Out4Immigration Marches in Long Beach Pride

by Ryan Johnson

We marched just days before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to keep us out of the immigration reform bill. Now, more than ever, all who are affected by this issue, need to come out to events like this one to show that we matter.

On Sunday, May 19, in Long Beach, California, there were seven of us marching down to raise awareness about discrimination against same-sex binational couples. I had originally intended simply to march with the contingent, but when I found out that no one was organizing, I stepped in to make it happen. 

 

It was a big challenge recruiting people to participate, despite the large crowds that came out for the parade. After contacting some LGBT organizations in the Orange County and Long Beach areas, and posting on social networks, I had to get so grassroots that I begged my family to come out and march with me. Luckily, we were joined by Bob and Orlando, two long-time Out4Immigration volunteers, who have been struggling within the system to stay together for 21 years. Orlando recently got US citizenship, and we’re all very happy for them. 

 

We arrived at 9:30am, found our line up location, and waited for the parade to begin. Bob had this to say:

 

The day started out a bit cloudy but by the time the parade started the sun was shining, so we knew it was going to be a great march. Now, Orlando and I have marched in a number of pride events including those in West Hollywood, Palm Springs and Long Beach. We've done the beach event at least four times but this one was definitely the best. The crowds raved as we passed by with a lot of people high fiving. When it was all over we wanted to go back and do it again. I think our cause resonated with our compatriots. And we made some new friends with Ryan's family and his partner Louis. 

 

The response from the crowd was definitely appreciated. Once people read our banner, they would erupt in loud cheers of support. My partner was busy taking pictures of us and the crowds. He mentioned that my sister and her new husband were especially popular among the crowds.

This was the first Pride event my mother has ever attended, and her first experience was to march it! She enjoyed the music, the colorful people, and the roaring masses. It was also the first Pride event for my new brother-in-law.  He was a bit tired in the morning, but the crowds really enlivened him with their interest in his physique stickers! 

 

We were all impressed that despite our contingent’s small size, the spectators reassured us that our presence was valued. As we turned the corner and left the crowds behind, we rolled up the banner, removed the stickers from our bodies, and congratulated each other for a march well done. The support is there - so I encourage you to take role in organizing a contingent for your local Pride parade. After the events of this week, we need to make ourselves visible at every opportunity.

Same-Sex Binationals Left Out of Immigration Bill

Last night, many of us watched the Senate Judiciary hearings on immigration reform with a heavy heart ...

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was forced to withhold critical amendments that would have added protections for same-sex binational couples due to lack of support from his own party.

We needed all the Democrats on the committee to support these amendments. Unfortunately, Senators Schumer, Feinstein, Durbin and Franken sided with eight Republicans to ensure that the immigration bill moving forward is not inclusive, is not comprehensive and will discriminate against legally married gay and lesbian Americans with foreign spouses.

The Democrats who sided with the Republicans - Schumer, Feinstein, Durbin and Franken have betrayed the very LGBT constituencies who have supported them throughout their political careers. It is questionable whether any of them would be in power today without our votes. Each of these leaders talks about marriage equality and ending discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans, but last night, when they had the chance to show they meant what they said, they failed the LGBT community and all Americans who believe in equality and fairness.

We thank Senator Leahy for his courage in this uphill battle against bigotry and politicians like the Senators named above, along with Senators Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, Jeff Flake and John McCain, who insisted that the inclusion of mere 36,000 people would derail a bill that offers so much hope to more than 11 million.

Please take a minute to thank Senator Leahy for being a true hero and for having the courage of his convictions.

Call or tweet him today at 202-224-4242; Twitter: @SenatorLeahy

We also thank our allies in the LGBT, faith and immigrant rights' communities who have stood with us over the years, and especially during this fight for our inclusion in the bill. We could not have brought our issue so far, so fast without your help.

The question, of course, on all our minds is - what next?

We are heartened, empowered and emboldened by these images that collectively sum up our work over the years - and we will continue to look to them for strength in the coming weeks.

Just last week, a small army of our volunteers here in the San Francisco Bay Area came to San Francisco City Hall to tell their stories of how immigration discrimination and marriage inequality has impacted their lives. We then rushed downtown to Senator Feinstein's office to hand deliver a petition with more than 6,000 signatures urging her to support the Leahy amendments.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Since the beginning of Out4Immigration, we have urged couples to tell their stories. We have collected hundreds of stories over the years. In the last few weeks we have been circulating these 24 stories we have collected since President Obama promised us in Las Vegas in January that we would be part of immigration reform. Each story we collect has a photo. For every image there is another harrowing tale of discrimination, denial, financial hardship, career loss, separation, exile and decisions no American should have to make. And, yet each story is filled the remarkable love of two people who remain committed to one another against all odds. Each story hangs onto what each couple has left of hope that we will soon live in a world where equality trumps bigotry and hate.

 

“I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living."

- Harvey Milk.

Two years ago, a group of us worked with Brynn Gelbard and the DeVote Campaign to make a video talking about the lack of immigration rights and DOMA. This was shortly after President Obama had declared DOMA unconstitutional, but before he had announced his support of marriage equality. It was at a time when same-sex marriages were only legal in a handful of states and same-sex binational couples were often told not to get married because it could jeopardize our immigration status. While we still wait for justice, much has happened in our favor in the past two years.

Of most significance: At the time this video was shot, just one couple was legally married. Today – everyone you see in this video is legally married and ready to take part in equal immigration rights, whether they come from our legislative, executive and/or judicial branch of government.

PLAY VIDEO NOW

“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall

never die.” - Sen. Edward Kennedy.

What next for same-sex binationals? We want to hear from you. Email us at info@out4immigration.org with your suggestions.