Are You Calling In "Gay?"

So have you heard about Day Without A Gay?

It is set to take place on Wednesday, December 10, which happens to be International Human Rights Day, and basically, the organizers are calling for gay people and their straight allies to call in "gay" to work and donate their time that day to being of service to LGBT and/or human rights causes. Oh, and you're also encouraged not to spend any money that day, and if you do have to make a purchase, you're asked to do it at an establishment that is LGBT-friendly.

By the way, for those of you don't define yourselves as gay but trans, bi or something else, the organizers stress that the term "gay" is being used as "shorthand" for the entire LGBT community.

The hope is that the event will keep the national dialogue regarding gay rights in the spotlight and demonstrate how generous the gay community is (through our volunteer efforts that day) and how much we contribute to the economy (through our collective non-spending that day).

It's an inspired and creative idea. I don't know whether I'll take part, though. I think I might better serve the cause by reporting on it, so, technically, I would have to work to do that. But I have a lot of friends—gay and straight—who are participating. I know because they have joined the Day Without A Gay Facebook group, and I am being flooded with notifications!

Online Surveys & Market Research

Anyway, if you want more information, visit DayWithoutAGay.org. The site provides a list of organizations that you can volunteer at if you do call in gay to work on December 10.

Of course, not everyone can take part given that there are 30 states where people can still be fired simply for being gay. For those of you who live in those states, the Day Without A Gay Web site suggests other actions you can take.

Comments

[Wyatt1969again]

At 11:56 Pacific Standard Time – that little poll above indicated 42.9% of you think, “The whole thing is a ridiculous waste of time”.

Just who are the ridiculous thinkers and wasters of time?

Perhaps it is you – the one who is a Doctor or an Attorney or the like whose economic circumstances are fortuitous and therefore – it’s not your problem – even though you are Gay. No – instead you have convinced yourself that your world is untouchable. You have defined yourself as – not one of them. You can pass. You belong to the “Club” – you golf – go to the symphony – and actually do buy imported white truffle oil – and actually us it.

Guess what? You are a faggot just like me.

Perhaps you are a the “Everyman” – the hard working blue collar American – looked upon by others as an individual – respected - out and proud – you see no need to toil over such a pithy little vote. After all – you have your man – and that’s all you need.

Guess what? You too are a faggot just like me.

Perhaps you are young and immortal like we all once were. You can drink – do drugs – and sleep all of two hours a day – and get back up and do it all over again. Who the fuck gives a shit about marriage? Not you. Why should you? After all – you’re too busy figuring out how you’re going to skate your EMO ass over to Joeys and get him to kiss you.

Guess what? You as well – my fine little pretty feathered friend – are a faggot just like me.

To the Professionals and their ilk – don’t think for a second that when the boys are in and you’re out – that someone hasn’t made a joke about you taking it up the ass.

To the tried and true – the red white and blue – well – how much you wanna bet that you have actually heard this kind of thing – at work – in the men’s room – at Chuck’s bachelor party?

To the young and beautiful – Bitch just snap the fuck out of it!

The worst thing about an invisible wall is that it can not stand without support from BOTH sides.

That you think no wall exists at all is of no consequence.

One day you will have your back to it because you chose to ignore your own people.

And you will not find the friends you thought you had – instead you will find out what many of us have already endured…

HATE.

So enjoy your Gin – your Beer – and your Pepsi.

I am your brother – and I WILL be there to pick you up – maybe yell at you a little – then forgive you for being so selfish.

I will do this over and over and over – as long as it takes for you to understand that while we may never meet – never see shit eye to eye – we must be equal.

No more and no less – just EQAUL.

God bless you all.

[MACK_THE_KNIFE]

In addition to not working and not shopping.... What if all the gay people withdrew all their money from their savings, checking, CD's, 401K's, mutual funds, sold all their stocks.... My what havoc that would wreck! I think that would make a bigger difference than a day of no work, especially in this economy!

[Lance]

Take a day off for no reason?? in this economy?? With Christmas coming on?? For those of you who can afford it, good for you.
I on the other hand am snatching up all the overtime I can get.

[jovinman]

For those of us that may not financially be able to participate, how about just making a point to contact straight friends. Just a few minutes to call some friend or relative, only for the purpose of saying Hello! Not a long or heavy conversation, just a sincere hello. I do not need a holiday or event to keep in touch. I only wish everyone the best... This idea may turn out well.

[tomriddlesmate]

STUPID STUPID STUPID. Waste of time. The Courts are where it counts nowadays. I mean, I see where they are trying to go with this, but they want to make a point yet not have any sharp teeth.

If we boycott, we boycott everything, to include philanthropic activities, and we take to the streets. Or, we wait and let the courts do their duty.

Oh...and I hate homophobic closet cases, like the one that posted above me. They are out worst enemy. They have sex secretly with men, then to hide their homosexuality, they campiagn rigorously against our rights.

