Speak Out: Lessons from the past, on film, ring true today

By Robin Kniech

Forty years ago this month, a mostly white, all male Denver City Council, without a single LGBT member, put an end to police vice raids and criminal obscenity laws that were discriminatorily being used to entrap mostly gay men and lesbians. One of the community leaders behind this victory, Jerry Gerash, dubbed this historic event The Gay Revolt at Denver City Council and created a film to document the events leading up to the repeal.

Gay Revolt at Denver City Council should be required viewing for anyone interested in vibrant democracy or social change of any kind, and will soon be important viewing for youth who will not remember a time before Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, before Defense of Marriage Act, or before openly LGBT leaders in entertainment, politics and even sports. Thanks to a partnership among Denver’s Gay and Lesbian Commission, my office, and Mayor Hancock, Denver will have the opportunity to celebrate this anniversary with a free screening of the film at The Denver Film Center.

It can be surprising to note the similarity between the secrets to success for decriminalization 40 years ago and the keys to winning relationship recognition today. For example:

Then and now, those being impacted were visible both in large numbers before decision-makers, and in meaningful stories painting the human toll of discriminatory public policies.

Then and now, smart and strategic legal and lobbying strategies were utilized along with more popular tactics such as rallies and marches to create both internal and external pressure on government systems to change.

Then and now, messages had to touch the hearts and minds of those who may not have ever experienced similar oppression to succeed in making lasting change.

I continue to support the movement for LGBT relationship recognition, protection from discrimination, and access to services. But as the gay and lesbian community transitions from just revolting against oppression of our own community to serving broad and diverse communities within government, or facing the other oppressions that also impact our community, where else can leaders and regular citizens take these lessons?

What could the Gay Revolt teach us about the importance of bringing the voices of working individuals who have seen no rise in wages in decades, the unemployed, or the homeless to decision-makers debating budgets, housing policies, or job strategies? While communities wrenched by gang violence conduct peace marches and mentor youth, what is our “inside” legal and policy strategy for change? What are the “asks” of government that can make a difference?

Join us to celebrate 40 years of transformational history in Denver Oct. 23. But don’t miss the point of the film. Keep taking action to change hearts and minds and policy in Denver, Colorado and beyond.

Robin Kniech is an at-large Denver City Council member.  She is the first out lesbian to be a member of the Council.  For more information about the viewing contact Jennifer Selph at 303.595.3456 ext. 235.