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Doing the Right Thing: Conscience, Conflict, and Community in the Struggle against Seattle's Antigay Initiative 13
Author(s) -
Kraig Beth
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
peace and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1468-0130
pISSN - 0149-0508
DOI - 10.1111/pech.12296
Subject(s) - grassroots , conscience , injustice , queer , framing (construction) , repeal , politics , mainstream , sociology , sexual orientation , political science , criminology , gender studies , gay rights , law , structural engineering , engineering
In 1978, antigay citizens filed an initiative to repeal Seattle's inclusion of “sexual orientation” in its fair employment and housing ordinances. Seattle's queer residents sought to defeat Initiative 13 [I‐13], but disagreed deeply about how to do so. Key debates centered on whether sexual minorities should be highly visible participants in the struggle, if grassroots activism or professional campaign strategies should be used, and whether activists should concentrate solely on defeating I‐13 or link that effort to other long‐term struggles against injustice. Three organizations emerged to fight I‐13, reflecting the deeply felt beliefs that Seattle's queer activists expressed in the debates. Analysis of the I‐13 struggle offers insights into the complexity of coalition politics and the role of individual consciences in framing progressive activism.