Third-Grader Organizes Gay Equality Rally

Activists are getting younger and younger these days. Have you heard about Ethan? The Colorado third-grader recently organized a rally to promote marriage equality for gays and lesbians as well as equal protection under the law.

Yes, this little boy—with some help from his mom and a teacher—put together a rally for gay equality, getting the necessary permits, finding speakers and making the community aware of the event, which was held this past Saturday in Denver on the steps of Colorado's Capitol. Two hundred people attended. Not a bad turnout!

While Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper couldn't make it, he did issue a proclamation declaring May 16th "Marriage Equality and Equal Protection For All Day."

As for what inspired this little boy to speak out for gay rights, Ethan decided to hold the rally after he found out that a same-sex couple who lives in his neighborhood and has a child are not allowed to wed in Colorado.

You've got to love this kid. Check out this video of him speaking at the rally:

Are you amazed and inspired by this kid?

Comments

[FriendlyTxn]

Brainwashing little kids and using them like this is exactly why more and more Americans are getting really angry toward homosexual activists. Kids can't be born without a mom and dad and they shouldn't be forced to believe it's natural to grow up without both. They will believe there's something wrong with them for yearning for a dad (or mom) who's never been in their lives. Shame on adults who care more for themselves than the human rights of children.

[Nik]

Looks like a closeted conservative has found his way to the board. So who do you work for? AFA?? You are terrible friendlytxn.

[Nik]

Shame on you for telling your kids its not natural.

[santamariaman]

I'm more impressed with this kid because his parent's aren't gay. I'm very excited for the future

[Boyet]

wow! the first comment must have come from an as*hole!

[Kyle]

Fuck YEAH! This kid should be president someday! And screw you 'FriendlyTxn', you're just another ignorant bigot that can't handle change in the world. It's people like you who create such an atmosphere for us that it gets to the point where CHILDREN have to tell you that you're stupid. Get a grip on the world. I love this kid! High five!

[Brent]

So, this kid is going to grow up to have an affair with his Chief of Staff's wife?

Shouldn't the kid aim to emulate someone worth emulating? Maybe someone with character?

[fandersen]

This boy is in the THIRD GRADE! Do you think this "protest" was his idea? I'm afraid I agree with "...txn": using children this way is reprehensible. Teaching children that rights are whatever you decide should be rights (marriage "rights", the "right" to health care, the "right" to a college education) is equally damaging. Our whole civil discourse is now based purely on emotion, not facts, not reason, and certainly not respect ("Screw you 'Friendly Txn', you're just another ignorant bigot..."). Brilliant.

[rick]

Ok, friendlytx dude has a point and one that needs to be voiced less hostile than he did so. The brain washing is bullshit but the kid being used this way gives more fodder for the evangelist idiots. They can now point to Ethan and say"see what the homos are doing to our youth". I agree that his parents are very cool but may have invited bigotry toward Ethan and his family. Being a father of 2 and knowing the maturity level of kids his age probably wasnt a good idea for Ethans sake.His parents sound like good and thoughtfull people,I just hope it doesnt have any bad results for them.

[Mark]

Wow. I find it interesting that so many hate mongers have nothing better to do than to come to a site by and for gay people to vent some of their ignorance and prejudice. Actually, it appears likely to me that these are simply control freaks who are not feeling sufficiently titillated by spewing their ugliness to others who share their view. I suspect that they have no desire to open up a sincere and intelligent dialogue about this issue. This is quite simply another form of gay bashing and I personally believe it is best to ignore these individuals and respond only to the positive posts going forward.
Though I do not pretend to know the full extent of what this child has and/or will be taught by his parent(s), it appears clear that very "Christ-like" characteristics such as compassion and love for his neighbor are part of who he will turn out to be. Perhaps there are those who would do well to "emulate" this young person?!

[Brian]

I wanted to read more about this so I checked on the Denver Post website. Nothing. I checked "Marriage Equality and Equal Protection For All Day." and could find nothing about that. Is this story true?

[Cedric]

I have died and gone to heaven. I have lived to see the first African American become President of the United States and an intelligent and articulate 3rd grader standing up for gay rights on the same steps i spoke on 4 years ago fighting to end HIV/AIDS--Threatening me with Heaven NoW!! ;)

[Brian]

Anyone else think it's strange when they pan to the crowd the people aren't moving...but the boy speaking and the people around him are.

Makes you wonder about the ability to cut and paste for dramatic affect.