People in the closet and Closet cases are two different things. It is one thing to face yourself and go through the process of coming out. It is another thing to be a repressed self-hating, hypocritical homosexual, who has chosen to live a lie, and takes his self hatred out on those of us brave enough to come out of the closet, and deal with the consequences.

[Joseph]

Sounds great Goldie. The same way that whites and blacks hate American Indians, they hate gay people as well. Give us reservations just like the federal government gave the American Indians - and for us gay people, these land reservations should be set up so that we pay no taxes, we get free health care; everything that we do not benefit from (that we pay taxes for but are denied the rights to receive) we get in our own services. Like Indian Reservations, we will have our own tribal government that straight people have no say in. We will have our own council and our own laws. For those gays who are 'too good for that', well, stay in Manhattan and do your whoop-tee-doo job as a financial advisor or corporate attorney or whatever. You won't be missed. You were never really one of us anyways, and you constantly reminded every gay man you encountered that you weren't like 'other gay people' - insert laugh tracks.

If gay people are sick, then we should also be exempt from working. I'm all for making homosexuality an illness - that way we can apply and receive SSI disability from the government, never have to work again, put our feet up, and relax. Our days can consist of working out, getting massages, having discussions like the ladies on the view, and just figuring out our lives and doing everything we can to drive heterosexual people even more envious of our carefree lives than they already are.

You come up with the plan, Goldie; I'll do the talking.

Cheers to 2009! The last year of the worst fucking decade ever!

[Bradley]

Are you seriously that people will take in this. I iknow i am gay but still I need to work. People that won't work on this day is totally going to fuck up this country even more. And also the reason why the government and we have hate is people that would stay home because of this and call off. Give me a Break!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on. Goldie is just an bitch so i won't even worry about that hifier eihter. But seiously i think the government don't take a sersouldy beacause all we do is bitch whine whine Give me a fucking break.

[the_real_sweedie]

Goldie

I really shouldn't spend a second commenting on what you wrote, but I feel like I have to. First of all, what the hell are you doing on gay.com if you hate gay people so much?
Secondly, God says to love everyone, so to say that you hate gay people means that you are committing a sin. Thirdly, being gay is in many ways the same thing as being black (which is why it's so sad that black people are generally the worst haters of gay people), we're a minority, just as black people, we have not the same rights as everyone else, just like black people didn't use to have, we are unionized and have had enough of the homophobic culture, just like black people had during the civil rights movement. If you're black, then shame on you, you if anyone should get what we feel. If you're white, then I guess you're just a closet case too self conscious/christian to accept your gayness.
If god hates us, then he hates you even more for hating us. You're no better than a racist bigot, in fact, that's what I'll call every homophobe from now on, a racist, there is no difference.

[jovinman]

Please do not feed the "troll" Goldie. That poster is simply looking for attention

[ejrin]

CALL IN GAY? REALLY? IS THAT SUCH A SMART IDEA TO DO WHEN THIS ECONOMY IS ALREADY FUCKED UP? AND LOOK HOW YOU SAY, BUY ONLY AT GAY FRIENDLY PLACES? WHY ARE YOU SEPARATING US FROM THE REAL WORLD, WHEN ALL THIS TIME WE WANA BE ACCEPTED.

NO IM GONNA GO WORK ON THAT DAY, BECAUSE NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE STUPID LIKE THIS ARTICLE!

[Ian]

Can't you be fired for "calling in gay"? Technically, its not a legit reason. Like, I am a full time student but I work part time. I don't think my HR department would keep me employed if I "call in gay". Does anyone know if I can be terminated for this in Illinois?

[Huberlad]

How about we act like legitimate professionals and go to work like we're paid to do? We could certainly find more professional ways to support a good cause.

[ejrin]

yes you can be terminated IAN, one for using that as an excuse and two (for some states) for being gay.

[Ian]

I can't be fired in Illinois for being gay. There is laws here protecting gays from termination. However, when I lived in Michigan, it was a different story.

[blah]

Ok, so this is to show others how much we contribute to society? I hope it doesn't backfire and show people that they can get along just fine without us.

How about donating some time for a human rights cause after going to work that day. That's how I've usually done it in the past, and it seems to work. I know, it makes for a long day, but it will be worth it for me.

[Todd]

I won't be taking off on Day Without A Gay. However, of the guys in my office that I think are hot and suspect of being gay, I will take note if they are absent from work that day. Then I'll approach them on the 11th and ask them if they want to go to lunch.

[Sargon Bighorn]

Remember the Montgomery Bus Boycott? The collective action, the pulling together even though it was a hardship? Remember the women put in Jail for demanding equal treatment and the right to vote? MOST Black Americans did not get involved in the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s. MOST women did not get involved in the civil rights movement of the early 1900s. And now MOST Gay Americans will not get involved in the civil rights struggle for equality under the law. Some one else will do it for you sugar; not to worry.

