Jay Morris, Marc Pedraza & TAKE ACTION in Maine, Washington & the National Equality March
Originally released: October 01, 2009
Episode 10 of Nathan OUTloud features my interview with activist and founder of jaysays.com – Jay Morris. I also feature a song by recording artist Marc Pedraza titled, “No More, No Less”. The “Take Action” items I discuss at the end of the show cover the latest on the campaigns in Maine and Washington, as well as details around the National Equality March in DC.
Founder, activist and dreamer, Jay Morris, began jaysays.com as a small personal project to stay in touch with family and friends. Over time, the site developed into what you see today with a focus on LGBT issues and current events. Jay is also the voice behind the Blog Talk Radio program Closet Talk, a weekly show discussing issues surrounding the LGBT community, coming out of and staying in the closet which can be found at: blogtalkradio.com/jaysays.
Marc Pedraza’s music conveys messages of equality, unity, freedom and a pro-peace themes. He combines thought provoking lyrics with a unique blend of reggae, dub and soul to create a unique style all his own.
Born in the suburbs of Phoenix, Marc traces his first interest in music to childhood memories of listening to his father play piano. After noticing his natural inclination towards music, his parents enrolled him in piano lessons at the age of six. As a teen, he took up guitar and with the help of two friends formed a band called Euphoric Blue. The band performed at house parties, bars and small clubs throughout their hometown for the next six years.
While studying music theory at Mesa Community College, Marc was accepted into the selective Music Industry program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During his three semesters at USC, Marc took classes in concert promotion and production, music supervision for film and television, music business, recording arts and sciences, music history and entertainment law. Empowered by his education, Marc returned home and co-founded his record company, Independent Freedom Tribe, with long time friend Abby Hertzel. Throughout the summer of 2003, they worked together to create a platform for talented artists to freely express their unique thoughts and opinions. Marc has performed at events such as Phoenix Pride, San Diego LGBT Pride, Palm Springs Pride, Humboldt Pride, GLSEN Phoenix "A=Art" Auction 2008, Arizona State University's Day of Silence, Glendale's Food Not Bombs' March For Social Change, The Season For Nonviolence Concert to benefit the Arizona Department of Peace and The People's Army Benefit Show for the No Borders Camp.
This November the people of Maine and Washington will vote on two ballot measures of significant importance not only to the LGBT community, but everyone who believes in fairness and equality. It is incredibly important that each of us do our part to ensure that come November 3rd, the right to marriage equality in Maine is protected and that the loving couples in Washington have the right to enjoy the same benefits and recognitions offered by the state to married couples. Even if you are not able to travel to either of these states to volunteer, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved from where ever you may be.
We also have to the opportunity to come together as a community and let our elected officials know that we are no longer going to accept excuses for our rights to be put on hold. On October 11th in Washington DC, the National Equality March will take place. This is our chance to send a clear message. Please do whatever you can to be in Washington as we send a clear message as members and allies of the LGBT community.
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