Tennessee Equality Project Chair Asks George Takei to Put His Money Where His Mouth Is
Earlier this week, George Takei put out another funny video in his campaign against anti-LGBT laws in Tennessee, which advertised the sale of his "It's Ok to be Takei" T-shirts, proceeds from which appear to be going to the Old Globe theater in San Diego.
Jonathan Cole, President and Chair of the Tennessee Equality Project wonders why they're not going to fight the legislation there.
Dear Mr. Takei,
I am a lifelong fan of your work. As a gay man, I was inspired by the ideals expressed in the Star Trek series. When I learned you were gay, it enriched that experience to Warp 10 for me. I am serving my third year on the board of the Tennessee Equality Project. My organization has fought against the Don't Say Gay bill for six LONG years. It's the bill that seems to never die. TEP is the boots on the ground here in Tennessee fighting this onerous bill. I am thrilled to hear that you've lent your name to fighting against this bill, but I am curious: to which charities are you forwarding the proceeds of your sales? Are you reinvesting those donations in TN to fight the anti-LGBT legislature in Tennessee? Since Tennessee Equality Project is the lead organization in fighting the Don't Say Gay bill in Tennessee, I've wondered when we might hear from you or your organization. We at TEP would love to help you put proceeds of your work to good use at the source of the problem --- right here in Tennessee. I'd love to talk more about this with you. Perhaps, we can both plot a course for equality here in Tennessee.
Added Porter: "I'm not aware of the Old Globe theater engaging in the fight for equality and safe schools in Tennessee."
Takei's video, reposted AFTER THE JUMP...
Cole: "Based on his lack of response, TEP accepts that he is not interested in supporting TEP's advocacy work."
Dear Mr. Cole:
Uhm, no. The fact that he's making these videos at all and using his TREMENDOUS social platform and reach (have you seen his Twitter and Facebook numbers, not to mention that his viral video was covered on major news and entertainment programs internationally) to bring attention to your cause means he is SUPPORTING your cause. But because you haven't gotten cash, you tell others he isn't interested in supporting you. Classless.
Right now Takei has a cause that is close to his heart that NO ONE at his level of visibility seems to be raising money for except him. He's funneling his own money into it and trying to raise awareness and money for it. WHILE doing it, he's also bringing more attention to your cause that gives you a springboard for fundraising that you would never have had without it. Even if he had only donated his time as a celebrity spokesman (which is essentially what he did), the "in-kind" donation (the cost it would have cost you to hire him outright) was EXCEPTIONAL and generous.
You can argue legitimately whether it was as sensitive as it could have been--or even good taste--to fund raise for the cause most important to his heart (the cause that is currently taking up all of his spare income) or you could be grateful that, if not for George Takei becoming your unofficial spokesman (I learned about the orginal "Don't Say Gay" bill from the Rachel Maddow show showing his initial viral video, for example) Tennessee's challenges would forever be a story buried deep in the pages of most mainstream news...and certainly not on ACCESS HOLLYWOOD or the like.
Your stunt here has soured me toward you and your organization. If there are ways in the future I can support your cause (giving to candidates who are challenging the bigots, or other organizations), I will do it. But YOU will never see a penny of this activist's money as I deplore divisive tactics and publically calling otherwise good people out as much from my own community as I do from the hateful conservatives we are all working against.
Posted by: LuckyLinden | Mar 9, 2012 6:35:19 PM
I had to watch the video again (which was a pleasure) and it doesn't even imply that the merch sales will go to any particular charity.
It's the same merch, by the way, that he sells for any number of videos he does, so how on earth would he know for which particular bit of advocacy some Joe Blow in Tennessee or Utah or California or North Carolina or Maine or Washington State they wanted their $1.50 t-shirt profit to go to? Sheesh.
But best of luck there in Tennessee. Take the inspired advocacy of Mr. Takei, gratis by the way, and be a little grateful for that.
Posted by: Zlick | Mar 9, 2012 6:55:39 PM
I don't mean it as criticism of George Takei at all because I admire him and appreciate his efforts on behalf of gay rights, but "Just say Takei" is a satirical effort and really doesn't address the law or the legislature who will vote on it in any meaningful way. And the size of George Takei's Twitter following means f*ck all on the ground in TN, and I know that because I live there.
Posted by: Caliban | Mar 9, 2012 7:02:31 PM
Well, maybe so, Caliban, but would you prefer that someone help to at least bask the backwoods legislation in some sunshine, even if largely preaching to the choir, or would you rather it remain in the dark?
It's not anyone's particular responsibility to do this bit or that - but merely what they're moved to do. Celebrities lend their voice. They've got a built-in following, that sometimes (as in Mr. Takei's instance) grows with their advocacy of whatever causes are dear to them. That celebrity is what they have to offer. Others have other things.
And with all due respect, it's largely up to those on the ground in Tennessee to effect positive change in Tennessee. We outside Tennessee offer what support we can. Mr. Takei is offering more than most.
Posted by: Zlick | Mar 9, 2012 8:02:10 PM
I live in Tennessee, and although I don't know the people at TEP personally, my impression is they are a self serving elitist group that has very little impact on the lives of ordinary gay Tennesseans. I signed the petition asking them to work with Freedom to Marry, along with a couple hundred other people. They have sucked up to the Mayors office in Nashville for years, and when given the opportunity to actually use that relationship to benefit the gay community, they turn their backs. If they forced the Mayor to state his opinion they might not get invited to his parties. Again, that's just my opinion, but I suspect it is shared by many others in the state.
Posted by: sl in tn | Mar 9, 2012 9:40:45 PM
Takei's t-shirt sales are misleading, although his heart is in the right place. If you were to listen to someone talking about clubbing baby seals and selling t-shirts with seals on them, you wouldn't expect that money to go to orphanages in Peru.
Posted by: Sudaria | Mar 10, 2012 2:06:39 AM