The Million "Fag" March
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The Second Annual Million "Fag" MarchMay 30, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Topeka, KS -- Meet at the Gage Park Amphitheater
Learn more about the event and RSVP!
The Million "Fag" March is an annual event held at Gage Park in
Topeka, KS near the home of Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist
Church. The March is designed to protest the antics of Phelps and his
church, who have become a symbol for the homophobia that remains
throughout the United States (find out more about them below).
The main goal of the MFM is to "take the offensive," using the very same rights and laws the members of the WBC use to shield themselves. However, the March sends out an opposing message of peace and acceptance for all people. We believe that ignoring a problem will not make it go away, and that we must take advantage of the rights our country gives us to speak up when we see wrong-doing in our communities, cities, and the U.S. as a whole.
Last year's event -- the first -- drew a crowd of 420 people from all parts of the country. It was an extremely diverse mix of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious (and non-religious) affilliation, and political viewpoint that drew national media attention (see CNN video on the right side of this page). As we stress the use of peaceful and lawful demonstration, we were able to hold a meaningful event without any negative incident. One might even call the 2008 MFM "family friendly." (Disclaimer: Ok, some of the signs weren't exactly family friendly.)
This year's MFM promises to raise the bar in every way with more people, a message that goes beyond the WBC, and a couple of surprises to be announced as the event draws nearer.
The Westboro Baptist Church, of Topeka, Kansas, is a hate group masquerading as
a Christian church. Led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, the misguided members of this
church target 
homosexuals and a range of others with messages of hate. The
church’s outrageous protest actions - the group prefers to picket funerals - have
earned Phelps and his ilk much media coverage.
The group also produces music videos (at least one features an
extremely young child singing “God hates the world”) and maintains
Websites with names like GodHatesAmerica and GodHatesFags, designed to
inflame the passions of viewers and generate further publicity.
To date, the WBC’s protests
have taken place in at least 22 states, and have inspired a wave of grassroots
anger. As a result, 38 states have introduced bills to limit protests near
funerals, and at least 29 of those states have passed such measures. Phelps has
vowed to challenge the legislation, alleging that these new restrictions
unconstitutionally restrict freedom of speech.
The time has come to turn the tables. Let us all gather in one place, at one time to (peacefully) show Phelps and his church that freedom of speech works both ways.
Do a few seconds of research on the Westboro church (don't worry, we'll wait). You'll quickly find that, in general, if you aren't a member of the WBC they'll lump you into one of two categories -- "fag" or "fag-enabler". The word is prevelant in everything they do.
The usage here is simply to turn that word back on them. In short, to say "Hey, Phelps! Those people you try to degrade with words? Here they are. The hate-speech doesn't work."
That's why we often use quotes around the word. We're actually quoting the WBC.
Admittedly, the name of the Million "Fag" March is controversial. But sometimes it takes a little controversy to get the attention you need.
28 May, 2009Use any of these as you see fit to help get the word out.
Press Release • Postcard Image • MFM Logo
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