On April 7, 2017, I watched the TED Talk of Yoruba Richen, a documentary maker. She explores how the gay rights movement has learned from the civil rights movement. Specifically, she claimed that the civil rights movement is the reason why the gay rights movement has advanced as quickly as it has. As she said, “some of the ways that the gay rights movement has made such incredible gains so quickly because it’s used some of the same tactics and strategies that were first laid down by the civil rights movement.” Richen connects the movements in three strategies; the first strategy is a one she called the “I’m tired of your foot in my neck” strategy which includes the comparison of the Stonewall Riots, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Both events sparked rage and unity within their communities, societies, and groups popping up around the country.
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Richen points out that, “some gay rights activists were directly inspired by the march, and some had actually taken part.” They said that they had a dream of having a gay rights march similar to the March on Washington, and almost two decades later, gay rights marches were organized and created the framework for the historic changes happening in the U.S. today.
Richen’s final strategy is the “Loving” strategy, named after the court case, Loving v. Virginia that invalidated all laws that prohibited interracial marriage. This case connected to the gay community when, in 2013, a 79-year-old lesbian woman sued the federal government when she was forced to pay estate taxes on her deceased wife’s property, which is something that heterosexual couples have to do. Throughout this case’s journey through the lower courts, the Loving court was repeatedly cited. These cases helped both gay and black people gain their rights in our
Richen points out that, “some gay rights activists were directly inspired by the march, and some had actually taken part.” They said that they had a dream of having a gay rights march similar to the March on Washington, and almost two decades later, gay rights marches were organized and created the framework for the historic changes happening in the U.S. today.
Richen’s final strategy is the “Loving” strategy, named after the court case, Loving v. Virginia that invalidated all laws that prohibited interracial marriage. This case connected to the gay community when, in 2013, a 79-year-old lesbian woman sued the federal government when she was forced to pay estate taxes on her deceased wife’s property, which is something that heterosexual couples have to do. Throughout this case’s journey through the lower courts, the Loving court was repeatedly cited. These cases helped both gay and black people gain their rights in our