Posted by: AGuyNamedWayne contact

A Conversation With Cleve

Cleve Jones was an average gay kid in the 1970’s who was motivated and inspired by the legendary Harvey Milk to get involved in the equality movement. Cleve’s activism now spans over 3 decades and he came to NYC last night to help motivate and inspire a new generation to become involved in the quest for equality. Cleve is the chief architect of the upcoming National Equality March on Washington that calls on our leaders to honor the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and allow equal protection under the law and equal access to the benefits of citizenship in all 50 states for gay Americans. While he made an effort not to disparage state initiatives, Cleve made clear that we must take the fight to Washington. Only the federal government can grant our full equality. Former Lt. Dan Choi, one of far too many good soldiers that have been discharged from military service through the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy under the Obama administration, was in attendance and he gave a rousing introduction to Cleve. When Dan spoke of Cleve’s long history of advocacy he pointedly ask the younger generation how will we stack up in comparison? When history looks back on us, how will we be judged? More importantly, how will we view ourselves? Will we look back on our actions, or lack thereof, with pride or regret? Will we stand and fight or turn away and hide? As Cleve Jones himself asked, “If you think you are equal and deserve equal rights, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!” Those are questions that each of us will have to answer for ourselves. As for me, I’m marching on Washington. (Photos by AGuyNamedWayne) 



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