[FriendlierTxn]

Brainwashing little kids and using them is exactly why more and more Americans are getting really angry toward radical heterosexual activists. Kids can't be born without a womb nor a sperm donor and they shouldn't be forced to believe it's unnatural to grow up with only one parent, after all nature has many one parent families, because it's natural. They will believe there's something right with them for working for all dads (and moms)who have never been allowed to marry and be in their children's lives fully. Shame on adults who care more for themselves and their religious bigotry than the human rights and needs of children.

[Luke]

Ethan McNamee apparently. It's only popping up on GLBT sites and stuff. Weird.

[Whoaaa]

I was NOT that smart or articulate when I was his age. Kids certainly grow up fast these days.

Also, how inspiring to watch this! I would've loved to have seen him in Denver! He is officially my personal hero!!

[Alex]

Before anyone decides to fag off at the mouth at me, I'm gay so shut it.

Seriously, while the emotion behind the idea might have been Ethan's (he has a name, it's right in the article, he's not "that kid" seriously have any of you ever worked with kids?) I doubt the rally was his idea. This could have some serious repercussions for his family, and fuels the idea that we don't know where to draw the line.

I'm definitely proud of Ethan for standing up for something he believes in, especially because it's something that defends our community, but I think that there was an adult agenda behind him getting it done. I just hope it doesn't backfire on him.

Either way, one hell of a talented third grader, even with adult help.

[TheLordofWales]

Typically I would think this is a good thing.
However, I have to side with the other crowd on this.
A 3rd grader doesn't have the basic fundamental sexual and legal knowledge to articulate the concerns of the gay community cogently.
Obviously this kid was led and I don't know if I like the idea of a 3rd grader being used as a political icon/poster child.

I suppose I'd have to give many of the logistics as to WHY this strikes me as A Bad Idea. But those are my initial impressions.

I don't think it's damaging for the kid though. When he gets older, he can sort out what he really believes politically and philosophically. I think for the kid, it's life experience.

But I suppose the deeper problem is that in America we like it when people speak their mind without first having gone through the process to assure their ideas are qualified.
We value and promote emotion over competency and this is a shining example of that character flaw.

[urboring]

Yeppers, this kid was put up to it by adults. I don't believe for one second that this was his original idea.

[Carson]

I hate it when children are USED for pushing political or religious ideals.

[Adam]

urboring....

You know this how?

[poopy pants]

Its the christians who are brainwashed. This kid believes in love for all people and christians believe in magic invisable people in the sky... who sounds more brainwashed to you?

[poopy pants]

and to ALEX. Using derogetory terms such as "fag off" shows that you hate yourself just as much as the right wing does. Stop perpetuating the use of negative terms for gays. Aside from that, nice post.

[iwant2loveu]

damn ethan is awesome.glad hes standing up for us gay people. well when i was a kid i was that smart and kids are becoming increasingly smarter nowadays so maybe he did this all by himself.i mean after all i did very similar things when i was a kid. so maybe but then maybe that kid had help.

[Michael Sawyer]

You go boy!

[Bill Meahn]

too bad they fed this kid his lines!!

[Jonathan]

I think it's great we live in a society that we all can express our views on a variety of different topics. I am for same sex equality. I am a christian. God does not discriminate. Because he loves us all He gives us the opportunity to choose. Although I do not agree with the opposition about their views. And their words are very discriminating. We, as homosexuals, must not get off messege. Let's Love our enemies...It will be like coals of fire to the face. The are too consume in hatred that they are forget what they are fighting. If anything they are uniting us for our cause. God Bless.

[Jared4everx]

I really hate it when kids are used as propoganda tools like this. He obviously didn't write the speech himself. He is a puppet and should not be used this way. Shame on you parents and grown-ups responsible!!!

[Phebert]

Well how quick we are to judge. First, if one does a search with different criteria, like Denver May 16th gay marriage, one does get other hits, even from the likes of NBCNewyork. Although, I live in Denver, this was the first I had heard of the event. But truth be told, I did not watch the evening news on the 16th. Besides Denver press notoriously under reports events of concern to gays and lesbians.

As for a 3rd grader have this idea... I am a teacher and continue to be amazed at the simplicity yet sophistication and overt honesty of their opinions on seemingly adult topics. I think it is quite concievable that a 3rd grader had a great deal of compassion for his classmate, and decided to do something about it. There really is nothing out of line with that. Our expectation that children be seen and not heard, leads to us being deaf, or at least dismissive about what children really think or feel.

