Massive march demands LGBT rights

Over 150,000 strong and overwhelmingly young, the sea of marchers demanded full equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in the National Equality March on Washington, D.C. on Oct. 11. They came from all over the United States and included many people who don’t identify as LGBT but were there in solidarity. The key issues for the marchers were same sex marriage, repealing the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy of discrimination in the U.S. Armed Forces, and passage of a federal LGBT rights bill.

Speakers and signs also addressed the high homeless and suicide rates among LGBT youth, the need for LGBT immigrant rights, and the issues of health care, foreclosures, unemployment and racism. There were over four hours of militant, moving speeches by LGBT organizers, activists and performers from many different communities as well as strong support from allies including keynote speaker NAACP chairperson Julian Bond.

—Report and photo by André Powell