Millions Will Be Missing at March Which Excludes LGBT Activists

Statement of NOW Executive Vice President Olga Vives

October 11, 2005

The National Organization for Women and its 550,000 members and supporters nationwide stand in solidarity today with the National Black Justice Coalition deploring the exclusion of black lesbian and gay activists from the upcoming Millions More March.

The organizers of the Millions More Movement say this week's march is a call for "unity amongst Black peoples and organizations." But based on their exclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists from participating, the tagline "Millions Missing" seems more appropriate.

Just as the National Organization for Women objected to the Million Man March in 1995 because of its exclusion of women, we object to this march organized by the Nation of Islam because its organizers refuse to recognize the issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African-Americans.

When we, people of color, victims of the insidious racism in our society, fail to understand that homophobia inflicts pain and suffering, we contribute to the further division of our communities and therefore, set back our efforts to empower each other to fight against the unfairness surrounding us.

We want to be recognized and included in all aspects of society. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people make up families. We are parents, spouses, aunts, uncles, grandparents. Recognizing the diversity of families that exist in the African-American community can only make us stronger.

We urge our members and allies to participate and celebrate with us in "We are Family Unity Weekend" events in Washington, DC.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal w. 202-628-8669, ext. 116, c. 301-660-3447

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