Why Rally?
Have You Registered for the Rally in Tally?
Why is it important to attend the Rally In Tally? Why is it important to lobby? What difference does it make?
Hundreds of people are traveling to Tallahassee from all over the state to participate in Rally In Tally and Lobby Days. They will be taking off work, driving for up to 8 hours in some cases, volunteering their time, and spending their personal money to be a part of something that is up the street for most of us. We cannot take this opportunity for granted.
The rally is a time for everyone who believes in LGBT Equal Rights, whether gay or straight, to gather and show our state that the LGBT Community and its supporters are here and are not going anywhere. It’s about standing up and saying “No More Discrimination.” The rally will encourage the lobbyists who are going face to face with our legislators.
Lobbying is the “meat and potatoes” of change. It’s about telling our stories to our lawmakers. It’s our direct line to the decision makers. Question: What’s the most effective way to change the law? Answer: To speak directly to our lawmakers and to let them know why LGBT Equal Rights are important to US.
It is time for all of us to stand together and have a real impact on the LGBT Equal Rights movement. Do you think the passers by would take us seriously if there were only twenty of us at the rally? What do you think they would say if they drove by and saw us overflowing into the streets? They could not look away. They could not pretend that we aren’t there. They would have no choice but to acknowledge us. Everyone can be a part of that if we all show up.
The laws are not going to change themselves. We have to take action to make change happen. Imagine if there were never any marches, protests, and rallies during the civil rights movement.
The laws are not going to change themselves. We have to take action to make change happen. Imagine if there were never any marches, protests, and rallies during the civil rights movement.
Where do you think that “movement” would be?
We are in the midst of a movement, our movement. It is our time and we cannot sit around and allow other people to decide what rights and legal protections we “deserve.” We need to get out there and stand up for ourselves. Standing up takes movement.
I have one simple request from everyone who is reading this. If you believe that everyone should be treated equal under the law, come to Rally In Tally. If everyone shows up, this could have a monumental effect on LGBT Equal Rights in Florida. We have the momentum, right now, to make a real change. A change that we can feel. A change that will benefit our children and their children. “All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.” – Harvey Milk
The fight for LGBT Equal Rights has been a tough one. Many people suffered and died in the struggle. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be where we are now. And if we don’t continue this fight, many will have suffered and died in vain. It’s up to us, here and now, to see this movement through because it is the ONLY way we are going to get to the finish line. Your Action, Our Movement!
– Amanda B James
