"Against Equality" Speaker in Rochester

Ryan Conrad of Against Equality visited the Flying Squirrel Community Space on April 17 for the launching of his group's publication "Against Equality, Queer Revolution Not Mere Inclusion." The event was sponsored by the Black Rose Anarchist Federation.  Conrad was not the author in the usual sense of the word.  He acted as editor, putting together various articles, essays and manifestos on how the gay rights movement intersects with three social institutions.  Those institutions are marriage, the military and prisons. All of the material is available online at the Collective's web site. The paper book was published as a benefit to people in prison where the internet is not available, or is heavily censored. 

Perhaps the most shocking point is the title "Against Equality."  Why would any LGBT rights group be against equality?  This FAQ from the group's web site explains it clearly.

Why would you ever call yourselves Against Equality?  It’s juvenile and stupid and you’re setting back the gay rights movement.
Equality, as defined by contemporary mainstream LGBT political organizations, is a meaningless term.  If further entrenching special rights for certain couples when those rights should be extended to everyone, bolstering the U.S. war machine by providing more bodies for cannon fodder, and advocating for never-ending prison expansion as a legitimate way to address anti-queer/trans violence are part of your vision of an equitable future: we say “hell no!”  By calling ourselves Against Equality, as out and loud queers, we hope to create a bit of productive confusion where one might ask, “Against Equality–but I thought they were homos…” which then begs the question: “well, what is equality?”

The event included video presentations by Against Equality Collective members Yasmin Nair and Karma Chavez. Afterwards Ryan Conrad answered questions from the audience.

part 1

part 2

Q and A