are represented.
"The Millennium March promises to continue its bold commitment to all people of color. I am hearing from Native Americans, Asians, African Americans, Latinos and Pacific Islanders who are ecstatic about participating," said Martin Ornelas-Quintero, executive director of the Latino Latina/o, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization.
Organizers also expressed their support today for the "Equality Begins at Home" actions on all 50 state capitals set for 1999.
"The Equality Begins at Home" actions enjoy the full and enthusiastic support of the organizers of the Millennium March," said Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the Human Rights Campaign. "It's imperative that we focus our energies as a movement at both the state and federal level. These two events will complement each other as together we build the momentum to achieve equality in the next century."
"I am glad to see both of these events moving towards a more collaborative process," said Jubi Headley, executive director of the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum. "This is a positive sign of progress."
"Our greatest hope as a movement lies in our commitment to work together for social change. Our passion for justice and our pledge to lift up every voice has the potential to transform town halls, state houses, and our nation's capitol," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"I remain hopeful the the "Equality Begins at Home" actions and the Millennium March will help build our grassroots momement at the state, local and national level," said Dianne Hard-Garcia, executive director of the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby of Texas and co-chair of the Federation of Statewide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Organizations. "I believe that working together these actions can strengthen the state and federal organizations that fight daily to end discrimination."
Paula Ettelbrick, legislative director of the Empire State Pride Agenda and the other co-chair of the Federation added, "The Equality Begins At Home actions will fortify our strength at the statewide level and set the stage for the millennium march event in Washington in 2000."
"Now that there is a growing consensus to gather in Washington, DC, in April, 2000, let's decide how that time can be used, not just to inspire each other, but to change the minds and hearts of friends and foes alike," said Dr. Mel White, noted author and UFMCC's Minister of Justice. "Let's use the "soul force" teachings of Gandhi and King to guide us. Their committment to the principles of militant nonviolent resistence to injustice gave moral authority to the civil rights movements that they led. What a wonderful opportunity we have to rediscover those principles as we prepare for this new millennium."
Return to The Millennium March on Washington: What's All the Fighting About?
