Mary Bonauto, GLAD & gay marriage

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 11:49am

Before there was GLAAD, there was Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).  Their genius attorney -- and I don't use that term loosely, she won a MacArthur "genius" award last year -- Mary Bonauto will be arguing the gay marriage case before the Supreme Court next week.

Here's a little editorial background that will keep things in perspective before HRC shows up with their posters and the notion that they were intimately involved in any of this.  Bonauto's presence is incredibly exciting.

On the Edge of History for Same Sex Marriage

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 11:52am

And let's get the word out about the little agency that could, to those of us with an inclination to donate who might think HRC is the only option.  Let's especially let our well-intentioned celebrity allies know what a worthy organization GLAD is.  There's a convenient big, red "DONATE" button in the upper right corner.

GLAD

 

 

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 12:00pm

Thanks for posting this, Namo!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 12:06pm

My pleasure!  Unlike a lot of people in this discussion, Bonauto gives credit to the fact that none of this would happen without coalitions of activists and agencies.  She deflects attention from herself but we are so lucky to have her.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 12:10pm

We love Mary Bonauto--and all the coalitions of activists and agencies she so graciously gives credit to.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 10:25pm

Yes, indeed, Namo! Thank you for the background!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/23/15 at 11:59pm

Happy to provide it.  Share the info with others.  GLAD is an organization that gets things done and deserves support.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 1:29am

To the poster who said "Let's get the word out about the little agency that could." GLAD has been around for about 40 years.  I think the word is out.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 1:37am

You mean way back on page one?  Oh wait.  This is page one.  You mean the post six above yours?  I wrote that.  I know very well how long GLAD has existed.  But as any reader who reads a thread can see, not everybody does know about it.  I'm glad you do.  Meanwhile, I think it's good to let people know about agencies that really do the work the HRC takes credit for.  Especially well meaning straight allies who might want to give money to someplace that is obviously effective, but only obvious to people who know where to look.  Hope that clarifies my intentions.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 1:46am

I don't doubt your good intentions for a moment. But it seems a little pandering to act as if you've discovered the wonderful agency no one else could possibly have known about. It is after all a big part of the LGBT movement.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 8:49am

Many people confuse GLAD with GLAAD.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 11:37am

Wilmington, you can let it go.  I never "acted as if I discovered them."  I've been donating to them since 1985. Many people have never heard of GLAD or Mary Bonauto but many people take credit and fundraise as if they had anything to do with the work GLAD and people like Mary do.  This was my small attempt at a small course correction in this small part of the internet world.  Some people in this thread thanked me for the information.  This thread was written for such people.  Now, take what you can use and leave the rest.

Updated On: 4/25/15 at 11:37 AM

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 1:30pm

I just want to echo Namo and say what a wonderful organization GLAD is. I met a few of their attorneys at a conference, and I simply admire their work.

Also, although GLAD may have been around for decades, not everyone knows them. It's not wise to assume everyone knows something you do because even the most passionate activists may not have had the same exposure or experiences as you do.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/25/15 at 1:42pm

Oh look at you, coming in here acting like you just discovered them.

(I kid.  And thank you for your post.)

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 4/26/15 at 1:39am

My bad, you are absolutely correct. Not everyone is aware of GLAD's vital contribution to the community and they should be.  Mary has done more for marriage equality than anyone else I can think of and there are ubdoubtedly younger people who aren't aware of her trail blazing contributions. She and GLAD deserve being championed.