"The Times, They Are A-changing": On QAIA & the Dyke March

A small group of us from "Queers Against Israeli Apartheid" marched in the Dykemarch on Saturday June 23, and in the Pridemarch on Sunday. We carried signs against the LGBT Center’s censorship of ANY programs or groups critical of Israel, and we carried signs protesting Israel’s "pinkwashing" (advertising Israel as a supposed haven for Gay people while suppressing the fact that it is a hell for Palestinians, whether Gay or straight.)

I was amazed by the response. On Saturday an adorable young person ran up to us, thanked us, bought one of our T-shirts, took a sign, and carried it throughout the march. Apparently he took it home with him, because he showed up on Sunday carrying the same "Queers Against Israeli Apartheid" sign. We sold out on QAIA tee-shirts. I sold out on "Occupy Wall Street, Not Palestine" buttons. People on the sidelines applauded us and thanked us. On Sunday we were a slightly larger group, and carried our banner, again to warmth, applause and enthusiasm. Even those people on the sidelines who were carrying Israeli flags were polite in their opposition. Some held thumbs down; one said I love you as gays, but I disagree with your politics." No vitriol. No rage. And much appreciation. (A young woman rushed over and kissed me as I scooted down the home stretch.) When we passed the various announcer’s stations, they announced our group.

As someone who became a teenager in the 1950's, when both gayness and opposition to Israeli policies were invisible; when many of us thought that we were "the only ones", it was a very moving experience. For many years I was a closetted lesbian. For 30 years I have demonstrated as a Jew against Israeli policies in an atmosphere of virulent hostility and hatred. But this Pride weekend was different: The times they are a-changing.

- Sherry Gorelick