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In the spirit of The Denver Principles (a manifesto of self-empowerment written by AIDS activists in 1983), a new set of guidelines have emerged for the LGBT civil rights movement: The Dallas Principles.

Here’s info from their website:

On May 15-17, 2009 in Dallas, Texas, twenty-four thinkers, activists and donors gathered to discuss the immediate need for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States. Collectively we prepared The Dallas Principles.

The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action. In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:

1. Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.

2. We will not leave any part of our community behind.

3. Separate is never equal.

4. Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.

5. The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.

6. Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.

7. Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.

8. Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.


I added my name on their website to endorse The Dallas Principles and I encourage all of you to add your support.

Hat tip to Pam Spaulding of the LGBT blog Pam’s House Blend for this story. She is one of the original 24 people who created The Dallas Principles.