The Human Status Quo Campaign

COMMENTARY 

I gave up on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) some time ago.  Thankfully, every time I consider donating to them again, they give me a fat, juicy reminder as to why they don’t deserve my money.  This week came the announcement that Joe Solmonese, President of HRC, was named “Elegant Activist” at Washington Life Magazine’s  annual fashion awards show.  John Aravosis, on Americablog said:  “It would almost be funny if the Human Rights Campaign hadn't actually cooperated with the "award" by telling the magazine whom Solmonese's favorite designers were…wouldn't it be neat if HRC's president won an award for his activism?” 

On this matter, I’m in complete agreement w/ Mr. Aravosis.  However it’s not the first time that Joe Solmonese and HRC have come under fire for appearing to be more interested in photo-ops, black-tie galas, and fundraising dinners, than actually fighting for LGBT rights.  Just last week, HRC organized a press conference to discuss the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) where comedian Kathy Griffin was scheduled to speak.  Kathy has been a vocal supporter of gay rights for years.  But, many would agree, including Kathy herself, that her first priority is publicity.  She even made sure her camera crew, for her show “My Life on the D List”, was in tow for her appearance.  

Ms. Griffin, many feel, is not the appropriate spokesperson for the fight to end DADT.  Apparently, no one felt this more than Lieutenant Dan Choi, discharged from the military under the policy, who effectively “Kanye’d” Ms. Griffin’s speech.  Lt. Choi walked onto the stage, while she was speaking, and commandeered the podium from Ms. Griffin.  Kerry Eleveld, over at the Advocate, reported what Lt. Choi told those at the rally, “You've been told that the White House has a plan, but we learned this week that the president is still not fully committed. ... Following this rally, I will be leading [the protest] to the White House to say 'enough talk.'”.  When he asked Ms. Griffin if she would march with him to the White House, Ms. Griffin responded, "Of course!”  However, those who attended the White House protest reported seeing neither Joe Solmonese nor Kathy Griffin. 

Later, HRC issued a statement confirming that Mr. Solmonese did not follow Lt. Choi’s lead, saying “Joe Solmonese along with Eric Alva and others felt it was important to stay and engage those at the rally in ways that can continue building the pressure needed for repeal. This does nothing to diminish the actions taken by Lt. Choi and others. This is the nature of social change and everyone has a role to play." 

If you haven’t heard the actions taken by Lt. Choi, which Mr. Solmonese is referring to, he HANDCUFFED himself (in uniform) to the fence outside the White House.  He was ultimately arrested, and spent the night in jail.  While Mr. Solmonese ‘stayed and engaged those at the rally”, whatever that means.  

After his release from jail, Lt Choi spoke to Newsweek about the HRC rally, Ms. Griffin, and his demonstration at the White House.  “Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not a joking matter to me,” he said. “To be at Freedom Plaza and not at the White House or Congress? Who are they trying to influence? I felt like they were just trying to speak to themselves. If that's the best the lobbying groups and HRC can do, then I don't know how these powerful groups are supposed to represent our community. Kathy Griffin and Joe Solmonese said they would march with me to the White House but didn’t. I feel so betrayed by them." 

I feel betrayed too, but then again you have to understand that Joe Solmonese was probably wearing Dolce and Gabbana and the White House fence was probably dirty.