[unknown]

Do you know how smart third grade in these days? Those can shut the hell up when you have no idea. Weather or not he wrote it or not, He is the brave one that stand in front of the crowd with a proud speech. He is telling everyone that ignorant is an unacceptable behavior in 2009-2010. It's ain't the 1800, things need to change. Because mother nature change every second, and law of physic don't stay the same.

[RadioRiot]

I just did a quick google search and found this story with pictures on the Denver Post website.

Also listen to how well Ethan reads his speech, he is a very smart kid. Could you read a speech that well even now?

As for the still pics of the crowd... They were taken at a seperate time and inserted into the video to give it a sense of power. The video is a home made video and not a two or more camera professional video. But you can listen to the audio of the applause and tell that the crowd is real and quite large.

[Skyler]

Interesting that "gays" say they cannot find this story through a legitimate news source I did. This was a legitimate rally here is the denver post link:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12387580

[Laun]

Excellent!!!! Ethan's parents should be proud. He should think of running for Pres. if that is what he wants. Its amazing how intelligent younger kids can be. Way to go.

[holistEC]

This kid is just doing what he believes in. According to some educators a big portion of wisdom is given in the early childhood, this kid is just using his gifts and values -in a natural way- that we adults aren't able to do it naturally because of our past thoughts and fears. Probably he is representing his early activism values as other children are playing too as doctors or teachers.

Maybe the situation isn't the more convenient, but the finality definitely is a truth based in his sentiments.

[truetexan]

so I agree this kid has been told things he does not understand. I admire that his parents teach him equality. I regret that he is this involved in things he does not understand. But I will say this to all the folks preaching hate and acusing the parents of brainwashing, WHAT THE HELL HAS BEEN GOING ON HERE FOR DECADES IS BRAINWASHING BY THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT ABOUT THEIR "BELIEF" IN WHAT IS RIGHT FOR ALL OF US. I have seen equal protests by even younger kids preaching homosexuality is wrong. Im sure those kids and most Americans are not brainwashed by their parents.. right...get over it this kid will have a great life ahead of him and I hope he continues what he is doing, even if his parents are coaching (brainwashing) him (in the right direction).

[Whisper]

It depends on the third grader. Of course he got help from adults, but I could see someone about his age getting the idea to want to do something to help people he knows. When I was his age, I was reading well above my grade level. Granted it would be hard for Ethan to fully understand all the aspects of a homosexual relationship, and wouldn't expect him too. It was probably explained simply they love each other and are together, and in simple terms like a child could concievably think ok, why aren't they married?

Anyway I see this as less brainwashing than children who are deliberately isolated by their parents to keep their children as close minded as themselves.

[Kevin]

What's with all this hateful speech about brainwashing and abusing children's rights. Kids can be surprisingly motivated and entusiastic when it comes to compassion. When I was in grade 2 a lot of my classmates started numerous event benefits for another classmate who had cancer. Kids can accomplish a lot since adults are easily persuaded by children.

Even if the parents helped motivate the kid, teaching them compassion I can't ever see that as brainwashing. Hatred is another story. Well if you think about it, teaching any child any religion is brainwashing . . . but that's another topic.

[Jonathan]

Lets skip over the fact that a kid so young he has no concept of sexuality held this rally, thats been covered. I wanna remind people that marriage is NOT a right. There are 10 things mentioned in the Bill Of Rights. Marriage is not one of them. Legally that makes it a state issue. Therefore its up to the individual states to set the criteria for marriage. Just like each state does for driving, state income taxes and many other things. This is a double edged sword. It does mean that a Federal definition defining marriage as between a man and a women would be unconstitutional, but it also means that when the same-sex marriage initiatives fail on the ballot then we lose. Trying to force others to recognize and accepts us is only going to backfire. Our energies would be better spent living happy productive lives, not pressuring judges into making backdoor legislation to force people into accepting us.

[G]

i can see his inentions but to me it's more on the cute side than anything else.

What's prophetic is a kid doesn't see anything wrong with the issue......then something happens on the way to adult hood

[Scotty P.]

Why do so many people have to come off on the defensive so quick. Yes, I will defend this because he may be young but he knows what he's fighting for. Whether it be parent oriented. He believes in something bigger than himself. Marriage isn't sacred anymore. Divorce is yesterdays news. People get married in a month and get divorced two days later. How is this a sacred union? If you people can't see what is right in front of your face than you have problems. We aren't going anywhere. I'll bet that most of the negative comments made by people are from people that don't have a gay friend. I'm a butch gay man that has a lot of straight friends. Most who were homophobic until they met me! Take a chance and open your hearts. We are just like you maybe just more open with it. Get over it!