[Mattrix]

My company is very gay friendly and supported No on 8 so I don't plan to punish them. I stopped going to places that supported Yes on 8.

[Jorge]

Are you flipping kidding me? Why don't I call in hispanic while I am at it? Is this for real? I mean of all the *blankity* ridiculous ideas.

I am sorry but this is just another way for *blank* generic *blank*'s trying to set themselves apart so they can feel like a minority. This is an insult to real people of color who are out there struggling to put food on the table for an entire family.

There are plenty of successful gay *blank* people out there that earn more in one week than most families of color earn in 2 months. Take that to your human rights advocates instead.

I am both appalled and insulted @ gay.com for posting this.

[joshua van cruise]

i wish my lesbian boss would call the day off...

[Jeremy]

I like Gay.com, but everytime I come one here and read this shit it makes me sick. Take a day off because I'm Gay. Then "asked to give money to an establishment that is LGBT-friendly". Well I work w/ all str8 ppl. Does that mean they can call off because they are str8. WOW I would be all by myself at work.

[SERIALSEAN]

Point One
Calling in GAY to work is not a reasonable reason to not report to work - you can be repremanded for not appearing for your duties that day - it wouldnt be discrimination at all because you would be repremanded for lack of responsibility and taking time off without a valid excuse (health, death, lawful responsibility.)
On top of it, you are punishing your non-gay co-workers and the co-workers who are gay that go into work because of your absence - the whole point of a work place is to bring together people towards a common goal - and like with any team - a missing member effects the team and causes them to have to work even harder (while I am aware that part of this is the point it will also cause negative impact within the workplace towards your commitment to your work contract.)
I think this whole approach of a national protest could also effect a lot of gay people's jobs - with no legal employment rights to take time off work to protest, how many people could stand to lose their jobs for calling in without a valid reason to take time off work?
Whoever started this idea didnt think the whole idea through - millions of people stand to be effected negatively from it.

[Daniel]

The_real_sweedie thanks for trying to set Goldie straight (I believe she is evil Brittany from another discussion on gay.com), you were doing good until your comments about African American people being the worst offenders of hating gays. There are many religious African Americans who for those reasons oppose us and there are many people of other races that have the same sentiments. As to which race is the worst offender I don't think anyone knows. Also, no race corners the market on gayness and guess what, there are a significant number of gays that are African American. I find it curious when people try to talk as if there is some divide that excludes African Americans as gays. Recently I have been surprised how many gays are oppose to African Americans by reading many hateful comments right here on gay.com, but then they seem to turn it around and say I dare African Americans to not support us because we are their fellow minority kindred. Some African Americans oppose gays and some don't just like all other races. I would love for many more African Americans to be our allies but I am not going to build some anger towards them because a lot of them don't see beyond the religious brain washing background that they and many other races grew up with (and some in the group of African Americans that you seems to dislike are our fellow gay brothers and sisters). It never makes sense to me to try and single out a group for disdain. We have to win over all people who have been bombarded with the traditional oppressive brain washing of religion that vilifies us as a group. As for the article, I support and love my gay global family but I'm going to work.

[tman]

Im not saying the idea is stupid, but I dont think people should be encouraged NOT to spend any money on that day with how the economy is going.

[Tom]

This is not really a "creative" idea. It's a very general protest idea--striking--that is being applied to a situation that has nothing to do with work environments.

Some people say "Oh but some employers discriminate and don't offer DP benefits" but others don't. If this hasn't been an issue at your workplace, why suddenly make it an issue with your workplace? This is not an issue between you and your workplace.

When I was in high school back during the time of the Columbine shootings, I got an email suggesting we all stage a "protest" at school. I thought it was "a creative idea" that would "generate proactive discussion" about violence and bullying in schools. The principal found out about it before the date and suspended me for a week.

He was right to suspend me. He told me that if I had an issue with the way things were run at the school this was not the correct way to deal with it, and he was right. This is the same thing. If you take issue with the government and the laws we have then you take it up with the government, not your boss or your company who is depending on you. I learned my lesson in 1999 and I won't be participating in this. (Besides I'm working in South Korea and would be fired for this.)

[Raef]

Thankfully I have the day off anyway. So, where are people going to volunteer? Where should we shop? Happy Holidays!

[crikeykid]

Like all boycotts, this is lame grandstanding...poorly executed at that. Come December 11, organizers will come up with some twisted pronouncement that this non-event was really a big success. I'll put up $5 that the statement will include the shopworn buzz phrase "raise awareness". Did I mention it was lame? Yawn.

[Wyatt1969again]

It’s true!

If you can’t call in Gay and get away with it – then don’t do it.

If you know you will be fired then don’t call in Gay.

If you feel as if you will somehow inconvenience some straight people – as if you are somehow punishing them for something they didn’t do – then don’t call in Gay.

If you really need to work to survive like millions of us do – then don’t call in Gay.

