LGBTers and the election season... please read and voice your opinions.

[Fearless]

***** This is a cross-post from the host forum that I've just created. Please understand that the language used ("hosts" and "admins&quot was applicable to that post... I am directing all of these questions now at you, but didn't want to change the original text. If you have an opinion regarding what I am saying, feel free to voice it here. Everyone's input is important!*****


You and I both know the undercurrent of conflict that rears its head every now and then on DU between the LGBT community and our desire for equal rights and the election of Democratic candidates that may or may not have our best interests at heart. We've all heard the "be quiet and vote Democrat" meme each time the election comes around (and sometimes when it hasn't yet), that our rights will be addressed eventually and that we shouldn't speak up about them because doing so will harm a Democratic candidate in the general election (be that a president, or other position).

This is likely going to start up again as November nears. In the past, we haven't been in the position to control (in a sense) the dialog that goes on within our safe haven group. But now we do. I have a few questions that I think merit discussion, before this sort of thing may happen. How do we proceed:

(1) If one poster posts a comment to the effect of what I said above ("sit down and be quiet, vote democratic&quot what do we do about it? (2) Where do our hosts stand on the issue? (3) Likewise, what happens if many posts start appearing to that effect? The impact of our decisions on one poster is limited, yet our impact on a dozen or three dozen posters... that has greater implications.

(4) What about our reaction as a community to posts in the forums suggesting the same "be quiet, vote democratic" meme? How should we respond to them?

We may wish to consider how we are going to respond to these issues before they get out of hand. I know that election season has not been the happiest time on DU for many of our LGBT members in the past. I think we should try to figure out how to ensure that it is a happy time for all of our posters just the same as it should be for all other posters.

This may also be an issue we wish to get clarification from the Admins on. Particularly (5) To what extent are we (in YOUR opinions) able to support our rights during the campaign season without fear of reprisal? (6) When it comes to constructive criticism of Democratic candidates (true, not backhanded constructive criticism), is that still permitted in regards to LGBT rights? In our group? In the forums? (7) There will likely be jury decisions that LGBT DUers angrily disagree with, regardless of the Admins point of view on the importance of LBGT rights in the election season; how do we mitigate the negative impact this will have on our community and between our community and DU at large?

Realistically, an LGBT equality plank will not exist in the Democratic Party's platform this year. On DU, we have such a plank on our platform. DUers are to support LGBT equality (or at least not vocalize against it). These two facts can conflict during the election season. Hosts: What are we going to do about that? Admin: Where do we (LGBTers) stand on DU during the election season?

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Perhaps nothing will happen and DU will function well and fluidly. My commentary and questions are based on past experiences on DU2. Whether or not, or to what degree, LGBTers are impacted on DU during the election season, I think, needs some discussion and clarification, to ensure the smoothest possible time for all of our members. Some LGBTers have already voiced their concerns and voiced their plans to limit DU usage during the election season. Hopefully, I'm being over cautious. I don't know if I am.

EDIT TO ADD: I will be cross-posting this in the LGBT group to let our members have their voices heard as well.

[Fearless]

1. As a potential conversation starter I would add...

From the Democratic Party's website...

Civil Rights are not just abstract principles. They represent nothing less than our ability to provide for ourselves and our families and to live free from discrimination or persecution. For decades, Democrats have fought for these values, working to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to fully participate in our society—to live in a place where there are no second-class citizens, where each of us can go about our lives without fear of discrimination.

For too many though, this ideal is still far from a reality. Democrats are committed to:

1. Strengthening the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to better protect voting rights;
2. Enacting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which includes measures prohibiting discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity;
3. Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in a sensible way that strengthens our armed forces and our national security;
4. Ensuring civil unions and equal federal rights for LGBT couples, as well as fully repealing the Defense of Marriage Act;
5. Ending racial, ethnic, and religious profiling; and
6. Building a fair and more equitable criminal justice system that provides non-violent offenders a second chance at a
rehabilitated life.

http://www.democrats.org/issues/civil_rights

[fightthegoodfightnow]

2. The Democratic Party Has Disappointed as Much as It Has Been an Advocate

Overall, I strongly support most Democratic positions and oppose GOP positions, but it would also be true to say 'EVOLVE ALREADY'.

Whether it's gay marriage or representation for DC, Dems are not above criticism. I also think there will be an equality clause in the platform but it will be about employment not marriage. History has shown it has been the tireless work of so many in the GLBT community that we are better off today than when I was born.

As for DU and gays, I've read about the tension. So be it. If true, we will eventually deliver them as well. Our cause is just.

[Zorra]

3. Oh, my...here we go.

Can of worms is officially open.

Unfortunately, I don't have enough time to give this issue the attention it warrants at this moment.

I believe that it is important to continue to assert that we are US citizens deserving of full equality under the law, and that our struggle warrants the full attention and support of all Democratic representatives in government .

As our representatives, they are obligated to make every effort to insure that every US citizen who is not a felon has equal rights under the law.

We can, and should, continue to advocate for our rights without violating DU Community Standards and/or Terms of Service.

Human rights are human rights. Period. End of Story.

If a poster tells us, from the POV of someone that already has all their rights, to STFU and "move to the back of the bus where we belong" when we are advocating for our equality/rights, it might be a good idea to draw out a discussion and gently but firmly explain to the misguided poster how and why this is wrong. We may consider hitting the alert button if we cannot make the bigot understand why it is wrong. Because...

Regardless of circumstances, it is always extremely insulting, rude, and insensitive to tell any person or group that they should not advocate for their equality under the law when equality is being denied them, and when their equality under the law is fully warranted, ethical, and moral.

There's many more side issues to kick around, this is just my gut response.

[HillWilliam]

4. As I posted in another thread

the POTUS essentially said he agrees with us, but make him do it. Sitting down and STFU-ing is not making him do anything.

We are not "fall in line, vote as told, hush-and-behave" Republicans. We're Democrats. There will always be some discussion on how to achieve our goals. "STFU" and "vote as directed or else the boogie will get you" are not on the agenda.

[The Philosopher]

5. This is my answer to much of the above

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11379643

I'm also of the belief that a President & candidate is still a President, so there's no reason why if he does something that hurts us we can't speak up about it. I'm sure people would roll their eyes, but we wouldn't keep silent just so that a Democrat would win if our candidate fought for legislation outlawing us. I don't know what this "season" everyone is on about, except that an alternative Democratic Presidential candidate is no longer suggested, but asking our representatives to do their jobs and support/represent us is not against the rules of DU nor should it be.

I agree we need to address the issues before a group posts a multitude and the harm can't be negated. We can't simply ignore it, because there's always someone after us who will be walking into this minefield. If we have to clear the way, we've got to clear the way. I just hope I don't get banned while doing it.

__________

I didn't realize I posted the above in the Forum Hosts area, which is why I'm reposting my response here.