NOTE: time update — meet at 2pm at D street and Broadway (instead of 1pm).
Solidarity Statement from LGBTQ organizations
We stand with Veterans for Peace
Boston, MA - Saturday, March 15th – We and our LGBTQ organizations and communities wish to show solidarity with Veterans for Peace and all they have done to carry the message of unity between our community and the Peace Movement in the Saint Patrick’s Peace Parade. There are many LGBTQ veterans in Vets for Peace (locally and nationwide) and their entire organization has shown great integrity and support for the LGBTQ community. We speak with one voice regarding this issue and urge the traditional St. Patrick’s Parade organizers to accept the Veterans for Peace and all other honorable and peace-loving groups to be in the traditional parade. It would not be enough for us, just to win the right for the LGBTQ to march in the traditional parade. We will not leave our sisters and brothers from Veterans for Peace behind.
“Our Peace Parade is not going away until we have one welcoming inclusive parade for all without censorshipâ€
Pat Scanlon, Smedley B. Butler Brigade, chapter 9, Vets for Peace, Massachusetts
Signed:
- Boston Pride
- Stonewall Warriors
- Tony Fernandes, National Coordinator, Lavender Caucus, SEIU/AFL-CIO
- Jennifer Doe, Co-chair, GALLAN/Pride at Work Boston
The annual South Boston Parade, held on St Patrick’s Day (this coming Sunday, March 16th) in South Boston, continues to turn down all groups from the LGBT community, invoking the Supreme Court ruling that allows them to decline registrations on the basis of the community represented by those who wish to march. And yes, that IS discrimination against our community! Beyond not allowing LGBT people (including LGBT veterans!) openly, the South Boston Parade continues to reject the participation of other veterans groups, like our allies at Veterans for Peace. To protest this discrimination, Boston Pride is delighted to announce its participation in and sponsorship of the Peace Parade organized by Veterans for Peace, to be held this Sunday, right after the South Boston Parade.
*Help fight discrimination against the LGBT community by participating in the LGBT contingent in the Peace Parade*
Download the postcard and feel free to distribute widely!
Join the Facebook event for the Peace Parade to invite your friends.
