on August 12, 2009 02:05 PM ET
edited on October 30, 2009 01:58 PM ET
I'm going down to the National Mall between 3rd & 4th
Streets NW here in DC to participate, aka, to kiss my
partner. Its happening all over: check this out
We are two bloggers - David Badash and David Mailloux - who believe
that any person anywhere should be able to kiss whomever they want,
whenever they want.
We both believe that there's not enough love and affection in the
world, because most people are afraid to show it. We should never be
afraid of brief, unimposing displays of affection. There is nothing
wrong with a hug, a kiss on the mouth, a kiss on the cheek.
Together, with the help of Willow Witte and the national Join The
Impact group, we are coordinating a nationwide event on August 15,
2009 at 2 p.m., EDT (or 11 a.m., PDT) It's called "The Great
Nationwide Kiss-In" and you're invited - all of you! - to either
plan a Kiss-In event in your city or town, or simply participate in an
existing one.
Okay, you ask, but what does this mean? What is a Kiss-In?
Well, it's quite simple. On the suggested date and time, in a
public place - whether it's a park or plaza or popular thoroughfare in
your city or town - you'll bring your husband or wife or partner or
boyfriend or girlfriend or good friend, and at 2 p.m., you'll kiss.
It's one of the simplest things in the world to do!
Why, you ask? Why are you doing this?
After incidents in San Antonio, TX, El Paso, TX and Salt Lake
City, UT - where different gay and lesbian couples were harassed or
detained by law enforcement or other people for the simple act of
kissing in a public place - we need to make a strong statement to
everyone everywhere: kissing is not a bad thing, nor has it ever been.
It's not vulgar or inappropriate. It's a sign of affection that is as
old as time itself. And it's a beautiful thing that we share with our
loved ones every single day.
The more cities with corresponding events, and the more people
who participate in those events, the stronger the statement.
You can read more about why we've chosen to coordinate this, by
reading our blog entries below:
David Badash:
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.co
m/its-time-for-a-nationwide-kiss-in/discrimination/2009/07/13/4150
David Mailloux:
http://dym-sum.com/2009/07/13/no203/
If you're interested in organizing a Great
Nationwide Kiss-In event, and your city or town is not listed below,
please send us a message at GreatNationwideKissIn@gmail.com. We'll
make sure you get all the information you need to get started as
soon as possible. If your city or town is already listed, we'll set
you up with organizers so you can give them a hand.
If you're interested in participating in a Kiss-In event
(remember, ALL are welcome to attend and participate, regardless of
sexual orientation, or gender identity), then look at the list below
to see if an event is being planned near you.
SPECIAL NOTE: To ensure the idea and ideals of The Great
Nationwide Kiss-In, a celebration and an affirmation of equality,
are respected, The Great Nationwide Kiss-In is © 2009. It is
imperative that you contact us if you plan to organize a Kiss-In
event on August 15, or we cannot confirm your affiliation with us.
Thank you.
go here to see if your town is listed: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124199360752