President Obama's decision to relocate the G-8 summit from Chicago to Camp David in May has had at least one consequence for LGBT activists: relocating their protest target.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was expected in Chicago for the G-8 summit, and LGBT activists had planned to protest the Russian delegation in the wake of crackdowns on LGBT demonstrations in Russia. However, the relocation likely removes Putin from Chicago.
Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network (GLN), which is part of the LGBT Caucus in the coalition against G-8/NATO, said the switch means an uncertain target for the LGBT protest in May.
"Our point was to protest because the [LGBT] Russians are unable to do so," Thayer said.
Activists rescheduled the focal point of the general protests, aimed at G-8 and NATO, from Saturday, May 19, to Sunday, May 20. However, final plans for the LGBT-specific action, just two months away, are still in the works, said Thayer.
Still, Thayer called Obama's decision to move G-8 a "victory" that shows the power of protest. Thayer noted that host countries tend to hold G-8 in remote locations, where massive protest is less likely.
"People have taken heart from the G-8 skedaddling off to the Appalachians," he said.
A revised plan for the LGBT protest is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.