Rock For Equality

As I have previously mentioned, I have been working some long hours lately. The reason is due to a new event we just launched yesterday called, Rock For Equality. Rock For Equality is a national rally and rock-in to demand equal Social Security benefits for America’s same-sex couples.  

True, Social Security is not something we tend to think about very often. In fact, the only time I ever think about it is when I notice how much is taken out of my paycheck. In the words of Rachel (Jennifer Aniston on Friends): “Who is FICA and why is she getting all my money?!?!”

Unfortunately, since my father’s death, I have learned a little bit more about Social Security, specifically, survivor benefits and death benefits. In preparing for this event, I have also learned how unfair the Social Security system is to our gay senior citizens. Even those that are legally married are inelligible to receive some of the crucial benefits provided to straight couples.

The Social Security Act was passed by Congress as part of the New Deal, and signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. The act was an attempt to limit what were seen as dangers in the modern American life, including old age, poverty, unemployment, and the burdens of widows and fatherless children. By signing this act President Roosevelt became the first president to advocate the protection of the elderly.

So, what? The elderly deserve to be protected unless they’re…gay?

This discrimination forces many gay seniors out of the homes they have built with their families over decades. Rock for Equality will fund the critical legislative work in Washington that is required to change this law.

Even President Obama addressed the problem of Social Security discrimination at a town hall meeting in Tampa last week, “…if you’re obeying the law…if you’re following the rules, you should be treated the same, regardless of who you are…that principal applies to gay and lesbian couples.” He went on to say, “The notion that someone who’s working really hard for 30 years, can’t take their death benefits and transfer them to the person they love the most in the world, and who has supported them all their lives, that just doesn’t seem fair, it doesn’t seem right…”

From the Rock For Equality press release:

Presented by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in coalition with the AIDS Community Action Foundation, the event aims to raise awareness and funds for the fight to change the law. “Sometime the best way to stand up is to sit down” said Craig R. Miller of MZA Events, producer of Rock for Equality.

At www.RockForEquality.org visitors can register for the events, watch video testimonials from Center clients (and others) about the impact of social security discrimination, and calculate how much they may lose in social security benefits if the law isn’t changed.

Visit our website: Rock For Equality, and if you’re so inclined – REGISTER! Sign our Declaration.
Visit our YouTube page, and don’t forget to mark the videos as favorites! Join us on Facebook! Help us get the word out!

Social Security discrimination is wrong. Help us right this wrong.