Note: the Boston Herald covered the event here. I also posted about this at my Massachusetts political blog, Ryan’s Take. Knowthyneighbor wrote about it here, and there are posts about it at Universal Hub, Queerty and Towleroad.
Paul Sousa’s post-rally message
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to give you my take on today’s incredible protest against the DNC fundraiser at Fenway Park. We had near 30 people show up despite the pour weather and inconvenient time. The crowd and emotion was one of the most electric I have ever experienced. There was even a chant that did not let up one bit in its tenacity for a good five to ten minutes.
That chant went, “Show me what Democracy looks like! This is what Democracy looks like!” All the while participants would point at themselves and others in the crowd with glowing appreciation that we were all a part of a movement and bringing attention to an important issue. The second part of the chant went, “Show me what Hypocrisy looks like! That is what Hypocrisy looks like!” in which participants would then point across the street.
The crowd was so energized that the planned on half hour of protest was simply not enough. We ended up staying for well over an hour (and David’s parking ticket can attest to that!).
We were very vocal and visible and our goal of awareness to bring about increased pressure was certainly accomplished at that fundraiser as well as in the larger context since we did have media covering this event.
I would also like to say thank you to a few specific people. This protest would not have been possible without the help of David Mailloux. He seriously went above and beyond. He was at my place day and night the past couple days helping to make signs, come up with chants, send emails, and make tons of phone calls.
Keegan O’Brien, an allied supporter, has also been immensely helpful. He has attended several JTI-MA events and is very much appreciated for all the energy that he brings to rally the crowds and help lead chants.
Tom Lang was also in attendance at the protest. Him and his husband came fully prepared with many of their own home made signs ready to pass out. Thanks guys!
And of course a big thanks goes out to an undisclosed friend who forwarded me the email about the DNC fundraiser. Without that initial email a few days ago, this may very well never have taken place. So thank you to everyone that was able to make it out there today and to those that helped make this event such a success!
Best Regards,
Paul Sousa
P.S. Sorry to dampen the mood, but I thought folks may like to know that interim executive director of MassEquality, Scott Gortikov, was in attendance at the DNC fundraiser which was rather dissapointing to see.
Note: Pam Spaulding amended my post at Pam’s House Blend. I’m going to include what she had to say.
NOTE FROM PAM: From the media pool report for the Democratic National Committee fundraiser with Vice President Biden at Fenway Park in Boston on the evening of June 23, 2009. (via email):
At about 5:30 p.m., as guests arrived, about two dozen activists stood across from the ballpark on Lansdowne Street, chanting in support of gay marriage. One held a rainbow flag, while others held signs. One sign read “No Gay Rights, No $” and another “Full LGBT Rights Now.?
…DNC staff reported that there were between 400 and 500 attendees. Tickets to the event ranged from $100 to $1,000. About 60 donors who paid $5,000 each were invited to a private dinner that was to be held in a separate area of the ballpark immediately following the fundraiser.
