Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 06:42:20 -0400 (EDT) From: A Jay Eddy Subject: fwd. Solidarity Sunday - Pls.Circulate FOR YOUR INFORMATION - PLS CIRCULATE ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: hba@empnet.com (Beyond The Closet) Date: 96-08-06 10:58:55 EDT Please repost widely & freely! ******************************* Dignity USA has selected Sunday, October 6th (the Sunday before National Coming Out Day) as the second observance of Solidarity Sunday. Solidarity Sunday is an invitation for members of the Christian community to show support for their gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual brothers and sisters by wearing a sign of support. As last year this sign will be a swath of rainbow colored ribbon pinned to one's clothing. Secular, as well as religious organizations are encouraged to work with members of their local clergy to invite entire congregations to join in the observation of Solidarity Sunday. Ribbons are handed out on a piece of card containing the Solidarity Pledge, as well as the Solidarity Prayer. Perhaps this could be a tool to open discussions with churches we do not normally approach in our human dignity work. One side of the card reads: I wear this ribbon in Solidarity with my Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Sisters and Brothers. Solidarity Prayer: God, You are the Creator and Lover of all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. We pray that verbal and physical violence against our lesbian gay, bisexual, and transgendered brothers and sisters cease. We pray in the name of Jesus, who welcomed all to his circle of friends. Amen. We must end verbal and physical gay bashing! The flip side reads: Pledge: I pledge 1. I will work for civil and human rights for all people, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered. *Civil rights are not special rights.* 2. I will seek to stop jokes and unkind language about anyone, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered when spoken in my presence *Words hurt and bigotry is not funny.* 3. I will speak out against slander, debasement, lies or dehumanization of anyone, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered, including when spoken by political or religious leaders *Violent speech leads to physical violence.* 4. I will work to stop physical violence against anyone, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered. *Violence against any person is violence against all people. For more information about how you may work in your community to promote Solidarity Sunday contact: Bruce Jarstfer, MD PO Bo 701592 San Antonio, TX 78270-1592 Voice: (210) 545-9097 email: BruceSJ@aol.com Bruce Amsbary = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = H. Bruce Amsbary Bend, OR hba@empnet.com When Your'e Straight . . . When Your'e Lesbian or Gay . . . You get a tax break for being You can't *get* married married You get looks of admiration when You get spat upon and jeered at you hold your partner's hand when you hold your'e partner's hand You get to keep your kids no You get your kids taken away no matter how bad a parent you are. matter how good a parent you are. You have a life You have a "lifestyle" Standing up for your rights Standing up for your rights makes makes you a participatory citizen you a "militant homosexual." = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + = + =