ISSUES
The open doors of Equal Roots provides unique opportunities to tackle an unusually large array of issues that face the LGBTQ community today. For some issues we have established ongoing projects, either individually as an organization or in partnership. For other issues we act when needed.
MARRIAGE EQUALITY
When it comes to this issue we believe that it is essential to stay both loud and productive. To keep California’s attention on marriage equality Equal Roots organized thousands of people protests both before the CA Supreme Court’s oral arguments and after the Court’s decision announcement regarding Prop 8 in addition to a celebrity packed live performance of Prop 8: The Musical partnered with a marriage equality-centric action fair. In preparation for a future marriage equality campaign in CA we co-organized Campaign Boot Camp, a weekend event that trained hundreds of activists how to effectively run a political campaign. More events will keep on coming! We also continue to encourage direct contact with voters regarding marriage equality by supporting and partnering in incredible door to door canvassing and phone banking efforts led by Vote For Equality & Equality California. To volunteer for canvassing or phone banking email Mike.
HIV / AIDS
In California HIV/AIDS programs have faced drastic funding cuts and are in danger of both loss of effectiveness and complete dissolution. While CA’s legislature was deciding the fate of this funding Equal Roots created the “These Cuts Won’t Heal” campaign, urging citizens to call their legislators and demand the preservation of HIV/AIDS funding. Check out the PSA we used HERE. As the struggle with HIV/AIDS continues our organization is dedicated to acting up where and when we are needed.
FAITH
Proposition 8 shed an ugly light on the schism between the LGBTQ community and communities of faith. Rebuilding these relations are essential to a safe and prosperous LGBTQ community and so Equal Roots has developed a full long-term faith initiative. In addition we continue to partner with CA Faith for Equality on their groundbreaking work in faith communities.
LABOR
Pro-active movement building requires strong relationships with other organized minority groups. Since its creation Equal Roots has fostered a relationship with Unite Here, speaking at city meetings, rallies, and even hotel management engagements to support union workers. In return union workers support the LGBTQ struggle for equal rights and together we tackle corporations that are both anti-labor and anti-LGBTQ. To find out more check the deal with labor.
YOUTH
Creating safe spaces for both LGBTQ youth and children of LGBTQ parents is a high priority. These children are our future and deserve nurturing, educating, and empowering environments and opportunities. To begin to do our part Equal Roots has created a partnership with COLAGE. To get to know the work we are doing with one another check here.
DON’T ASK DON’T TELL
On this lofty federal issue Equal Roots seizes opportunity to act where it presents itself. Upon the announcement of Obama’s arrival in Los Angeles for a DNC fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton in the Spring of 2009 we assembled a coalition of organizations to organize a rally. Featuring Lt. Dan Choi, the rally got President Obama’s attention, inciting him to acknowledge our cause in his speech.
