In an action coordinated with cities across the nation, hundreds of LGBT Chicagoans and allies marched through the city's streets demanding equal marriage as the U.S. Supreme Court readies to hear arguments in two marriage cases.
Approximately 400 people attended the Federal Plaza rally, organized against the national Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8, which both ban same-sex marriage.
Speaking at the rally were veteran LGBT activists including Vernita Gray, Andy Thayer, Rick Garcia and Kim Hunt. Video by Tracy Baim of Vernita Gray's remarks here: www.youtube.com/watch .
Garcia, from The Civil Rights Agenda, said that if Supreme Court rules against equal marriage, LGBTs across the nation were poised to fight back.
"We have come a very long way, and we have long way to go, but we are in no ways tired," he said.
Gray cited the overturning of the U.S. ban on interracial marriage and said she was tired of paying tax bills but being denied the same rights as heterosexual couples.
"I'm saying to the Supreme Court that we've got to change this," Gray said. "We are part of the fabric of this nation."
Thayer of the Gay Liberation Network argued that LGBTs must demand social equality in addition to legal equality. He called on attendees to support other marginalized communities in their political movements and to push for safer schools and homeless shelters for LGBT youth.
Hunt added that the question of marriage was one of economic stability for many Black LGBT families.
Also speaking was The Civil Rights Agenda's Richard Streetman and Rev. Suzanne-Anderson Hurdle, a Lutheran Pastor who testified in favor of the Illinois bill that seeks marriage equality.
Hurdle said that she was ready challenge claims that the issue was one of religion, and she urged attendees to remember that they have strong allies.
"Know that you are loved for who you are and as God created you," she said.
Demonstrators marched through the cold under dozens of large rainbow flags as Chicagoans commuting home from work stopped to watch.
"LGBT, we demand equality!" demonstrators called.
They ended the march at Pioneer Plaza, next to the Tribune Tower, where activists Thayer, Br. Michael Oboza and Lair Scott gave closing remarks.
The Supreme Court is hearing remarks on the two marriage cases March 26-27. They are expected to rule in June. For ongoing coverage on those cases, see windycitymediagroup.com .
Video by Tracy Baim of Vernita Gray's remarks here: www.youtube.com/watch .
