Stonewall Democrats Illinois presented a post-election wrap-up, 'The Road from Victory,' for the GLBT community Nov. 29 at the Annoyance Theatre. Panelists agreed that although lesbians and gays are much safer, the community needs to continue seeking allies and stay one step ahead of opposition.
With Democrats having taken control of both houses, Stonewall Democrats invited four speakers—local political scientist Susan Gluck Mezey, Human Rights Campaign's ( HRC's ) Stuart Rosenberg, local political reporter Greg Hinz and The Strategy Group's Pete Giangreco—to explain what a new political landscape means for the GLBT community in Illinois and beyond.
The theater was packed with political junkies and even politicians, including Ald. Mary Ann Smith and recently elected lesbian Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore.
Of the impact GLBT issues had on the 2006 congressional races, the panelists agreed that besides victories, GLBT people really stepped up. Giangreco said that besides the amount of money GLBT people put into campaigns, there was 'an infusion of spirit,' and people helped 'beyond usual grassroots activism.'
Rosenberg agreed. 'GLBT people actually got engaged in campaigns—not just writing checks—and I think that made the big difference.' Gay voters got engaged not just because of GLBT issues, but because of issues of importance to everyone this election cycle. 'Maybe as a result of 2004, people realized that GLBT people are for the same issues and not a 'gay agenda,'' he added.
Gluck Mezey felt that since voters were so focused on Iraq, gay issues didn't have as much of an impact, and disheartening the Republican base played in nicely, allowing for a Democratic victory.
Much of the discussion focused on the seven additional states that passed anti-gay marriage amendments, including Wisconsin. Although Illinois's neighbor could not defeat the amendment despite a large, unprecedented grassroots effort, many lessons were learned.
According to Giangreco, Wisconsin created a 'bridge' and 'vessel' for the GLBT community—the creation of the organization Fair Wisconsin. 'Sometimes losing means winning,' he said.
The advantage of having more Democrats representing Americans can indirectly benefit GLBT people, the panel stressed. The chances for legislative change are much higher now, as well as change via the judicial system. Even if a candidate does not voice support of the community, they may end up helping lesbians and gays in the long run. 'Gays might not be high on their agenda,' Gluck Mezey said, 'but their reputation is based on fighting social issues.'
'When you fight for other things [ social issues ] … this may actually lead to [ gay ] equality anyway,' Rosenberg said. 'At least we're closer to victories now than before November.'
Having Democrats in control doesn't necessarily mean the GLBT community is completely safe. Public opinion still needs to be swayed in order to continue the fight for equality.
Rosenberg suggested that the community continues to seek allies. Through HRC, he worked closely with Fair Wisconsin. There, the organization learned of the importance of reaching out to colleges for allies. 'If they are 18-29, we need to talk to them because they are more likely to vote if they think the GLBT agenda will be hurt,' he said. Another demographic group that needs to be tapped for support is pro-choice women, who not only come out to vote for GLBT issues, but often get involved.
Another tactic, according to Gluck Mezey and Hinz, may be to analyze what Arizona did to defeat its anti-gay marriage ban. Unlike Wisconsin, Arizona's pro-gay commercials didn't feature gay people at all, and focused on how the amendment would hurt straight couples. Hinz feels this is because in much of the nation, people may need more time before they feel comfortable talking about gay issues.
'The general public may not be ready for it to be in their face that directly,' Gluck Mezey added.
In order to work around this, the panelists again suggested tapping into younger voters and pro-choice women in order to rally their support. They stated that, hopefully, these supporters will talk to their neighbors, coworkers, friends, members of their faith and families in order to gather more allies.
'Never forget the wide goal is to get the majority of people on your side,' Hinz stressed.
As for where Illinois stands, the panelists applauded Fair Illinois for its victory in stopping an anti-gay marriage referendum from appearing on the ballot. Giangreco said that the victory can become 'an arrow the community can have in its quiver.' The panelists suggested that the local GLBT community continue to build bridges across other groups, because the political landscape can always change drastically within two years, and preparation is key.
'Rather than wait until the last minute, there are ways we can build alliances with people downstate,' Giangreco said. 'We need to start working together.'
