Gay Rights Movement Still in Motion
Struggle still continues for the gay community after almost 40 years
Rachel Deaton
Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: News
Supporters for gay rights gathered in Washington October 11, 2009 to participate in the largest demonstration advocating for the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender citizens in almost ten years.
According the New York Times, an estimated 150,000 people came together to not only to show their support for gay rights, but to voice their discontent with the current administration's action on homosexual issues and their importance in President Obama's lengthy list of priorities.
They are being called the new generation of advocates that will push new policies launching our modern day civil rights movement.
Kathy Kinnin, Advisor for the Active Identity Group for the College of Saint Rose, feels that Saint Rose students and the community are also working for change.
"They are putting their faces out there and making it known that they are here on campus," she said. She explained the marches that take place here in Albany. "They are only called marches when the goal is lobbying for changes in legislation. When they are at a more local level, they are called parades." she said. "There was a change in the 80's; people wanted them to be seen as more of a festival than a protest."
The Identity students have been active on campus, tabling at Harvest Fest, and chalking the quad on National Chalking Day.
"They're not only being visible and having fun, but they're educational too," said Kinnin.
Over the last 38 years, gay rights advocates have gone through much to get noticed and encourage support for the rights they deserve. Saint Rose students today are only continuing the movement that was started by those who came before them in 1971.
A Gay Liberation Rally was held in Albany on March 14, 1971, and was reported about in the Saint Rose Inscape, the college's newspaper at the time. It was reported that the march brought 3,000 supporters to the Capitol to converge and "demanded the freedom to be what they are." The march was held at a time when support for homosexuals was a radical idea.
According the New York Times, an estimated 150,000 people came together to not only to show their support for gay rights, but to voice their discontent with the current administration's action on homosexual issues and their importance in President Obama's lengthy list of priorities.
They are being called the new generation of advocates that will push new policies launching our modern day civil rights movement.
Kathy Kinnin, Advisor for the Active Identity Group for the College of Saint Rose, feels that Saint Rose students and the community are also working for change.
"They are putting their faces out there and making it known that they are here on campus," she said. She explained the marches that take place here in Albany. "They are only called marches when the goal is lobbying for changes in legislation. When they are at a more local level, they are called parades." she said. "There was a change in the 80's; people wanted them to be seen as more of a festival than a protest."
The Identity students have been active on campus, tabling at Harvest Fest, and chalking the quad on National Chalking Day.
"They're not only being visible and having fun, but they're educational too," said Kinnin.
Over the last 38 years, gay rights advocates have gone through much to get noticed and encourage support for the rights they deserve. Saint Rose students today are only continuing the movement that was started by those who came before them in 1971.
A Gay Liberation Rally was held in Albany on March 14, 1971, and was reported about in the Saint Rose Inscape, the college's newspaper at the time. It was reported that the march brought 3,000 supporters to the Capitol to converge and "demanded the freedom to be what they are." The march was held at a time when support for homosexuals was a radical idea.
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