Over the past seven days, a series of events have happened concerning the group Until Love Is Equal that changed my mind about covering their event.
One of the biggest factors was not their invite for me to attend as their media guest, joining a rank of other invited guests from former Mayor John Logie to The Meanwhile Bar brother and sister proprietors Jeff and Tami VandenBerg. It wasn't active support and participation by social media specialist StellaFly. Nor was it the fact that NPR recently ran an All Things Considered piece about the struggles in Holland for equality.
The reason I was on board is the power of former Marine combat vet Michael Tuffelmire, who picked up the 2011 Young NonProfit Network of Grand Rapids' DoGooder Award for his work on Until Love Is Equal.
Tufflemire's grace under pressure is the reason he was a leader in his role with the military as he witnessed some of the harshest moments of war in the desert, and he brings that same calm to ULIE.
In addition to helping change the way people organize, ULIE is hard at work determining next steps and are hosting, with Tuffelmire's assistance, this fundraiser at The Meanwhile as a show of solidarity for the people of Holland.
It is worth noting that since ULIE has formed, a lot of businesses like The Meanwhile Bar have come forward on their own, supporting the dignity of all humans in the arena of human rights. In addition, it has been brought to my attention that nearly every microbrewery business in Grand Rapids has asked to be recognized for their support of Until Love Is Equal.
Former Mayor John Logie, who was instrumental in the passing of one of the nation's very first anti-discrimination ordinances for lesbian and gay residents in 1994, will share a few words at this event. Also, 1994 was the same year that San Francisco passed their LGBT equality ordinance.
"This fact blows my mind," says Tuffelmire. "To think that we figured it out almost 20 years ago at the same time San Francisco did, and yet, Holland cannot recognize in 2011 that all of us matter. It speaks volumes about how history will speak of our two cities."
We, as a city, are fortunate to have people like former Mayor Logie and current Mayor Heartwell fighting for equality at a time when others may cut and run from doing the right thing.
Tufflemire's story, along with a few other people who have served in our military, can be found in a recent Rapidian article. The night will feature backdrop banner photos (red carpet style) by Jonathan Clay, and the debut of the Equality Elixir ($3 short, $4 tall). A portion of the bars sales will be donated to Until Love Is Equal.
Next week, we will feature in G-Sync a new documentary that is premiering on the same night at GVSU about the early years of the LGBT in Grand Rapids.
Admission: Free with Pizza provided by Brick Road Pizza at 5:30 PM