It’s true – if you were fired – and you tried to get some type of assistance from all sorts of people – even Gay people – you’d be out in the cold.

Often there is no “check here” box for being fired because you are Gay at the unemployment office.

Very often – if ever - there is no “check here” box at the Welfare Office for help – if anything happened to you because you are Gay.

Other people do have it off way worse than you or me.

But if you can take the time to comment here then surly you can do some thing for the Gay rights movement.

Surely there is argument enough over this topic to at least prove to you just how much it means to your Gay brothers and Sisters to have EQAUL rights?

You’d have to be a complete idiot to think that suddenly thousands upon thousands of Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual and Transgedered people just – got upset!

There go the crazy Gays again – making a big deal out of nothing!

Consider your right to vote. Think back to when only white men could do just that in America. Do you think you would have been allowed to vote back then if you just showed up one day – looking all colonial – and said, “Step aside – I am a homosexual and I must vote”?

Or – in an attempt to defend your country and or gain independence from another – Do you think you would be allowed to join the Military if you showed up one day and said, “Clear the way – I am Gay and I want to defend my country”?

Hmmm – well what about this – particularly in the past but still in the present. How many churches would ask you to leave if you decided to attend and then stood up in front of the parishioners and said, “I am Gay and I wish to worship God here”?

What about this? You have just been beat and robbed because a group of guys heard about some Gay Bar – sent in their best looking guy to lure you out and basically fucked you up? If and when they were apprehended and brought to justice - so to speak – would you not want the opportunity to step up and ask the court to consider the very nature of their (the bad guys) intent – as it pertains to being specifically targeted because you are in fact Gay?

Here is something more realistic than even these 4 truths questions.

Let’s say that one office is used to run credit applications and approvals for everything from a minor loan to a mortgage for your home. And that this office does so much business they process about 10,000 applications everyday. And that someone somewhere finally puts his or her stamp of approval on everyone’s application – thereby saying either yes – give them the money – or no – do not.

Now imagine there is a person who has decided for him or herself what an application from a Gay man looks like. He or she looks for things like another mans credit being added to the list which may qualify the applicant - looks for addresses residing in the San Francisco area. Notes the occupation of the applicant as “Hairstylist” or “Makeup Artists” or “Designer” – perhaps the adept sifter will as well consider “Architect” or Elementary School Teacher” or “Accountant”?

What right do you have if you discover that you have been denied an opportunity you have earned because you are GAY?

What legal recourse do you expect if you are unfairly denied an opportunity because you are GAY?

How will you even know this is happening?

Who will tell you?

Just how much are you willing to lose at the convenience of another?

Now sit back and really think about what a civil right is.

Now ask yourself this simple question…

Do I deserve to be treated EQUALLY?

[The Devil of the Contra Code]

I've seen very stupid things on the site. This is the tops. And these "angry" posts about gay people being offended the rational ones find this dumb...I think you need to stop thinking your orientation is what keeps you ticking. I'm all for equality, but I'm also for my bills. And I have a bit more pride and self-respect than to call in "gay". I think some of you all need to get off gay.com for a while and realize there are bigger things than your sexuality.

[chaosetal]

Taking a day off without a purpose? No, folks. What is unique about this protest is that in addition to calling in "gay" and not participating in the economy, is to spend the day in PUBLIC SERVICE. To show how we love, by giving our time and talents. Darlings, we have a stereotype of being shallow and vapid. This is how we show that many of us passionately involved in social action. Many of us will be doing causes we are already hip deep in.

As far as leaving our co-workers in the lurch. How many of us have time off coming to us? I'm using a "floating holiday" for my time off. What is important on Dec 10th is that, if you can, tell your co-workers why you aren't going to be there. I have most of thier support.

75 milion dollars were spent by conservative churches to promote proposition 8. This was money that a lot of old ladies went hungry to donate. I'm sure that quite a few of them thought they would be donating to the church to make the world better. How many food banks could have been filled to overflowing with the money spent to make sure fags couldn't marry? I'm insensed that this amount was wasted. This is one way we can make up for what was wasted.

If you can't take off work, that's fine. Do some public service when and where you can.

Most of the negative comments I've seen come from those who did not read the original website. daywithoutagay.org, go to it.

If you can't do anything on that day, do some sort of charity work. Drop the damn martini's one day a month and get involved with the rest of the world, if we give a damn, maybe they'll give a damn about us.

[Tom]

1) No need to insult people who voted this wouldn't make a difference. Please keep things about the facts. Don't make it personal.

2) The constitution clearly guarantees under the 14th amendment fair and equal protection under the law. If the opposers of gay marriage read the constitution so literally, as they claim to, there would be little debate right now.

I'm sick of people "voting" on things. Hell, if we were allowed to vote on anything, slavery would still be legal. You cannot vote against the constitution. People seem to forget the constitution is the highest law of the land, followed by treaties, followed by federal law, etc (lawyers, correct me if I'm getting the legal 'order of operations' correct.)

