Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 25, 1993 TAG: 9304250049
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
On the eve of a gay-rights march that organizers hope will draw 1 million people, the capital bustled with activities - from a solemn unrolling of the AIDS quilt to a flamboyant drag show on the Mall.
But everywhere participants had one thing in mind - demanding an end to legal barriers that block homosexuals from fighting for their country, marrying loved ones and working free from discrimination.
"It's time to stand up and look America in the eye and say, `I demand equality, now and in all aspects,' " said Patrick Gill of Washington, who has launched a court fight seeking to marry his male partner.
The march marks a watershed moment in the gay-rights movement: President Clinton last week met with gay leaders in the White House and is preparing to lift the ban on gays serving in the military.
The marchers also want a federal law guaranteeing civil-rights protection for homosexuals and increased spending on AIDS research. More than anything, march organizers say, they want to show Americans that gays among their neighbors and co-workers are treated unfairly.
"We're the invisible minority," said Cliff Anchor, 57, a former National Guard reserve specialist from Monte Rio, Calif. "If we were visible, it would be very easy for us to be accepted."
Some gay activists were angered that Clinton will not attend today's march. Instead, he is sending a letter to be read by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Thousands of people linked hands Saturday to circle the Capitol to demand increased spending for AIDS research and prevention. About 80 Catholics, Jews and Protestants spent the day learning to use the Bible to counter the religious right's opposition to homosexuals.
Almost 200 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to honor homosexuals killed in war and to protest the military's gay ban. Many were veterans in uniform.
Tom Norton, a medical helicopter pilot in Vietnam, wore a pink triangle pin next to the Purple Heart and other medals on his Army uniform.
"In Vietnam, sexuality was not the issue," said Norton, 43, who received an honorable discharge after the war. "We were over there to do a job, and some of us died doing it."
by CNB