Chase HRC out the door. Come OUT in Boston Oct. 25. PROTEST!

Queers Without Borders will be attending the demonstration in Boston Mass. on October 25, 2008 against HRC’ gala fundraiser. QWB has long spoken out and stood up against HRC and their disregard for our trans sisters and brothers, their support of multinational corporations whose profits come from sweatshop labor, their support of the war monger Joe Lieberman and anti-choice public officials. HRC is not the legitimate heir of those who fought the good fight, or the friend of those who fight now for freedom, justice, peace and liberation.

From our sisters and brothers at Queer Today Dot Com:

We are calling on local activists, politicians, and organizations to endorse a boycott and protest of the HRC GALA in the spirit of solidarity. We especially ask for your support and honor of the Transgender activists who continue to face severe discrimination and violence.

Here are three good reasons to protest HRC.

1. HRC supported a strategy of passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that did not include protections for gender identity and expression. Over 300 LGBT organizations signed the United ENDA Document in opposition to this strategy.

2. HRC has a history of endorsing conservatives who support policies that directly harm the LGBT community, and our allied movements. This divides us and weakens our political power. HRC has endorsed Susan Collins in Maine, a republican who supported George Bush’s Supreme Court nominations. HRC has endorsed Joe Lieberman who is a staunch support of the Iraq war and John McCain for president.

3. HRC has a history of not working well with organized labor. For the first time, HRC has recently decided to change venues from the Hynes Convention Center to the Sheraton after months of protest from local 26 Unite Here! HRC uses non-unionized venues and caterers. One caterer, Aramark, has a long history of bad labor practices and discriminating against the LGBT community and has even received several very low scores from HRC’s own “equality index.” HRC partners with and promotes companies that sell goods that are produced by sweatshops, profit from war, discriminate, and donate to candidates who discriminate.

Our Statement of Unity:

1. We recognize the interconnectedness of the struggles of oppressed people. We stand up in solidarity for a world free of racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, classism, ageism, adultism, and all other forms of oppression.
2. We recognize and honor courageous transgender activists who have historically and continue to be at the forefront of the LGBT rights movement.
3. We oppose HRC’s strategies for passing legislation that leaves out members of our community, and their endorsements of candidates who do not uphold a commitment to end oppression.

Time: October 25, 2008 at 5pm
Location: Sheraton Hotel
Street: Boylston/Dalton (TBA)
City/Town: Boston
Website or Map: http://www.queertoday.com/
Contact Info: 617.416.0552
Organized By: QueerToday

GREAT JOB!   KEEP THE HEAT ON THEIR FEET!   MOVE THEM OUT!!