[Argosy]

You know, I want to believe that this kid had this rally as his own idea, but I'm really really doubtful.

This doesn't help our cause, it just gives Bill O'Reilly fodder to attack us. It's one thing to say awww how cute' but I would be saying this if the kid made an anti war rally, too. I just am cynical that an 8 year old has the capacity to envision a public display such as this on his own.

[fdeborbon]

i am a proud gay...and i don't like the way young children being exploited this way...shame on those people who used this innocent boy, it's just as bad as child abuse.

[RUnuts]

First of all, the basis of why this kid is where he is is based purely off of the fact that his friends parents (a same sex-couple) could not be wed in Colorado. Certainly he discussed this with his mom and his teacher to try to understand why. I am certain that upon recognizing many in-equalities (yes, it is much easier for children to see these things because adults are rarely innocent or with out their own politics.) that he wanted to know what he could do. Without any doubt of course there were adults involved, he is a third grader after all. Let me just add my own bit of opinion. No matter what you call it everyone deserves equal protection under the law. Perhaps SOME of you have forgot the days of laws against miscegeny, or maybe the you believe that is a right (privilege) that should not be allowed either. To fandersen, I am trying to understand how college is a right and who might be saying that it is. If a state operated college decided to not allow people of certain color or orientation to not go that would be un-equal, however everyone knows that you must pay to go to college unless you have grants or a full-ride. A poor-person can go to college, so long as they are willing to pay. This kid is a hero to me regardless of the research his teacher and mom helped him with.

[B]

I think this was very sweet and the bigotry needs to stop.

[Adrian L]

Out of the mouths of babes! What makes you think that a child does not understand the fundamental ideal of equality. Children are faced daily with inequality. That this child had some help form his mother and a teacher does not discredit him. Children are people too and the world they inherit from us should be better than the one we inherited from our parents. This isnt the only article on this young man and I doubt its a fake. I pray that every child finds their voice and demands a better world than the one they were born into. This is our lost voice, children have to deal with all our mess and yet many posters have stated that his idea of equality was a form of brainwashing. personally I get tired of reading the unintelligent responses by gay and whoever frndlytxn is go form an idea or go take your message to your mayors door do something besides sit in front of your computers waiting for the next im from a trick you happen to be cruising online.

[lkg4mytop]

When I was 8, I myself was already quite outspoken against sexism and racism.
By giving the kid any credits for his opinions about the world surrounding him and also claiming that he can not feel for any other fellow human without been brainwashed by a adult is simply been arrogant and ignorant about children. It's like saying that only the adults can fully understand the simple basic of life which is "equality for all".

peace.

:)

[Douglas]

I didn't read all the comments so sorry if any of this is repeated. I think this kid is amazing. We have talented young kids doing all kinds of amazing things that require more maturity than many adults have. Particularly some on this site-evidently.

Recently two 11 year old boys committed suicide because they were bullied at school about being gay. I worked in an elementary school where children weren't even aloud to say the word gay. Perhaps if there were more youngsters like Ethan giving similar examples to their peers, the perception of being gay would not have such a stigma for young kids. Youth will continue to feel ashamed of being called gay as long as so many people perpetuate the idea that it's something to be ashamed of.

Perhaps Ethan didn't accomplish this totally on his own, but who cares. Don't be bitter, be inspired, and hope less teenagers will kill themselves over something that hopefully more people will continue to become comfortable with.
This is the current sexual revolution and civil rights movement. Times are changing as they always continue to do.
Go Ethan!

[whatnext00]

It's so nice that we tolerate opposing viewpoints here without getting vicious. Not.

[lkg4mytop]

Ethan in the Advocate and on TV :

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid84561.asp

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics/19475925/detail.html

in the Denver Post :

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12387580

The idea first came to Ethan thanks to his neighbors, a lesbian couple he described as "the nicest people in the world." He didn't think it was right they aren't allowed to get married.

Please do some "real" research before claiming anything.
thanks.

[the_real_sweedie]

I guess we're even now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpjPzhSjPqQ

I don't think it's a good idea to push kids into rallying for anything whatsoever, they should be kids, not activists. But it's done all the time, the right can't say anything about this since they've done it themselves (see youtube link above), so that's not a problem. The problem is to not use kids to push issues, any issues.
I'm glad that he is very open minded and not afraid to speak his mind about the things he believe in, but making it look like he created this rally and all is very see through and not such a good idea in order to help our community. Just having him speak to a camera and put onto youtube would've probably been more effective than this...