After October 31 comes and goes each year, what is a gay to do? After all, for many gay men, Halloween is like the ultimate holiday providing people with an actual excuse to dress up for about four days. The excitement passes once November 1 rolls around. But now, the month of November has become kind of a big deal in our community. After the Halloween celebrations pass and before the holiday season kicks into high gear, there is a lot you can do to give back to the LGBT community and stand up for our rights.

A coalition of groups have put together a series of events which they are collectively calling “Remember November”. Just one year ago, we were on the frontlines battling Prop 8, keeping our fingers crossed that the voters of California would do the right thing and reject that nasty proposition. As we know now, Prop 8 did pass, and what followed was a firestorm of activism, community involvement, and infusion of new leadership into our community. This November will be the one year anniversary of our right to marry being stripped from us. A number of other events related to our fight for equality are also happening this November so I encourage you to check out the actions listed below and get involved:

NOVEMBER 1… 2 p.m.: PHONE BANK FOR MAINE!

Head on over to the Marriage of the Minds Headquarters (which one year ago was the San Diego’s central point for the No on 8 Campaign),  and help Maine defeat “Proposition 1“, which is their own version of Proposition 8. Support our LGBT community in Maine by phone-banking for equality! The MoM Headquarters is located at 301 University Ave. (right across the street from Urban Mo’s).

NOVEMBER 3… 12-1 p.m.: “KEEPING THE FAITH: 60 MINUTES FOR EQUALITY”

This event will be an interfaith hour of prayer, song, and reflection, in an effort to “Keep the Faith” for equality for all people. The event will take place at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Hillcrest. Send an e-mail to Jan at jgarbowski@cox.net for more information.

NOVEMBER 4… 6 p.m.: ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF PROP 8 & OUTDOOR SCREENING OF “MILK”

November 4, 2008 was that bittersweet day… As elation swept the nation with the election of President Barack Obama, the LGBT community in California and beyond was overcome with sadness and anger as Proposition 8 passed, denying LGBT couples’ right to marry in the state. Remember this date by showing up at The County Administration Building for a rally, followed by a march to the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Starting at 8 p.m., the award-winning film “Milk” will be screened on the grass in front of the Hyatt. Bring a blanket.

NOVEMBER 14… Time TBD: PATRIOT’S PRIDE MARCH

This event will demand the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. The rally will include presentations by local service members, veterans, and activists. Joseph Rocha will be the keynote speaker. The event is part of a national movement to include LGBT veterans in Veteran’s Day celebrations, and will be held in Oceanside. For more information, contact Lisa at eyescu_92116@yahoo.com or visit www.dodfedglobe.com.

NOVEMBER 16… 2 p.m.: RESTORE EQUALITY CAMPAIGN KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE

The Restore Equality 2010 Campaign will kick-off its’ signature gathering efforts. This is the statewide group that is working hard to put a repeal of Prop 8 on the 2010 ballot! They have approximately 150 days to collect over a million signatures statewide and need all the help they can get! Check out the 2010 campaign website for more information.

Photo credit: San Francisco Sentenel

NOVEMBER 20… 6 p.m.: TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

 

 

This has been a long standing event in San Diego and it is important that we come together and remember those who have been killed because of their gender identity. These crimes must stop, and we must stand up together against it. The event will begin at The Center with a silent candlelit march and vigil, followed by a program.

NOVEMBER 27… 6:30 p.m.: 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF HARVEY MILK

Head over to The Center and join other community members in a candlelit remembrance of Harvey Milk’s life. This day will mark the 30th anniversary of the killing of Milk. Participants should bring their own candle.

ONGOING… “MILK MONEY”

San Diego Pride is engaging the community in a fundraising drive called “Milk Money”, which will raise funds for three repubatable charities in the region. We have so many community members at home here in need and it is important that we support them, especially in this era of budget cuts and reductions at many local charities and social service agencies. Funds raised will be distributed to Mama*s Kitchen; the Trevor Project; and The Imperial Court de San Diego’s children’s toy drive. It’s free and easy to set-up an online donation portal, and you can even join or form a team! Click here for more information or to sign-up. I’m doing it!

This November will be a busy one in the fight for our rights at home and across the country. So many people continue to tell me they want to get involved, so just do it! I have listed EIGHT ways to get involved in November alone, and I guarantee you that all of these events need people to help organize them and participate. Do not hesitate to contact me personally if you want more information or need some encouragement to get involved… bcartwright@cox.net.

Thanks for your support of our community!