May 17 marked the first time that the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) marched in the Long Beach LGBT Pride parade. With banners demanding equal rights for same-sex couples, and an end to bigotry and racism, loud militant chants emanated from the sizable PSL contingent.
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There are three potential outcomes: The court may uphold Prop. 8 and make it retroactive, effectively nullifying 18,000 same-sex marriages that took place before Prop. 8 became effective. A second possibility is that the court may allow those marriages to stand, banning only new marriages. The final option—the only one that upholds basic principles of equality—is for the court to throw out the entire bigoted proposition. Whatever the decision may be, the LGBT struggle will be far from over under capitalism.
Though the leadership of Long Beach Pride attempted to incorporate more conservative politics into the weekend celebration of the struggle and history of the LGBT community, the masses of people who lined the parade route cheered loudly for the PSL and ANSWER participants.
The PSL and ANSWER brought a much-needed combative aspect to the parade. A group of bigots protesting the event was dutifully protected by the police, without any objection from parade organizers. However, PSL members led the crowd in confronting the right wingers and demanding that they go away.
The sidelines of the parade route were packed, diverse and eager to learn more about LGBT liberation and the struggle for socialism. Thousands of flyers were distributed promoting an upcoming forum on LGBT equality and socialism taking place May 23 at the Beatrock Store.
The parade was a great community event in solidarity with the LGBT struggle. One thing is certain when the Supreme Court decision on Prop. 8 is announced: Unity and militancy will be key in the fight ahead.
