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Without a doubt, resident Obama, who wants us to believe he is a strong supporter for the GLBTQ community has been a big let down accomplishing as close to nothing as he can in terms of a GLBT rights agenda, but what, is the reason to race for a March on Washington this Fall? What is the expected outcome to be gained, and what will be the political “cost” for such a venture?

Nationally, we are seeking an end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT); Federal Hate Crimes protection; an end to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); National Employment protection (ENDA).. did I miss anything. On state and local levels we are seeking nondiscrimination protection in housing, employment and public accommodations; marriage equality and/or civil unions or domestic partnerships; and state-wide hate crimes legislation. While both this national agenda and the state-wide agendas are important- what would a March on Washington achieve for either, especially happening about a month before the election day?

This will be (depending upon when it happens) my third National March on Washington, and the seventh (??) time I have been to Washington for a rally or event. Marches in 1987, 1993, and 2000 were all a bit different in tone and purpose, although all seems to energize the participants. But how will this energy be harnassed?

Since the defeat in California was so critical last year, it seems to me to be essential that a ballot initiative in CA pass this year. Can any CA activist afford the time off that close to the election and still assure a victory? While there are some who do not believe in the state by state approach to marriage equality, a strong case could be made to say it is working. since Marriage has been traditionally handled at the State level, it could be unfortunate to push for more federal protections until a handful of more states are on board. The number of states with constitutional bans is significant, and a not win-able (??) battle is set up if we pit states rights against federal mandates with so few states being in full support of  marriage equality.

Wouldn’t our time, talent. resources and energy be put to better use in state battles across the country this year, with a goal to add 8 states with either full marriage equality, or civil unions in the next 12 months. Make sure that this Fall that we do not lose any ground, and score a victory in California. Then we march on Washing next Spring with plenty of time before the Fall election to put that energy to use for changes in government at every level for gay and lesbian rights.