3) This could actually work. I usually don't say that. Most protests are pretty laughable to be honest. You just walk right through them and ignore the yelling. It's pretty simple to ignore people with signs as irrational and trouble makers. The blacks knew something during the civil rights movement - money talks. They stopped riding the buses because they were made to stand. Guess what happened when they stopped. The buses begged them to get back on.

To elaborate, this could work, especially with the economy as bad as it is right now. I might suggest that doing something for more than one day would be more damaging. For the gay community, let's just say this was a warning shot.

[corrective_unconscious]

This is ill considered and dilutive, coming right after World AIDS Day, and earlier, Coming Out Day. Not to mention all the Pride Days over the summer. But that's okay, somewhere an unemployed queer activist is happy their idea is getting a little airtime before fading away. I guess that's the important thing.

It almost reminds me of the poorly organized March on Washington that was billed as, "Saving Souls for Christ." Well, that's what it was billed as before it was boycotted by many parts of the queer community, that is.

[Adam.Is.Hot]

Look at the results. PATHETIC.

How is this supposed to have any effect if all of the gays are so wishy-washy-pansy-wansy?

I can just imagine the bitch-fighting...'Girl, thats ridiculous, no girl, its like super important...'

Can gay people get their s**t together EVER and stand together for something important?

This lack of motivation to do anything as a cohesive unit is why we lost on Proposition 8, girlfriends!

[Adam.Is.Hot]

Look at the results. PATHETIC.

How is this supposed to have any effect if all of the gays are so wishy-washy-pansy-wansy?

I can just imagine the bitch-fighting...'Girl, thats ridiculous, no girl, its like super important...'

Can gay people get their s**t together EVER and stand together for something important?

This lack of motivation to do anything as a cohesive unit is why we lost on Proposition 8, girlfriends!

[Wyatt1969again]

Let’s not get too fucking uptight with each other.

We are in fact in this together.

And the proof is before you.

As of 9:40 Pacific Standard Time…

75.5 % of us ARE willing to do something about this.

That’s an overwhelming majority.

And that’s what this is all about.

[radiopole]

To chaosetal:

So you're going to use paid vacation time doing volunteer work that you would have done anyway. Wow big sacrifice there. If you really want to say something, donate a day's pay to charity as well.

You bemoan millions spent by churches as better spent feeding the poor. Could not the same be said for our side? How much money and man hours did the gays plow into this? Now you think all we need to do is blow off a day of work to pick up litter in the park or stock shelves at a food pantry and the world will beg for forgiveness? You and your ilk really think it's that simple?

Shallow and vapid, indeed.

[Kent Kenyon]

OK, perhaps it's just because I'm not the activist sort, or maybe I'm at least partially on target when I say I'm opposed to the idea of "Calling in Gay" because I think it is irresponsible AND counterproductive. Yes, there are still hurdles to be jumped for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgendered and many, many other folks. But it seems to me that calling in gay has the potential to hurt the very people who support us. And even if they don't, they DO employ us. We have an obligation to do our job. This type of "boycot" simply gives anti-gay entities ammunition to blast our community with. Can't we find ways to promote our rights without making life more difficult for others? That's just my own personal view for your consideration. I may be wrong, but then again, I may be right. Or perhaps there's a middle ground that everyone can agree on? What a concept!

[news_guy]

This is the most ridiculous thing I've EVER heard, not to mention, this has been done before and worked so well for the hispanics. *ROLLS EYES*

Why don't we go to work and be professionals, after all that is why we have jobs. I'm all for equality, but this is a classic example of why most people don't take the gay community seriously.

I already know the headlines Dec 12: Thousands of LBGT members have sued their former employers for wrongful termination because they 'called in gay.'

Honestly I have never been more ashamed of the gay community!

[SERIALSEAN]

I witnessed a VERY DEROGERATORY conversation in chat this afternoon between two guys - one who said he didnt have time to advocate for the legalization of gay marriage because he worked 3 jobs, was takes classes, and trying to build something of an entrepreneurial venture - and the other was a VERY overbearing and viciously opinionated guy who was attacking this guy.
In the argument the visiously opinionated guy was ripping the other guy apart for not dropping everything on his plate to advocate for this human rights change in a demeaning and angry way. This was to the point of telling the other guy that he was an embarrassment to gays everywhere because he had more important things to do like pay bills and maintain a roof and secure his financial future - then go into the street with a picket sign or 'call in gay' to support a change in marriage rights that he might not be afforded the luxery of utilizing if he didnt secure his future...
I'm very embarrassed by this person (and many like them) that just automatically assume that because you arent out there screaming PRO RIGHTS every second of the day that we are lesser then they are.
In fact, someone who belittles someone else because of their choices would be the lesser person - isnt that what this whole thing is about - that we are being held as lesser citizens because of our inability to marry? So then why are gays ripping apart other gays and making them feel like less of a person in their own social group/demographic?
Seriously - these gays need to put things into perspective before they proclaim that their way is the only way.
Everyone has differant circumstances - don't rip on those that are not just like you - thats discrimination in it's truer form...

