Left In Lowell

The blog Queer Today is calling for a coalition protest against Macy’s in Boston, which I am endorsing, for Macys’ buckling in to right wing hate groups. The “offense” in question was a pair of “gay” mannequins from their window perched there for Gay Pride which were removed, as well as for “the removal and return of the AIDS Action Committee web url.” Pretending that they were simply trying to be balanced and listen to these right wingers (who used their nationwide network to bombard Macys), Macy’s really managed to step in it.

It’s symbolic, asking for an apology for the mannequins’ removal, but important. If the right wing hate groups can get away with tucking GLBT citizens back into the dark, do you think they will stop there? And let me ask Macy’s this: would you remove a pair of “interracial” mannequins if the KKK demanded it?

The protest is Sunday at 10am.

Protest @ MACY’S Gay Window Display
SUNDAY JUNE 12, 10AM - 1PM

This Sunday, sleep off your hangover from Pride Day, bring your rainbows to protest, and then head to the block parties! Purchase rainbow flags at your local gay bookstore: Calamus Books.

We are calling on Macy’s to admit they were wrong and apologize directly to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community for their offensive removal of the queer pride Mannequins and life-saving web addresses. We do not want watered down public relations sound bites. We want a real apology and an admission of wrongdoing. While the removal of the mannequins was severely offensive, the removal and return of the AIDS Action Committee web url was a direct slap in the face to our community during the 25th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS. Images of LGBT people will always offend the radical right so Macy’s “striking a balance” excuse reeks of homophobia. Standing up for LGBT people is no balancing act. In the words of our illegitimate president George W. Bush, “you are either with us or against us.”