Dallas to host Million Gay March of Texas

by PegNews wire

June 28 is the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.

The Stonewall Riots are frequently cited as the first instance in American history when transgendered, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted LGBT citizens. The rebellion became the defining event that marked the start of the modern gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

LGBT Organizers in Dallas plan to honor the 40th anniversary of the riots with a massive march for equality on Sunday, June 28, 2009. The Million Gay March of Texas seeks to stay true to the spirit of the events at Stonewall by calling for a reawakening of LGBT activism in the Lone Star State.

"Forty years later, and we still do not have equal protections in employment, Don't Ask-Don't Tell still requires LGBT servicemen and women to live a lie, our relationships are still considered invalid, and hate crimes legislation still leaves many behind. We can think of no better way to honor the Stonewall Rebellion than by rallying our community and finishing the fight!" said Daniel Cates, co-chair of the Million Gay March of Texas.

The March will begin at 2 p.m. at the corner of Knight and Cedar Springs Road. From there, marchers will travel down Cedar Springs to Robert E. Lee Park for a rally featuring local entertainment and many guest speakers. Local organizations will have booths set up with information on how to best involve yourself in the struggle for equality. The march is open to everyone: Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgendered and yes, even Straight, Questioning or Supportive!

For more information on The Million Gay March of Texas, visit www.MGMTexas.org, e-mail milliongaymarchtexas@yahoo.com, or check out the MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Source: Million Gay March of Texas