[montegutdude]

This is a terrible idea.

We are never going to achieve equality by fostering the belief that we can blackmail or extort it out of America.

Go to work. Be responsible. Set an example for someone. Be the change you want to see in the world. Live your life honorably and never give up.

But please don't participate in a vindictive campaign that can only result in marginalizing any progress made toward gay rights and which validates many of the negative stereotypes about homosexuals.

Day Without A Gay. Or Without Pay.

I'm all for activism. But not at the expense of our collective dignity.

[Ben Raines]

This seems like a very silly idea. We don't remember whether the Great
American Boycott in protest of Immigration reform was especially successful, but it did make sense as a
concept. After all, those who oppose immigration actually are trying to make
immigrants "disappear," by sending them back if they are here illegally or by
making it harder for them to arrive in the first place. The economic
argument--that certain segments of the economy depend on immigrants, including
illegal ones, to do "jobs America won't do"--is a crucial part of the
pro-immigrant case.

By contrast, the same-sex marriage question has virtually nothing to do with
economics--in California, nothing at all, since "domestic partnerships"
already allow gay couples all the material benefits of marriage. The boycott,
meanwhile, seems unlikely to have much of an impact. There are some
occupations that are stereotypically gay, but in general our best guess is
that gays are spread out among most walks of life and thus such a boycott
would not have much concentrated effect.

Furthermore, if gays refrain from shopping on the
appointed day, it would be easy enough for opponents of same-sex marriage--a
majority, obviously enough, in the states where those ballot measures
passed--to counter the boycott by going out of their way to shop on the day in
question.

You'd think proponents of same-sex marriage would be able to come up with an
original way to make their point. If they're content to copy the tactics of
earlier political causes, heck, why not just boycott the Montgomery, Ala., bus
system? That worked out very well in the long run.

[tagalong]

Yeah right, trying to round up the gay community to take a day off from work is about as useful as an email stating "Don't buy gas on Dec. 10th", won't work.

Here's an idea, put your livelihood in jeopardy by participating in something that is as ridiculous as jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet with no parachute. And keep in mind, what you don't buy on Dec. 10th, you will buy soon after, you just wont be able to afford it because of your 'day off'. So you will charge it, the credit card companies will make money off the interest you pay, and viola, everyone wins.

All in all, there will be NO effect substantial enough to make a pimple on this country's economy.

Good idea, far fetched, but good in theory. Classic example of cut off your nose to spite your face.

[chris]

wow. i mean, i guess it makes sense that the adult gay community would attempt to duplicate something as effective as queer kids' "day of silence" in schools :), but to do it as a jab in the kidney not only to straight folks in general, but also to our already disconcertingly precarious economic situation just screams "i'm here, i'm queer, and that's the only thing that fucking matters in the world."

the strange thing to me is: gay activists and activism enthusiasts (ponder the difference) seem to want what we all want: for being gay and doing gayness to be no big deal to anyone. however, all they do is make a really, really big deal about shoving it into people faces and down their throats.

you want more respect from the heteromunity? you have to get over yourself first and realize that people are always going to suck. it's not rocket science. obama's victory is not necessarily a victory for queers, but it can be seen as a blueprint for how to change the climate and collective consciousness of a civilization.

this idea is one of the worst things i have ever heard, and the amount of hatred and ignorance displayed in the responses to it is staggering.

people, we do this to ourselves.

[queerplanet]

Hello, I'd like to talk with my supervisor.

Oh hi, yes, this is Employee number 3343 and I'm not coming into work today because I like to suck dick and get fucked up the ass by another man.

Uh huh... yeah, oh and I just love my boyfriend... a lot.

Did I do anything when Bush was destroying the First Amendment and removing Habeus Corpus?

Well no why do you ask?

Did I speak up when Bush was bombing innocent people?

Uh, well I was busy that day.

Have a done anything to demand changes in environmental destruction and population control before we all die of war and famine?

What?!!! And work a full time job? Are you crazy?

[xander2011]

I take issue with people being upset about people not taking off for the 10th... I mean personally I have a final that day... and am sure as hell not gonna miss it seeing that I am a first year in Law School... and that poll is stupid.... honestly... most companies no matter where they are would fire someone for calling in gay... that is not a reason to miss work... No offense.. but I mean just because I am homosexual doesn't give me the flipping right to miss work... most people gay and straight can't miss work... this is a bad year... economically... as well as it just being a bad time of year... so the whole missing out thing yea no... not in December maybe schedule the same day taxes are due... that is day people don't like to spend I mean come on seriously can't we talk about ways the gay community can help the economy WITHOUT mentioning OBAMA... can't we get an article about something we can do that promotes gays in a better light... I mean god there are some people who can't do stupid stuff like not go to work or not buy or pay for something I mean come on... As for those who think that the people not taking off or that they are the ones who are seem to be all corporate types or lawyers... I also take offense... seeing that I will be a lawyer someday... seeing that you are haters now but if you need us we can do no wrong... so think about that when you call in gay and get fired and need us to sue the people you used to work for

[Wyatt1969again]

It is not such a bad idea to use your vacation time if you can – you do not have to actually say – I am Gay – if your presence is valued then so to will your absence be noticed.

