Was calling in gay on today not an option for you? You’re likely not alone. With the stench of recession in the air, taking a day off may seem a tad incompatible with penny pinching. Never mind the fact that there are 30 states where individuals can be fired for being gay or lesbian. Don’t despair, as there are still ways you can “fight the H8 with love.”
The Day Without A Gay official website makes a few simple suggestions for participating in this mass boycott to overturn Prop 8, including:
- Spreading the word by joining their Facebook group, utilizing other social networking sites, inviting personal contacts and sending press releases (available on the website http://daywithoutagay.wetpaint.com/page/Media+Relations) to local media;
- Educate those who are able to call in gay about volunteer opportunities; network with local agencies to post volunteer opportunities on the official website;
- Educate others about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA);
- Contact your state representatives to voice your support for ENDA.
Day Without A Gay endorsers San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee and EqualityActionNow.org encourage people to only shop at gay-friendly businesses on December 10th. SF Pride also suggests:
- Talking about civil rights with co-workers, neighbors, family, and strangers;
- Volunteering for a worthy LGBT cause in your community (if you need to work, try volunteering during your off hours);
- Not spending money or using credit or debit cards (except at LGBT-friendly businesses);
- If you need to work, wear an emblem in support of the day, e.g., a white ribbon with a knot reflecting the knot of marriage.
The whole point of this being: you got Day Without A Gay options, baby.