I went to the sparsely attended marriage equality rally on Valentine's Day. It is one of those things that I am so glad I went to even though I really didn't want to. Not want to in the sense that I didn't want to go stand in the cold and take a bus home kind of sense. So I went, stood in the cold and then I just walked home. Screw the NFTA and their fare increase! I often walk home in protest. The rally as indicated in my second to last journal was at Niagara Square in front of the "phallic" city hall as so pointed out by Sam Hoyt. Anyways, I am really glad that I went because all these people had great things to say and these politicians all made great efforts to be there. There was absolutely no media that showed up to cover the event and there was maybe about 30 of us in attendance. I want to thank these politicians for showing up to support this movement even if there was little or no political advantage in doing so. At least you are getting a little recognition from my blog. I regret not taking notes so I could be a better reporter.
Here is the people who showed up minus a handful who came a little late.
If I knew who this guy was he would probably have some very nice photos of the event. By this guy I mean the one sitting by the dog.
This is Kitty Lambert, President of Outspoken for Marriage. Sorry it is such a bad picture of her. I should have taken more of her because she was really great and would be a good politician. She is working VERY hard to get full marriage equality in the state of NY.
Bruce Kogan spoke on behalf of Stonewall Democrats.
Maria Whyte (Erie County Legislator) was awesome! She is quite a ham for the cam as well.
Sam Hoyt. Again, I want to say thanks for the politicians to come and take a public stance for marriage equality
There were some other people who spoke and again, I wish I took notes because I would like to include their pictures but I do not remember their names or who they represent. There was a Reverend or something but his message made me feel awkward and excluded when he had everyone repeat "God is love". I did like him but I feel weird when my beliefs as well as others are excluded. You can have religious figures speak a little more inclusively when at events like these without too much effort.
UPDATE
Sam Hoyt saw my journal and emailed Paul to remind me that the other politician in attendance was the Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz. Thanks for the info Sam. If anyone has the names of the other people who spoke at the rally I will include them too. Just click on the envelope below my avatar to send me an email.
Have you seen the cost of attending Nichols? That was the supreme cake school when I was in high school and I would have signed over my first born for a chance to attend.
I got accepted but they would not offer my mom any financial aid.
Comprehensive tuitions for 2008-2009:
Grade 5: $16,200
Grades 6-8: $16,500
Grade 9: $17,300
Grades 10-12: $17,600
Wow. $8450 a year is cheaper than a year of high-quality infant daycare.
Canisius is probably similar - my friends who went there paid around $6k per year, but I'm sure tuition has increased. Education never gets cheaper, it only gets more expensive.