Sending a similarly strong message was at first difficult for the Dade County Coalition for the Humanistic Rights of Gays, which originally consisted of representatives from 11 groups, all with predominantly lesbian and gay memberships. The Miami gay community did not, as a whole, actively involve itself in political causes. This “closet constituency” allowed for only a small base of volunteers in the early days of the repeal campaign. Support came from newly formed organizations such as Born Free/Fight Bigotry; Mothers Alliance for Miami Americans, which campaigned for gay rights in shopping malls and door-to-door; and Clergy and Laity for Human Rights, which steadfastly affirmed “the sacred and equal worth of homosexuals and heterosexuals.” The Dade County Teachers Union also endorsed the antidiscrimination ordinance. Many celebrities, ranging from actor Ed Asner and former US attorney general Ramsey Clark to feminist Gloria Steinem and presidential aide Midge Costanza issued statements in support of nondiscrimination. Financial contributions came from 48 states, three
Canadian provinces and two foreign countries. |
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