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The Day I Became an Activist

David Hawkins treks from Brooklyn to D.C. for the day to attend his first big national rally. But what he learned at the National Equality March will last a lifetime.


DAVID HAWKINS D.C. DIARY ONE X390 / Advocate.com

David Hawkins with Jesse Archer (left) after the bus ride.

October 11, 2009, marked the day I became an activist.
 
In the past I’ve volunteered my efforts and my professional talents to help organize LGBT benefits and events, I’ve marched in Brooklyn Pride with out lesbian New York City Council speaker Christine Quinn, and I’ve made it a point to stay up to snuff with politics, news, and happenings within the gay and lesbian community. As a whole, for a 24-year-old living in New York City, I prided myself on being a contributor to our “movement.” But what I learned and experienced this weekend at the National Equality March (my first national march or rally -- and first time in D.C.) changed all that.
 
One of my best friends Will, a gay news blogger, joined me Saturday morning to head from Brooklyn to D.C. by way of the fabulously appointed BoltBus (outlets and WiFi). I was feeling a little sluggish from my Friday night out and Will was groggy due to a nasty cold, but we put on our sunglasses, got coffee and sandwiches, and began the trek south.
 
Fellow journalist and around-town personality Jesse Archer, who was reporting for OurScene TV, and his husband were seated directly behind me. We chatted and shared our excitement for what was to occur the following day. Four hours and a couple of Facebook updates later we arrived in D.C. Jesse interviewed Will and me about what we expected, who we were excited to hear speak, and other tidbits, like if I was there to find a husband -- to which I responded, “I think I’ll be too busy marching for that civil right.”

***

Justin, a friend from high school who is now living in D.C. and finishing up law school, was generous enough to offer his couch to Will and me for our two-night stay. After picking us up, we headed straight to Target (which was a pleasure just as is -- love Target) and I picked up poster board, Sharpies, construction paper, and some glue. Will and I spent some time on the bus thinking up clever sign ideas and we were eager to get cracking on them.

DAVID HAWKINS D.C. DIARY TWO X390 / Advocate.com

David's D.C. diary continues on the next page...
 

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Nick
    Date posted: 10/21/2009 7:29:42 AM
    Hometown: Ashland, OR

    Comment:

    I have only recently realised that agreeing to civil unions is admitting there is something wrong, or different, about me and my community. Being transgendered, I have spent my whole life trying to 'downplay' who I am so as not to 'offend' anyone. All this has done is keep my soul in chaos and therefore my life. As I reign in who I am, I die a little every day. No longer. I am who I am and if you don't like it...too bad! We live in America which means I do not have to like you and you do not have to like me BUT we still all deserve and are promised the same rights under our Constitution. Nothing less than full marriage rights. Nothing less than equal. Thank you, David, for affirming my newfound stance on not only gay rights, but most importantly an appreciation and full acceptance of myself. I am not 'naturally' offensive. None of us are. Be proud of who you are and embrace it fully!

  • Name: Simon from Italy
    Date posted: 10/20/2009 10:18:12 AM
    Hometown: Taranto

    Comment:

    Dear David, I got to know about your article through a friend who took part to the rally, which I unfortunately couldn't do, since I'm from and live in Italy. Your text, though, made me part of the march, and made me think a lot: I've realised how much has already been done and how much has yet to be done before we can live our lives freely. I've understood that we cannot just rely on the work done by the people who have come before us, but that we also have to do our part of the job. We cannot just look at those people, but we have to join them! I have to join them! Thank you! Baci dall'Italia, Simon

  • Name: David Hawkins
    Date posted: 10/16/2009 6:33:18 PM
    Hometown: Easley, SC

    Comment:

    Thank you so much for everyone's comments. It means to world to hear your comments and support! Find me on Facebook and stay in touch!!! You guys rock my world.

  • Name: Greg from Denver
    Date posted: 10/16/2009 4:53:08 PM
    Hometown: Denver, CO

    Comment:

    Thank you, David, for sharing your story. It reminds me that I need to find my own. Knowing the feeling of being a part of something for the greater good, that what you are doing does make a difference. It is easy to just look at the immensity of the struggle ahead, and say what can I do against all of this. I have a friend who used to ask the question, "how do you eat an elephant?" his answer, "one bite at a time." The idea of equal rights for LGBT people has been a long time coming. The fight doesn’t look as large now as it did 20 or even 10 years ago. Every new activist finds the job just a little easier because of the work that came before him or her. Likewise, the work that they do, the community they build, the minds and hearts they touch ripple out to change an ever larger present, to create an ever more equal future.

  • Name: Manilou Abad/Rod Wright
    Date posted: 10/16/2009 4:37:39 PM
    Hometown: CDA, Idaho/Philippines

    Comment:

    Dear David, your article is great. I wanted to go to DC so badly. I simply couldn't as I'm a caregiver. I watched the entire Cspan coverage. Watched with two Grandmothers I might add! We were cheering and so proud. David, I'm very proud of you. Manilou and I have been together almost eight years. He in the Philippines and me in Idaho. We wish to marry the minute we have equal rights. David, you brought us a little closer to that day. Thank you!

  • Name: Michael
    Date posted: 10/16/2009 8:13:38 AM
    Hometown: New York, NY

    Comment:

    This is a terrific article. I hope Barney Frank can take time off from his fund raising excursions to read it.

  • Name: Douglas
    Date posted: 10/16/2009 12:43:00 AM
    Hometown: Columbia, SC

    Comment:

    This is really very special. Its such a big moment when you realize your voice is an important one. Speak up!



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