 Bob Dunn Todd Mauldin Written by: Bob Dunn, Stand Out Youth Volunteer
Without the support of FCN Members and the Savannah Pride organization, there would have been far fewer youth who would have been able to experience the historical moment of the 2009 National Equality March on Washington. To Georgia Equality, thank you for thinking of the youth and facilitating the small donation received from Kim to assist a youth in attending the march. To all of the board members of FCN, we graciously thank you for making us a benefactor of the September Garage Sale – we thoroughly enjoyed working with you that day. A very special thank you to the Savannah Pride board members, Christina, Bridgett, Heather, and Maria - thank you so very much for assisting with transportation and sharing the road for 12 hours (one way) with 18 youth in an RV… Exhausting!
While the crowd was 200,000 strong, spanning 80 years of age from all walks of life, it was by far overwhelmingly represented by a younger generation. Being there was a privilege. However, it was an honor for me to be able to march with the youth of Stand Out and SCAD Queers and Allies. Yes the crowd was awesome, and as a member of the ‘Older Generation,’ this day was a moment of truth and passing of the guard that gave an old fight a new strategy and stronger vision. It was the passing of responsibility received with exuberance by a younger and powerful steadfast voice: one that exemplifies the will to move this fight beyond the status quo of tolerance, and succeed at full acceptance under the laws of this country. I say thank you to them all, thank you for showing courage, for being visible, and for the will to demand nothing less than what is rightful ours.
As a four year veteran volunteering with Stand Out Youth, I have had many opportunities to experience first hand the exhaustion of doing volunteer work with the young adults that make up this organization. Equally so, as an old guy (twice the age of most and in some case three times the age of a few) these young adults inspire me, and have rewarded me two-fold with an education on acceptance, inclusion, creativity, friendship and compassion. They come from all walks of life with assorted cultural backgrounds and admirable ambitions, and they have given back to the community through volunteer services with other organizations in and out of the LGBT community. As part of their continued effort to give back to the Savannah community, the following articles and pictures reflect upon their experience of the National Equality March on Washington DC.
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Passing of the Guard
