ONLINE ONLY: DC rally for gay rights was only the beginning

On Oct. 11, I attended the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. I have been organizing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer, questioning and intersex rights for a long time, but never have I seen so much passion and commitment as I saw that day.

I had the additional honor of addressing the rally as a Congressional District Action Team leader. Though it was only a short slot, my speech is something I will never forget. The detractors of the March said that we would do nothing but gratify our emotional needs. To them I say, not a chance.

Three students went to D.C. and we are returning to Missoula as empowered activists. We have a network of resources, coverage of our participation in the march by CSPAN and CBS 5 will show the world that we exist in Montana, and knowledge of our attendance spurred a turnout of over 50 people at a Solidarity Rally on the Missoula County Courthouse lawn despite the cold temperatures.

This is the spark of a change. Montana Equality Now, an organization that Ray Davis and I founded will work to be that change in Montana.

Rep. Barney Frank said we should have lobbied instead. As a veteran activist, I say to lobby you need empowered people. We have those now. We heard speeches from Judy Shepard, Dan Choi, Kate Clinton, and Urvashi Viad. Viad is someone that anyone who takes a Women's Studies class will read about in their textbooks. Even Lady Gaga was there. Inspiration and motivation cannot be undervalued!

John Blake,

Missoula