Re-invite Margeret Cho to Unity 2004

I am very disappointed with your decision to uninvite Margaret Cho to the Unity 2004 Event. This shows an incredible lack of support both for the GLBT movement, and the Human Rights Campaign's members. You have effectively "knocked the feet from under them."

The situation regarding Whoopi Goldberg was poorly handled. It became apparent immediately that there was political pressure to remove Ms. Goldberg for her comments. The Republican National Committee certainly "encouraged" the concept. The conservatives of America dictated the response to that event, and your organization is merely continuing the tradition.

Human Rights Campaign has a responsibility to its members to uphold the beliefs it preaches. Specifically, do not allow yourselves to be swayed by the conservative pressure being applied to events surrounding the Democratic National Convention.

Your Mission Statement says;
"HRC is a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality based on sexual orientation and gender expression and identity, to ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community."

You have proven that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals can be open and honest, as long as the opposing political party is ok with them.

More on your Mission Statement;
"The Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization, envisions an America where GLBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community."

What rights are you ensuring for Ms. Cho? You are enabling her rights to be trampled upon. Comedy deserves an equal voice in the election process. Cutting off a significant donor and supporter of your cause does little to further your ultimate goals. Nor will it engender strong support from the people who look to you for strength.

This act of capitulation has convinced me that Human Rights Campaign is irresponsible and too easily manipulated politically. I am encouraging everyone who currently is a member to cancel their membership, and suggesting all HRC subscribers immediately unsubscribe from the HRC mailing list. I will also work to ensure that donations to your organization cease until such time as HRC has proven it is worthy of the effort.

It is truly sad that an event labeled "Unity" has created such a division. Please, heal the damage done. Re-invite Ms. Cho. Publicly announce you are re-inviting her. Make it known that you, as an organization, stand behind the decision to have Ms. Cho appear at your event. But most important, tell all of your members that you have made amends.

In addition, this letter petition is being forward to;
Matt Foreman, Executive Director, NGLTF: [email protected]
Joan Garry, Executive Director, GLAAD: [email protected]
Chuck Wolfe, President & CEO, The Victory Fund: [email protected]

I want these groups to know my concerns about this issue as well.