We're Here to Stay

Subtitled "A Documentary About the History of Hands Off Washington and the Politics of Hate in Washington State," this engaging tape recounts the founding, internal struggles, successes, and failures of Hands Off Washington, a grassroots group dedicated to gay and lesbian civil rights in Washington state. Begun in 1992 as a preemptive strike against Oregon anti-gay activist Lon Mabon's possible expansion into Washington, Hands Off overcame its members' differing agendas to keep four anti-gay initiatives from state-wide ballots, and later sponsored its own initiative to protect gays' employment rights. Though its initiative failed, the group continues to be active throughout the state--now under the name Equality Washington--and has added affirmative action and anti-immigration issues to its docket. Film from pro-initiative events, press conferences, and rallies, and interviews with Hands Off personnel, provide an enlightening view of grassroots politicking at its best. Recommended for flush collections. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)