«I really didn’t know what to expect for a anti-prop 8 rally here in Pittsburgh. Historically, I think it would be a stretch to say that the Pittsburgh GLBT (and friends) community is very active in terms of political activism. But actually, looking back I think a growth of activism is apperent. We arrived at Schenley Plaza at about 1:15 for the 1:30 rally. Because of my lungs, I had little interest in getting too wet, and so was happy that there was the large text/enclosure where people were congregating. I learned about the rally because of Twitter (I think)- don’t remember how I saw it, but it wasn’t an email. Others I know saw it on Facebook and some had received emails. 1:30 came and passed with no rally beginning. I’ve been to a few rallies inmy time, an d usually there is a stage or podium, loud speakers, and a series of people who present speeches and speak motivationally to the crowd . But no matter, this was poretty cool, as the time was perfect to check out the crowd, and connect with friends.
And was there a mixed crowd! Women and men of all ages, and clearly a mix of GLBT and straight people! There may have been more younger people, but overall, a great mix of generations. If nothing else had happened, this great mix of people was enough to label the event as successful! Linda came over to say hello to Brad and I. We met her a bit over 4 years ago during the issue of Nadar’s campaign. We had all worked on the challenge to his petition- evaluating registered voter signatures. It was a week of working late into every evening, reviewing every single signature on every single petition. I had run into her at Whole Foods a few times following Kerry’s defeat. Linda was here today with her husband. She said, isn’t it nice to be on the winning side this time?
No one seemed to know who was in charge (was anyone in charge)? There were elements that suggested it: Brenda Cole and her partner (recently married and whose pastor, Janet Edwards was put on trial in the Presbyterian church) were there. I could see them speaking, that would make sense. Many people had hand made signs. My favorite was one that said “Yinzers for Equality” with “Steeler Fans for Equality” coming in a close second. And the Renaissance City Choir was there with their parade banner. Was that a spontaneous idea- to bring a parade banner? Or was this to be a march instead of a rally? And yet no loud speakers, and no one stepping up to take charge.
Then the choir began to sign. Everyone grew quiet and listened. Everyone seemed to be waiting and wanting something to happen. There were 2 television stations there with cameras, and yet before the choir, nothing for them to capture. How would this play out in the media? but the choir sang and it was beautiful. When they finished a silence returned. Someone tried to start a chant- Hate: End Hate- but it didn’t catch. The message of the chant seemed incongruous with the lyrics we had just heard. Then the amazing began to unfold. To a space where a few tables had been cleared, two women stepped forward. The one proclaimed “27 years is a hell-a-va long engagement!” Seems these two had been together for that long. She had received a diamond ring as a 20th anniversary present. Following these two, was another woman who jumped up on a table to say, that she and her partner had been married in California in October.
About this time, a few guys could be seen trying to set up speakers along the back of the tent, but the event was already going on the other side of the tent. Someone announced that we could go out on the grass. While the cover of the tent was nice, of course, we weren’t very visible there. And then someone said we could legally march on the sidewalk as long as we didn’t block traffic. I was left with the impression that people would march out, around the plaza and ten onto the plaza. As we left the tent for the grass, a young guy started chanting, what do we want- equal rights, when do we want it- now! and this time, everyone picked up and joined in.
But we moved straight from the tent to the grass, and once there, what was to happen? There was so much energy by this point, so much excitement, there was nothing to do but start marching for the street! And the sign toting crowd headed out to Forbes Ave, towards the museum, chanting loudly.
I wasn’t breathing well and felt tired, so we decided to call it a day. Brad had to work in a few hours as well. We walked back to the car, and decided to follow the crowd for a while. Brad counted and we estimate the crowd to have been about 400-500 people.
And by then the crowd was stretched out over almost 3 blocks- the plaza up to Craig St, all the way up Craig to Fifth, and down Fifth towards Pitt.
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RENAISSANCE CITY CHOIR IMPACT RALLY
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