Activism
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Being a budding gay activist for a number of years now, I am given pause to comment on the highs and lows of working for the interests of others. The following is a list of the highs and lows that I think we all go through in positions like mine. Some of these feelings make activism rewarding in a way I can never explain. Some of these feelings make me want to quit tomorrow. I guess en balance I just keep working.
- Some people will tell you they no longer have time to enjoy with you because of homework, jobs, or any number of things and then plan a regular social night in lieu of their helping with what they call "a truly enjoyable/important/worthwhile endeavor"
- Winning an award for everything you have done, and being reminded of how much it really is unbelievably uplifting
- Do you ever get the feeling that while everyone around you gets to say "I have to wash my hair that night" you are the only one expected to be at the party?
- You know, people will attend events I plan regardless of whether or not you think they are worthwhile.
- When you don't feel like you've told anyone, and 500 people show up - that makes you feel good. It is like flying without wings.
- When you feel like you've told the whole world, and 2 people show up - that makes you feel really shitty. That shittiness is directly proportionate to the cost of the speaker / band / caterer and/or cost of the space.
- Sometimes it is nice when your friends go to show they care about you, regardless of whether or not they care about the event.
- It is always nice when the newspaper calls you. Or better yet, it is phenomenal when there is a story in the paper and you didn't even have to talk to them!
- When that story is written by a complete ass - it totally steals your thunder.
- The bonds I have formed with the people I work with when I do these things are unforgettable. I will not trade them for anything in the world.
posted by ZEUS @ 3:30 PM,
