Will the defeat of same-sex marriage in Maine change your travel plans?

1. 
   bullseye
   

   I'm not sure what I will do yet cause I love the state and have many gay friends in Portland I want to support. But it is very upsetting to have our rights just stripped away, and to watch the jubilation of those who organized against equality. They need to be held accountable.

   Posted 2 weeks ago #
2. 
   Scott
   

   I'm incredibly frustrated. I just don't see how people can take away existing rights. But will I not travel to Portland or Ogunquit? I live in California, so I can't really throw stones - we too had our rights taken away, but I don't want people to stop coming to visit me.

   How can we make an impact in a way that matters - I don't want all the businesses run by LGBT folks an d our allies to suffer, but I would like to have some sort of major impact on their economy that says "don't f*** with the gays". It's a really tough situation.

   Posted 2 weeks ago #
3. 
   YourPalPete
   

   Please, before you decide to boycott Maine because of this disappointing vote, remember all the gay and gay-friendly business owners in the charming village of Ogunquit and the beautiful seaside city of Portland. Businesses are already struggling in this challenging economic environment, and we need to think twice before we contribute to that struggle. Yesterday's vote was upsetting and frustrating, but I would like to pose the question about why this issue is being put to a vote anyway! Gay civil rights were not put to a vote by our neighbors in Canada. Black civil rights were not put to a vote in the U.S. 1964. LGBT people need a strong persuasive voice like MLK and a president who isn't afraid of the issue. OK, Pete is now stepping down from his soap box! But please go to Maine--it's a beautiful state!

   Posted 2 weeks ago #
4. 
   DTracer
   

   I can't say a trip to Maine was on my horizon regardless of the outcome of this vote. Though it is certainly a blow to hear of the defeat, I don't think a boycott of the state would likely do any good. If I ever do make it out there, I would definitely try to stick to gay and gay friendly businesses as best I could. The vote wasn't a landslide, and the negative result unfortunately overshadows the very positive "No on 1" campaign and all the open-minded citizens of the state. If I were to boycott every state that has voted gay marriage down, not only would I have to leave my home state of California, but I wouldn't be able to visit another 30 or so states that make up this beautiful-however backwards at times-country of ours.

   Posted 2 weeks ago #
5. 
   bullseye
   

   that's a good point, dan. we can't boycott all 31 states, including the one we live in, california. but i will be selective about where i spend my marriage dollars, and i have to say i'm leaning toward boston... oh, guess i need a boyfriend first!

   Posted 2 weeks ago #
6. 
   YourPalPete
   

   Dan and bullseye, you guys make a really good point about not boycotting states where we've lost marriage referendums. Our travel would be limited! The thing we have to recognize is that the other side's negative ad campaigns were successful in California and now in Maine. I remember the TV ads in the L.A. market last year. The other side's scare tactics apparently worked better than our high-road approach. Those negative ads worked well in Orange and San Diego Counties, both with high voter density. They used the same scare tactics in Maine. Any ideas how we can combat this?

   Posted 2 weeks ago #
7. 
   retsofmada
   

   Equality has come a long way in New England in a short time. Definitely not as fast as anyone of us would like, but progress non the less. I am heartbroken about the vote in Maine, the very fact that people can vote someone's ability to have equal rights in America appalls me. I am optimistic that the right thing will come soon. Until then I believe that Harvey Milk was probably right with his ideology that gay people should be visible, everyone knows gay people even if they are not aware of it. People are more willing to turn from all the hate and lies of discriminating groups with "godly" agenda's and support equality when they are able to realize that someone they care about is the victim of such discrimination. As for traveling in Maine, there are many gay friendly places and people. Perhaps avoiding the merchants that gave financial support to the Yes on 1 campaign would be the way to go. Be strengthened and know that equality for all will be a reality someday soon!

   Posted 1 week ago #

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