By Will Batts (Memphis, Tennessee) Mar 26 | Some in our community continue to devalue and ridicule families led by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender parents. They say our families are not "real families." We will continue to challenge that limited perception, especially when it controls how our families are treated under the law. For the protection of our children, our friends, and our families, we have told our community that it's time to “Raise Your Voice!”
Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Centre’s “Raise Your Voice” committee invites everyone who believes that “love makes a family” to participate in a rally to Stand for ALL Families at Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church (7350 Raleigh-Lagrange Rd. in Cordova) on Monday, March 29. The rally will begin with a light supper at 6 PM followed by a diverse group of speakers at 7 PM celebrating loving families that include all people whether they are gay, lesbian, bi, straight or transgender.
The occasion will directly confront a decidedly anti-family message given just a few miles from Neshoba on the same night. A local church is hosting Tony Perkins, a nationally known anti-gay activist, to commemorate the opening of Family Action Council of Tennessee's (FACT) office in Cordova. The event is called “Stand for the Family: a rally to celebrate and promote traditional families.” Supporters of this event would like you to believe that “traditional” families are under attack. The reality is that “FACT” and their supporters are spreading an anti-family message of irrational fear and misinformation.
One of our straight allies, also a father, recently said "I'm not intolerant of views that differ with mine. I am intolerant of the use of those ideas to oppress/deny equal rights to others."
We couldn't agree more. We do not condemn anyone for their beliefs. But when those beliefs deny us our liberties, we must stand up in opposition. Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Centre will continue to fight for the rights we deserve. Nothing less than full equality is acceptable.
Will Batts is the Executive Director of the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Centre. He can be reached at 901-278-6422 or on the web at: www.mglcc.org
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