I agree that GLBT activists need to embrace nonviolence, and I also think Steven's point is an excellent one.
At the action we held at the ex-gay conference in Woodstock a month ago, I wanted to be sure that I followed principles of nonviolence. The sign I held was a rainbow fish, and we sang hymns of love and peace and we prayed.
However, we had no control over other groups that came, and some groups (in my opinion) presented a message that was counter to what we were trying to accomplish. While I appreciated the presence of all groups at the protest, I simply couldn't stay when people started yelling "Christian fascists have to go!" That was my cue to leave. There was also a small group of people holding signs that focused on gay sex -- which ended up supporting the "gays want to shove gay sex in our faces" opinion that many CC's already feel.
I wish we could all be of one mind supporting nonviolence to achieve GLBT equality. We of course have no control over what other groups choose to do. The key might be continuing work to attract people to Soulforce, increasing our numbers and, thereby, our influence for nonviolent methods of social change.
One problem we encountered at Woodstock, I think, was the misperception that Soulforce is a "Christian" group. There is such anger within the GLBT community, so many who have been hurt by their church and religion in general, that there was some wariness even of Soulforce! So many GLBT people not only don't embrace religion or spirituality any more -- they actively oppose it because of the pain and fear it has wrought in their lives. Who hasn't, at some point, lashed out against that which has hurt them the most? Many GLBT folks I know resent Christianity so much, that I'm afraid any mention of the spiritual or religious sends them running.
Susan
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