In case you didn't recognize the above reference, "Anybody here seen my old friend Martin?" is from the song "Abraham, Martin and John," written by Dick Holler and originally performed by Dion in 1968. Last week I mentioned that many people feel we need a gay Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-type figure to lead us into full acceptance by American society. Many believe that we should find that figure today - that the time has come to stop standing by on the sidelines and start actually fighting for our equality. Even the words of South Carolina native and new executive director of S.C. Equality, C. Ray Drew seemed sparked by urgency for equality now, not later. In an online address to S. C. Equality, Drew states "We simply won't accept second class citizenship in this state or in this country. We are not asking for equality from anyone. It's not theirs to give. It is our birthright and we will accept nothing less than full equality."
Of course a new leader in the national struggle for LGBT equality would have to be much like King himself: a great orator who could move people from all walks of life into tremendous action, an activist at heart who felt great pain in the injustice of the world, and an educated leader who could take on the worst naysayers out there.
Last Friday (April 4) was the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn. The civil rights leader was a great voice for everyone and people still hear his words today in civil rights speeches, LGBT speeches and even from our presidential nominees. His talk of change has crossed generations and still leads many today in their efforts to make this world a greater, freer place to live.
So it got me thinking - is our LGBT King-esque leader out there? Drew could pose a possible option. He is a longtime leader in national and local politics with LGBT communities. He was the first Executive Director of the Family Pride Coalition, the national organization devoted to the public policy issues of LGBT parents and their families and has 19 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising working on several political campaigns.
Another potential candidate could be Jim McGreevey, the former Governor of New Jersey. In a recent gathering at New York's LGBT Community Center, Larry Kramer, long-time activist and author, called for McGreevey to become the new face for the LGBT movement. Kramer called for "a new gay army with gay leaders, fighting under a gay flag," according to New York Magazine. Kramer was speaking during a gathering commemorating the 20th anniversary of his speech launching ACT UP, an activist group that at one time helped lead the way for major improvement in AIDS policies. Since its heyday in the '80s it has basically dwindled to nothing but a figurehead - Kramer. While McGreevey may end up being a great gay leader, many still believe that his recent outing (no pun intended) are simply all in his plan to return to national politics. Along the way he may just accidentally become the most powerful advocate for gay rights in American history.
Either way, we have a long road ahead. During the last several years we've had many great success stories when it comes to LGBT equality, but we've also learned along the way that it isn't an easy road we're taking. We still have a lot of work to do, and whether or not we have the so-called "great gay leader" we're all looking for, or not, maybe it is time to form a "new gay army" as Kramer said.
In any event, Drew will speak at 7 p.m. on April 23 at The Center Project in Myrtle Beach. The event, hosted by Rainbow Beach Youth Group, will kick off TCP's new "Coffee and Conversation" guest lecture series, a bi-monthly event hosting local and regional LGBT activists, newsmakers, authors and other people of interest. Drew is expected to speak about his experiences working for LGBT equality, and share stories about his personal experiences growing up in the Carolinas. There will be a question and answer session following the lecture. TCP is located at 307 Highway 15 in Myrtle Beach. For more information call 626-4953.
OUT & ABOUT
Friday, April 11 - Art in April at TCP artist reception. The Center Project is hosting its inaugural art show during the month of April. An artist reception will take place at 7 p.m. Friday. The artwork will be on display and for sale throughout the month at TCP, located at 307 Highway 15 in Myrtle Beach. For more information call 626-4953 or visit www.thecenterproject.com.
Until next week, have fun and be safe.
-Chris Rudisill, Weekly Surge