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Notes from tonight’s meeting

By Pseudoanonymous

There was a meeting tonight called by CAR to discuss their visibility action tomorrow to demand the resignation of a Midland school board member who made anti-gay slurs on this Facebook page.

I attended (but can’t, sadly, go to the vigil tomorrow) and these are my notes:

Randy Romo speaking about: the necessity of demonstrating. Of support for younger GLBTQ. About the media’s unwillingness to cover their request for support and talk about the eleven suicides in September. Meeting tomorrow morning at the Sherwood McDonald’s at 7 to head on out. State officials have denounced the slurs. “There to make a statement, not a scene.” No completed suicides reported in Arkansas, but several attempted that counselors know about. No kid should be bullied for what ever reason. Not just standing up for queer children but for all children. However, as younger kids are not usually out, an extra layer of difficulty. Also, to whom do they turn? Sometimes teachers, administrators part of the problem. Sheriff’s department aware they’re coming and they’re okay with that. A visibility action, and a vigil as well. Get over whatever disagreements we may have, but we’ve got to work together. Keep trying till we get it right, until full equality under the law. You’ve seen the “It Gets Better” videos, and that’s true for some, but others are hurt enough that it doesn’t get better. Let’s make it better now.

Q: Are we carpooling or convoying? Can we leave our cars there?

A: Recommend leaving cars at First Presbyterian (CAR office there) if you’re carpooling.

Q: What about contingencies if not enough people?

A: Continue on; this is a first action. Charge all of you to write a letter to the superintendent asking for resignation and for safety for all kids there. They can’t force a resignation, but they can ask for it, and we can keep asking them. Recommend sending snail mail as well as email.

Q: Can you bring one to give to the superintendent?

A: Yes.

Q: Will he be there tomorrow?

A: According to the news, yes. Also, a school board meeting on November 15th.

Q: My understanding Mr. McCance has a business which does business with the school district. (Yes.) We could picket there.

Uneasiness about picketing if his business is home-based.

Q: Concern about PR. The middle-road Arkansan turned off by out-of-state people and unconventional people. Very crucial that we present an image.

A: Why we’ve asked for avisibility vigil. No argument, no confrontation. Just standing there silently for those dead kids.

Q: Preferably grammatically correct signs.

(Laughter)

Q: Two or three slogans and no more than that easier to promote. Focusing on children.

A: “Resign.” “Say no to hate.” “All kids matter.” I have no doubt that we will remove Mr. McCance from the school board.

Q: Purple shirt?

A: Yes, by all means, wear your purple shirt, if you have one. Something purple.

Q: Can’t be there, but would like to make signs? Can you carry them?

A: Yes, please do. Contact your friends, text them, facebook them.

Q: Useful know what time we’re coming back.

A: Plan to be back in LR no later than one. No need to stand out there the whole day, but we’ll be back.

Q: Can you let us know when you’re coming home?

A: Yes, we’ll do that. How many of you are on the facebok CAR page? Join that (not the group). We’ll also email you, so sign up tonight.

Q: What would you like from other organizations in the way of support?

A: Certainly a letter. As this progresses, we’ll need support to go to the district and stand in vigil. That’s Rev. Bob Klein from UUCLR, where we had a great time with them at their coming out day service.

Q: I just recently moved from there, lived there 27 years, endured the same bullying then. Principal told me to move to another school. Harassed, but did not move then because they would have won. We must stop this.

A: I’ve heard so many people say they’re moving away, but if we all move away, who’s going to fix it? Justice means all of us–we don’t get to cherry pick. In Arkansas, every year the house has an anti-GLBTQ measure and an anti-immigrant measure. They’ll be there again next year. We’re here to make it better for all youth, whoever they are.

Q: More detail on the Arkansas official who spoke out?

A: Head of Arkansas Dept of Education. Seeing signs that pressure is being brought to bear.

Q: Possibly a felony to create a hostile environment for students.

(Recap for those who came in late.) You just have to hold your ground and not engage, hold your peace and say your piece. And wear purple.

Q: How many going tomorrow? (Looks like sixteen, about half the room.)

A: If you have friends, relatives, who are strong allies, let them know. We want moms and dads there. We’ve drawn a line in the sand on this tonight.

Q: NWCenter for Equality and Kathy Webb have also called for resignation.

A: Working to get them engaged, also PFLAG F’ville and R’ville.

Q: Address on website.

A: Yes, on CAR Facebook page.

Q: What time to you plan to be there tomorrow?

A: Roughly nine to twelve.

Q: Schoolwide event tomorrow, lots of parents there and kids outside.

Q: Sheriff says sidewalks are fine, but be careful not to step off sidewalk.

A: Yes, and if an officer says to move, comply. Don’t go getting yourself arrested for the cause. Sometimes civil disobedience is necessary, but not what we’re doing tomorrow.

Q: If you were a gay soldier who fought for your country, wear your uniform. I’m going to.

It’s just so good to see you all out here today. I went through this when I was a kid. Thanks to Christ Church, and to our clergy who are here. It’s so important.

Full post as published by Arkansawyer on October 27, 2010 (boomark / email).