Equal Civil Rights Rally in Sarasota, Florida

By Shannon Fortner and Doug Haxall,
Sunday, November 15, 2009

Citizens organized by O4I member Shannon Fortner came together to raise awareness in their community of Sarasota, Florida about the widespread discrimination faced by LGBT couples just asking for basic immigration rights like all other couples have.


Photography by Taylor Prather

Marchers walked through downtown Sarasota and passed a convention center full of environmental activists who all came out from their booths and clapped in support. Marchers handed out out4immigration stickers and engaged onlookers in conversation about the issue. Ms. Fortner, the march organizer, was interviewed by ABC channel 7, SNN channel 6, and on FM radio station 96.5 allowing our issue to reach the living rooms of thousands of southwestern Floridians. Community feedback seemed positive with many passing motorists honking their horns in support. The march also received coverage in the central Florida gay media website, watermarkonline.com.

Shannon’s rally is a perfect example of grass-roots activism at work. No major organization or group sponsored the rally – it was conceived of, organized and executed entirely by members of the Sarasota community who had just had enough of their current mistreatment and wanted to express it. It is also a great example of how small community actions organized by regular individuals can result in extensive media awareness-building on our issue.

Thanks to Shannon and her friends for all their hard work on this!!!

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