LOCAL IWWs PROUDLY STAND WITH LGBTQ+ WORKERS
LABOR SHOWS UP STRONG AT AKRON PRIDE 2022!
In July, the Northeast Ohio IWW membership voted to participate in Akron Pride Festival’s 2022 Equity March. Many of us had high hopes for a strong turnout in solidarity with local LGBTQ+ workers. Despite short notice, our members pulled together and we were not disappointed!
At least 15 Wobblies, Socialist Rifle Association members, and local leftists assembled near Spaghetti Warehouse at 9 AM on Saturday, August 27. The procession onto the street began at approximately 10 AM. Altogether, we marched for a little over half a mile. We moved through downtown into the festival location.
Fellow Workers carried our branch banner and several IWW flags. Marchers also carried numerous Pride flags and leftist or workers flags. Multiple marchers shouted down an evangelical Christofascist group alongside other participants and attendees.
STRONG LABOR PRESENCE ENCOURAGES LOCAL WORKING CLASS
Notably, numerous Wobblies were present assisting other organizations. So were many representatives of working class groups, including SRA. While our group had no contact with them, Akron DSA was also present in the march. The other union presence we’re aware of was United Steelworkers Local 979. We were very warmly received by the Akron LGBTQ+ community and our members were happy to be there together.
Altogether, a sizable representation of labor rank-and-file and various leftist or working class organizations showed up. This fact was a material sign of hope for many within the Union and numerous spectators. Strangers voiced their support (and, more than once, pleasant surprise) for our presence there.
When the march finished, our delegation officially dispersed. Many participating IWWs & comrades gathered together at Tear-ez for an outstanding pizza and beer social.
AN INJURY TO LGBTQ+ WORKERS IS AN INJURY TO ALL
The Northeast Ohio Industrial Workers of the World is proud to stand hand in hand with our LGBTQ+ fellow workers in their sustained fight for dignity and equity. No worker is safe until all workers are safe– until LGBTQ+ workers are safe! It is especially vital in these times of increased attacks on LGBTQ+ communities that all workers reaffirm their commitment to their total liberation.
An injury to one is an injury to all!