 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA
02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email:
info@dignityusa.org
Comments to
Web manager
RETURN TO > COMMITTEES & PROJECTS
> HOME
 |
October 7, 2007
Wear a rainbow ribbon every day to show your support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons!
Solidarity Sunday is a faith-based anti-violence initiative. Because we understood that, contrary to popular belief, most Catholics are appalled by anti-gay attacks, DignityUSA initiated Solidarity Sunday in 1995 as a way of making our opposition to anti-gay violence visible.
Solidarity Sunday is held every year on the Sunday before October 11 (National Coming Out Day). The next Solidarity Sunday will be on October 7, 2007.
How to Participate in Solidarity Sunday
- Order ribbons and prayer cards and hand them out at your church, workplace and social settings.
- Wear your Solidarity Sunday ribbon at all times.
- Pray for an end to anti-gay violence
- Educate your children, your faith community, your colleagues, your friends about the need to stop violence against all people, especially gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
- Take the Solidarity pledge.
Solidarity Sunday is dedicated to the memory of the many who lost their lives through violence because of who they were or who they were perceived to be. May their deaths not have been in vain. Let us work together to end verbal and physical violence against anyone, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders!
Top
of page
History of Solidarity Sunday
Solidarity Sunday began in 1995 when the Board of Directors of DignityUSA recognized that 70–80% of American Catholics supported equal rights for gays and lesbians. It was decided to invite these people to join in solidarity with us and to work with us to end verbal and physical abuse.
The first Solidarity Sunday was observed on October 8 that year, and approximately 35,000 participated. The project rapidly expanded to include people from all denominations and organizations as well as individuals who have joined with us. Since 1995 the number of participants has grown steadily and Solidarity Sunday has now been observed in almost every state in the country. In addition, Solidarity Sunday has received the acknowledgment and proclamation of the following distinguished individuals and groups
- President Bill Clinton (letter of support, 1997)
- Vice President Al Gore (letter of support, 1997)
- Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)
- Gov. John Rowland (Connecticut)
- Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
- New Ways Ministry
- Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
- Bishop McCarthy, Diocese of Austin, TX
Top
of page
Solidarity Pledge
I pledge:
I will work for civil and human rights for all people, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgender. Civil rights are not special rights.
I will seek to stop jokes and unkind language about anyone, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgender when spoken in my presence. Words that hurt and bigotry are not funny.
I will speak out against any slander, debasement, lies or dehumanization of anyone, including gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgender, including when spoken by political or religious leaders. Violent speech leads to physical violence.
I will work to stop physical violence against anyone, including violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals or the transgender. Violence against any person is violence against all people.
Top
of page
Solidarity Interfaith Prayer
Please substitute for the word "God" the most appropriate to your faith tradition.
God, You are the Creator and Lover of all.
You wish us to live in solidarity with each other
and to rejoice in our diversity.We pray that all Your lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and straight
children may experience justice,
enjoy peace and spread Your love
throughout the world.We pray in the name of God, who
welcomes all to a holy circle of
friendship. Amen.
Documents marked with the icon 
are in PDF format. Before attempting to open a PDF file, please download
and install the free Adobe
Reader.
Documents marked with the icon 
require Microsoft Word.