If you are valued in any way and you work for people who do in fact know you – then what really do you expect them to think?

Surly they must know some thing about you?

So what’s your fucking point? They don’t know you? Can’t respect you? Will seek some type of remuneration if you what – cost them money?

Snap the fuck out of it!

Yes it is complicated.

There can be no denying this at fucking all.

So what are you saying? That complexity bereft with an emotional toll is not fair game? Or that the very toll itself will place in jeopardy – the perception others have of you?

I love you – but shut the fuck up with this shit.

Do not expect to retrieve the flower from a rose bush without a scratch.

Do not expect a box of new and improved anything without paying for it – for here too – there is no such thing as a free lunch.

This is not a matter of will I call him or let him call me? Should I try the eggs first without some salt? Do you like the red tie – or the blue?

This is your right to be heard!

Do you – or do you not – deserve to be treated EQAULLY?

Very, very often – Gay people have straight parents. Gay people have straight brothers and sisters. Gay people have straight friends. Gay people have straight Grandparents. Gay people do in fact know straight people who know first hand that you are a human being and that you are not some polished complainer or some dubious naysayer.

So give yourself some fucking credit!

The middle ground is in fact where you place it. It is not some omnipotent field wherein you must negotiate the terrain before you decide to move a fucking mountain. Especially a man made mountain.

Take a lesson from Nike – and just fucking DO IT!

Feel like rolling your eyes at this? Go right ahead – but don’t do it too much – because the astute anti Gay establishment is watching YOU. No - not in an effort to induce some unreasonable paranoia – but because they are doing their homework.

The opponent is NOT cloaked in black or hiding in the shadows. THEY are cohesive, mobilized and unfortunately - efficient!

It is never easy to bare your soul without worry. Leave it to each and every person to decide for him or herself if your efforts are in fact shameful.

Think for a minute – about the boy who cried WOLF.

Perspective is often a matter of experience – and experience is often limited to the scope of which you allow yourself to live.

If you can’t see my point – then put yourself in my fucking shoes!

Dignity is felt by the individual as much as it is awarded by the group. If you want to be pitied then stay down and cry – someone will be along shortly to help you up.

If you want respect - then get the fuck up and FIGHT!

Got a better idea – a real solution that will work for everyone?

Let’s hear it!

One woman – just one heavily discounted black woman took a stand for her people. And she made a difference – a real difference. Do not point to her and tell me that she and her actions are not an example. She is the example – the RULE – the MAP – an American citizen who would not allow herself to be treated as LESS!

The economy is a wreck – that’s for sure. So how will it all play out? Yes we all need to do our part. But do you think when it recovers that Gay people will be thanked?

NO. The success of America is not contingent on Gay dollars – but many large corporations qualify us as of value by how much we spend.

We do not hold the roof up – so to speak. But we are at least one leg of the table – one branch of the root which sustains the tree. Cut us out and the tree will not die – but nor will it grow.

California is a state which belongs to a country which belongs to YOU.

There should be no more to consider here.

“Queerplanet” is correct. What the fuck? There are other things often more important than this which should have been tended to long ago.

I am ashamed to admit that it took something like Prop 8 to see this – that really – I didn’t think about it until QP pointed it out.

But four rights don’t make me wrong.

It’s true – anyone can take a look at the world’s problems - close his or her eyes – spin a globe – and randomly stop it with a finger – and BAM – no matter where you stop – you will find a problem.

I am merely asking that you open your eyes.

That you point to the problem.

That you take action to correct it.

You might not be able to call in Gay.

But don’t hand me some shit about you and your schedule. Work the fuck around it.

Do your part.

God bless you all.

[archerzero]

Why not just go to work Gay? Wouldn't that make more of an impact, especially if we are working for equal human rights in the workplace? Being out at work and talking to people there about how many states and companies discriminate against the LGBT community might educate an otherwise unaware population about the exact issues we face. Separating ourselves from the world at large will not help; we must lead by example, and that means going to work, doing our jobs, helping the economy, all while educating those around us about the discrimination we still must face on a daily basis.

And if you cannot be out in the workplace, how will calling in GAY be any better? Going to work Gay or calling in Gay will, most likely, have the same end result; further discrimination in the workplace. How will that help anyone?

