Change Need at HRC

Like many, I am disappointed at the way HRC - and for that matter, the NGLTF as well - were caught completely flat footed on Proposition 8. So too, in the aftermath of the election defeat on Proposition 8, HRC seems to be chasing after the initiative of grass roots individuals who on their own began the protest actions through Join the Impact, etc. Sadly, all too often HRC seems more worried about not offending the sensibilities of elected political officials rather than forcefully representing the interests of LGBT citizens. It's pathetic now that I am receiving e-mails from HRC talking about the protest efforts as if somehow HRC had anything to do with their taking place or success.

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As I have briefly commented before, my own experience with HRC is not good. For example, in a pending matter for one of my clients involving the enforcement of Executive Order 1 (2006) signed by Governor Timothy Kaine granting employment non-discrimination protections to state employees who are LGBT, HRC's biggest concern was not upsetting Governor Kaine with whom they said they had good relations. Their attitude was in effect, to Hell with the wrongfully discharged employee while we play "nicey nicey" with the Governor. This mindset must change. Here are some highlights from Chris Crain's blog:

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A number of influential voices are echoing the view raised here (and here) about the need for fundamental change of mindset and personnel at the leadership of the gay rights movement. . . . . [I]t turns out that James Dobson's Focus on the Family is facing layoffs of more than 200 staffers because it pumped $539,000 into the Proposition 8 battle in California. Can anyone imagine HRC giving till it hurts like that?

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It's particularly disappointing to see how behind the curve HRC is on the use of technology to push grassroots advocacy, given the dozens and dozens of young, tech-savvy staffers who work at the agency. It just goes to show you how the top-down approach to politics pushed by Smith, Joe Solmonese and other HRC leaders results in in-house management that further cripples the group's effectiveness.

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Change may well be coming to HRC, for no other reason but that many of its leaders are no doubt jockeying for jobs in the incoming Obama administration. (Query whether they will be embraced by the White House, given how obviously they sided with Hillary Clinton during the primaries. It's noteworthy that none of the seven out gay politicos with roles in the Obama transition team hail from HRC.)

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Either way, the gay rights movement is moving on with a retooled HRC or without it. The question is whether the D.C.-based gay groups want to remain relevant to the constituents and the movement they claim to lead.