We need not be wedded to the old ways of doing things. I call upon the GLBT communities to embrace new and healthy ways of doing our business and making our diverse voices heard. I think the organizational structure of the Millennium March embraces new strategies without in any way sacrificing openness or the full participation of our community. Our rights are truly under threat. Sexual McCarthyism is back in full force.
Hate crimes continue to plague our community.
Federal laws continue to deprive lesbians and gays of full equality in the areas of employment, marriage, family rights, and national service. This year alone two of our GLBT churches have faced bomb threats, and worshipers at numerous congregations have had to brave the hatred of protesters to achieve their constitutional right to assembly and worship. With the threats against our community continuing to harm the lives of GLBT persons every day, it's time we stopped attacking ourselves. That is the old way of doing things. That is the outgrowth of internalized homophobia.