Great Nationwide Kiss-In (Erie!) August 15, 2009

Join the Fun! Erie is having its own GNKI event on Saturday, August 15th, at exactly 2 PM, on the front steps of the Erie County Court House, 140 W 6th St, Erie PA. Arrive early to get ready to join people in the Nationwide Kiss-In. People of all sexual orientations are welcome. Bring your family and friends: this is a fun "G" event.

Info: Mary Zuck, [email protected] (814) 734-5337 or Mike Mahler, [email protected] (814) 456-9833. Read more about the national event at http://greatnationwidekissin.com, or locally at http://www.eriegaynews.com.

Part of national event.

From http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=124199360752

We are two bloggers - David Badash and David Mailloux - who believe that any person anywhere should be able to kiss whomever they want, whenever they want.

We both believe that there's not enough love and affection in the world, because most people are afraid to show it. We should never be afraid of brief, unimposing displays of affection. There is nothing wrong with a hug, a kiss on the mouth, a kiss on the cheek.

Together, with the help of Willow Witte and the national Join The Impact group, we are coordinating a nationwide event on August 15, 2009 at 2 p.m., EDT (or 11 a.m., PDT) It's called "The Great Nationwide Kiss-In" and you're invited - all of you! - to either plan a Kiss-In event in your city or town, or simply participate in an existing one.

Okay, you ask, but what does this mean? What is a Kiss-In?

Well, it's quite simple. On the suggested date and time, in a public place - whether it's a park or plaza or popular thoroughfare in your city or town - you'll bring your husband or wife or partner or boyfriend or girlfriend or good friend, and at 2 p.m., you'll kiss. It's one of the simplest things in the world to do!

Why, you ask? Why are you doing this?

After incidents in San Antonio, TX, El Paso, TX and Salt Lake City, UT - where different gay and lesbian couples were harassed or detained by law enforcement or other people for the simple act of kissing in a public place - we need to make a strong statement to everyone everywhere: kissing is not a bad thing, nor has it ever been. It's not vulgar or inappropriate. It's a sign of affection that is as old as time itself. And it's a beautiful thing that we share with our loved ones every single day.

The more cities with corresponding events, and the more people who participate in those events, the stronger the statement.

You can read more about why we've chosen to coordinate this, by reading our blog entries below:

David Badash: http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/its-time-for-a-nationwide-kiss-in/discrimination/2009/07/13/4150

David Mailloux: http://dym-sum.com/2009/07/13/no203/

If you're interested in organizing a Great Nationwide Kiss-In event, and your city or town is not listed at the site , please send us a message at [email protected]. We'll make sure you get all the information you need to get started as soon as possible. If your city or town is already listed, we'll set you up with organizers so you can give them a hand.

If you're interested in participating in a Kiss-In event (remember, ALL are welcome to attend and participate, regardless of sexual orientation, or gender identity), then look at the site to see if an event is being planned near you

Official Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108657518098