Gay Band to March in Inauguration Parade (First Time Ever)

[KittyWampus]

Gay Band to March in Inauguration Parade
By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE

For the first time, a gay and lesbian band will be marching in a presidential inauguration.

Barack Obama’s Presidential Inaugural Committee has chosen the Lesbian and Gay Band Association, with members from across the country, to march in the inaugural parade in Washington on Jan. 20.

“We are extremely pleased to announce that the Lesbian and Gay Band Association will be included as a marching contingent in the Inaugural Parade,” says a message on the band’s Web site. “This is the first time that an LGBT group will be represented in a Presidential Inaugural Parade, truly our chance to make history.”

The Washington Blade, a gay newspaper that was the first to report the news, said that Bill Clinton allowed gay groups to perform their music on the sidewalk during his inauguration but not to march in the parade.

There were a record number of applicants to march in this year’s parade — nearly 1,400 — with only a few dozen being selected.

During the last inaugural, in 2005, about 340 bands applied to march and 47 were selected.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/gay-band-to-march-in-inauguration-parade/

[mondo joe]

1. Well, we are very theatrical. People love our music, art and drama, even if they don't want

us to have equal rights.

[KittyWampus]

2. Fighting for ones Civil Rights requires an ability to be the grown up and harness ones emotions

and using them constructively to change minds and hearts of those who stand in the way of social justice.

It's pretty obvious there are some people in EVERY political group who are incapable of being the grown ups.

Some people are apparently satisfied with constantly reacting to their oppressors' reprehensible behavior rather than trying to effect real progress.

[mondo joe]

3. Yadda yadda yadda. Let me know when you have something real to say. NT

[Oak2004]

6. You know what's funny here

I remember statements like yours made about Martin Luther King and the rest of the African-American civil rights movement, back in the day...

"Oh, the negroes have a good point. But they need to slow down. Control themselves. Be patient. Work within the system. Not rock the boat. Wait their turn" ... etc. etc.

The civil rights movement didn't listen, thank God, not that I'd expect people living under the boot of oppression to even consider such advice.

To quote a prominent Abolitionist on the advisability of moderation in the pursuit of human rights:

"Tell a man whose house is on fire, to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest-- I will not equivocate-- I will not excuse-- I will not retreat a single inch-- and I will be heard."
-- William Lloyd Garrison

I think I'll put that quote in my signature, come to think of it.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

4. They used to do that will black entertainers, too.

The performers could play the main room of a posh hotel, but couldn't actually stay there or use the facilities.

[SidDithers]

11. Exactly. Josephine Baker and Vegas swimming pools come to mind...nt

Sid

[mondo joe]

20. Yes indeed. They love our talent, they love our purchasing power. And the Dems love

our donations and our votes.

[Oak2004]

5. They ought to boycott nt

[Bluebear]

7. In light of recent announcements, this band is now a minstrel show.

[KittyWampus]

8. LOL! I should have posted my prediction on how soon it would take you to post that

[Bluebear]

9. Yes, why didn't you post your little prediction, wouldn't that have been FUN!?!?

[Bluebear]

21. PS, why weren't you interested in posting this on 12/9 when the article originated?

No Rick Warren to counter at that date so no interest.

[BostonMa]

10. They should stay home

[ecstatic]

12. Does anyone else feel that way?

Interesting. Bite off hand to spite face or something like that.

[Oak2004]

18. What "hand"?

The band is doing him a service. And in exchange, he is kicking them in the teeth.

[Flubadubya]

13. Oh my, what a noble gesture...

:sarcasm:

When was this decision made, before or after the feedback (blow back) began to roll in from his unfortunate choice of fundie Rick Warren to officiate his inauguration?

If it was afterward then I see it as a very crass and condescending gesture to give "token tribute" to the GLBT community. How cynical can you get? :puke:

[NYCGirl]

15. The article was from 12/9. So it was BEFORE. NT

[Flubadubya]

16. OK, maybe there's nothing nefarious there...

But there is still a chance that this was all calculated. Who knows if the decision on Warren had already been made and this was still just a token gesture for the GLBT? I dunno... maybe I'm all wrong. I certainly hope so.

Nevertheless, the Rick Warren choice must still sting mightily and the marching band provides scant succor. It's just weird to me that it is all playing out like this. The juxtaposition is a bit uncanny IMHO.

[uppityperson]

14. That is good that they were chosen.

Sticking to that here.

[billyoc]

17. "Oh, Ricky, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow our minds,

Hey Ricky!(Warren)
Hey Ricky!(Warren)

:evilgrin:

[Flubadubya]

19. ..

:spray:

[mondo joe]

22. Here it is! (Photo)

What a fierce advocate for GLBT people Obama is!