The Advocate has a pretty interesting short documentary up regarding the relationship between the Human Rights Campaign and the Obama Administration. HRC’s political strategy of getting all cozy with the White House strikes me as almost like battered spouse syndrome. Politicans make promises to secure the support of LGBT people and organizations. Then once in office they spurn anything controversial that has to do with LGBT issues they can but LGBT organizations, HRC in particular in recent history, seem adverse to calling them on it for fear of losing access. Then when election time comes around again they start courting gays and making apologies, excuses and promises hoping we’ll keep coming back. It’s really kind of sick.
What’s most striking about this piece is just how… slimy Joe Solmonese comes across. Nothing about him in the interview seems real or genuine or like he’s actually doing his best to secure legislative or any other kind of victory for LGBT people. Instead it seems like he just enjoys the spotlight afforded to him by being president of the foremost national gay organization. Which is extremely disappointing to me. There are real people suffering because of injustices in our law and government – people who lose their job, get persecuted or can’t go to the hospital when they’re sick because they can’t marry their partner – and HRC seems content with what is essentially sitting on the sidelines waving a sign that says “LIKE US!”
The documentary is well worth watching and it’s only 12 minutes, so head over to The Advocate and check it out.
