December 15, 2008

HRC's balls are only good for dancing

Posted by: Chris

When was the last time you heard "HRC" and "balls" in the same sentence? It was probably the last time the Human Rights Campaign actualy showed some cajones, which was... well... help me out here... never.

So it's no surprise that when "the nation's largest gay political group" discovers it has balls, they are of the dancing variety.

Yes, as rumored, HRC's Beltway-bound activists will be marking the heartbreaking defeat of marriage rights in California with -- what else -- yet another high-priced ($375 a ticket) black-tie event.

Never letting a second interview get in the way of a good gush, WaPo reports:

The "Out for Equality" ball (though its gay-rights organizers don't want to call it a ball) is shaping up to be one of the single hottest tickets on inauguration night. And you don't have to be L, G, B or T to want in on this action.

The party, being organized by a large coalition of gay-rights groups led by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, promises to feature Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright, Melissa Etheridge, Thelma Houston and other artists. It will be held at the legendary landmark Mayflower hotel, which, need we even say, is one of the most primo locations in the capital city.

Love the name, "Out for Equality." We are said to be a creative people, though our mind-numbing use of the same 3 or 4 monikers for every event, organization or Pride theme suggests otherwise.

HRC isn't alone, mind you, in dancing with they should be marching. The following organizations are also sponsoring this "unofficial" inauguration ball (i.e., bring your own Obama, since the first couple is not planning to attend):

• Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund & Leadership Institute
• National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
• PFLAG
• Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
• National Black Justice Coalition
• Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
• Freedom to Marry
• BiNet USA
• Dignity USA
• Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
• Equality Federation
• National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• National Coalition for LGBT Health
• LGBT Community Center of NY
• International Federation of Black Prides
• Centerlink: The Community of LGBT Centers
• Family Equality Coalition

But please, make no mistake, this is an HRC shindig. These other folks are just along for the ride and a good "A crowd" buzz during inauguration weekend.

I can't help but wonder if any other minority group in U.S. history has ever thrown an inauguration ball for itself (much less twice) while still denied basic legal equality and protection from discrimination. I'm guessing not. That's the kind of "historic first" where HRC has unparalleled success.

We will -- eventually and with no great debt to HRC -- win our equality, and if HRC gets its way, we'll be the first civil rights movement to value gnoshing and waltzing over marching and rallying.

Tags: HRC, Human Rights Campaign, inauguration ball, Out for Equality