I have a better idea; some people here have been discussing shallow stereotypes that label us. Instead of a Call in Gay Day at work, why not a Call in Gay Night at the Bar, or Weekend at the Gym, or Evening in the Bathhouse, and spend THAT time doing volunteer work? If we want to dismiss these stereotypes, might it be more productive to present ourselves in ways that would do so, i.e. not going to the bars, the gyms, the bathhouses, etc... for a day or two and, instead, using that time to volunteer at a night shelter for the homeless, or volunteering at an old folks' home, or working with students in after school or weekend programs to help educate them on the issues?

I realize that this is a highly charged issue for which many people have strong feelings. I understand that it can be frustrating when people do not feel the same level of investment as others. However, in the end, will insulting, yelling and name-calling really inspire those to join your side? No; mudslinging in any campaign often backfires. Why create more hate with our comments than we already have to deal with?

[Bryan Lovsness]

Calling in GAY would be better - it seems to infer that GAY=SICK as one has to call in sick - why not say, "I am calling in gay" then you 1. come out and 2. make the point / this seems stupid - another GAY party Day...

[Kathleen]

Equality in my humble little opinion is best exemplified when we can express ourselves on any given subject without being chided by someone else for not taking the stand they think we should because we are 'one of them'. Equality means being able to pick the battle that we feel is most important to our own life and not be ridiculed by 'our own kind' because we don't see an issue that is important to them as one we need to participate in. True Equality for all people throughout the planet may never happen. If we think as the glbt community that it seems like it is taking forever, simply consider women in a large portion of the world. We, as a community, are closer to equality in the U.S. than in many countries, yet farther from it in other places. Equality means it simply isn't an issue to anyone who we love or are physically attracted to. Period. And whether that happens today or tomorrow or the next millenium, we still need to forge ahead seeking it. It is obvious because of our personal experiences that we choose to fight our equality battles in a myriad of different ways. The question is--why do we choose to fight our battles among each other instead of each of us concentrating on the path we feel works for us? This name calling, cursing, and anger aimed at each other seems so counterproductive. I am a firm believer in brainstorming ideas to solve problems, but see absolutely no sense in beating on each other when we don't agree. I'm sure that I will feel the wrath of those who think I'm too passive and not worthy of respect for my opinions which don't agree with yours. But you know what, my battles of equality are fought in my neighborhood, in my little town, in MY way. I cannot discount the experiences you have had which have shaped you and forged you for your battles--any more than you can discredit my actions. I love the exchange of thoughts and ideas found here because in truth, we do have common goals. But I am discovering that there are many who aren't interested in hearing the voice of others, only themselves. I know that it is no different than any other place where opinions are expressed, but I really had higher hopes that it might be. My wish is to come here, learn how others are working to gain equality, express my opinions, and go back into the everyday world and march forward armed with that shared information. I'll keep working on that path of discovery if you will, just with a little less volume....

[Wyatt1969again]

YES!

Go out and volunteer at a homeless shelter. No homeless person should be overlooked.

Take care of the old folks – they should not be forgotten – that’s some rotten shit.

Work with students of every type to make their world – yours and mine – a better one.

Pick up garbage wherever you see it – help the environment.

Forgive your enemy – eventually.

DO NOT HOWEVER -

Make the mistake that thinking one good deed will result in another.

Think about it – what should you expect in return for doing good?

Absolutely nothing – that’s what. You should in fact be able to say that doing any of the above listed things comes from a place uninterested in reciprocation.

That simply doing your part is not about being selfish – not about any gain for the Gay and Lesbian and bisexual and Transgendered population.

For all of us – all humans – doing your part should just fucking happen.

CONSIDER THIS –

If a house is on fire – and you have water – will you drink the water? Will you soak the lawn? Will you fill balloons and enjoy some folly?

Or will you take the water and put the fire out?

If someone is homeless – will picking up garbage make their life better?

If you know of an old person who really is lonely – will helping out the homeless help them?

If a man can not read – what will happen if you place before him a book – before the lesson?

Nothing.

NO! (By the way - nice semicolon “Archzero”).

The question is not what else to do with your time if you so choose to protest in anyway as much as it is why you are protesting in the first place.

Do not lose perspective of this.

It will not serve to do anything else but cloud the point.

INEQUALITY is the medusa – the dragon – the werewolf. And like these mythical things – the only way to stop them is specific.

Our shield – our sword – our silver bullet – is UNITY and ECONOMIC POWER – and it is no myth at all.

If a man is hungry – feed him – then teach him to fish.

If a house is on fire – put it out – then celebrate your victory.

If a right has been taken – then return it.

Do not mistake a mother fucking orange for a mother fucking apple.

And lastly – Kathleen – you talk about what you want to talk about and I’ll talk about what I want to talk about – like I have said before – I think we want the same thing.

If you doubt me – then challenge me with your logic. I only respectfully request that you make your arguments relevant to EQUAL rights for Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual and Transgendered people.

So there!

I love you and I forgive you.

God bless you.