Like most big wins, the fight for gay rights is comprised of a number of minor battles.  As much as it’s a rally in the capitol, it also a yard sign in a small town. Kalamazoo, Michigan is one of those small towns.

Kalamazoo, with fewer than 80,000 inhabitants, has been divided for months over a nondiscrimination ordinance that would extend housing and employment discrimination protection to include gay and transgendered people. The original ordinance was proposed and passed by the City Commission last year, but in March the Commission decided to rescind the amendment to seek additional public comment. Now, an organization called One Kalamazoo is working to bring it back by educating voters about the need to vote yes to defend the ordinance this November.

In August, Jon Hoadley stepped down from his position as Executive Director of the Stonewall Democrats to join One Kalamazoo and, true to his track record, he has done it with gusto. When One Kalamazoo’s new video (see below) raised $5,000 for the campaign, Hoadley independently raised $2,300 more.

Recently, he answered questions for TakePart.

Q. When did your political activism begin?

I started political activism while in high school. I had always been interested in elections and how government works, but it really became clear for me watching the election returns in 2000. I remember seeing George Bush win and thinking to myself, “this isn’t going to be good for LGBT people.” I was right.

Q. You’ve stepped down as Executive Director at Stonewall Democrats to work on a ballot initiative in Kalamazoo, Michigan. What is the initiative and why did you decide to get involved?

I’m so proud of the work of Stonewall Democrats. Over the last few years Stonewall Democrats’ chapter network grew 33%, the organization doubled its budget, and the governance of the organization was completely overhauled. I’m confident that Stonewall Democrats will continue to grow into a critical part of any progressive coalition working to elect pro-equality Democrats.

Now was the right time to go back to full-time campaign work and this was the right issue. The Kalamazoo non-discrimination ordinance protects all people who live in, work in, or visit Kalamazoo from unfair treatment in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This inclusive ordinance is a model for other communities and local advocates, and I was honored when I was asked to come help.

Q. What can our readers do to help with the initiative in Kalamazoo?

The most important thing people can do stand up for fairness and equality is to let everyone you know who lives in Kalamazoo to vote YES on the non-discrimination ordinance.

But there are other ways to help, too. First, sign-up for more information.Then you’ll know up to date information and what we’ll need to win.

Second, make an investment in equality today by making a donation. It doesn’t matter how much someone gives, but we need to send the message that hundreds of people think equality is worth fighting for and we’ll put our money where our mouth is.

Finally, if you’re near Kalamazoo, come help! We’re talking to voters every day. Come be part of the conversation.

Everyone can do something for equality. What are you doing?

Q. President Obama has received criticism from LGBT communities and allies–and lately from Dan Savage in the Advocate’s September issue–on his slowness to act on the promises he made during election time concerning equal rights. You have said that when you were doing political organizing in South Dakota, you “wanted to reject the model that secondary goals and baby steps are OK.” What are your thoughts on the pace of the Obama administration with regard to equal rights?

I think the Obama administration is working on LGBT rights, but we have an obligation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to keep pushing. We have the most pro-equality President in the history of our country, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t keep our issues at the forefront of conversation. Even our friends will disappoint us from time to time, but we owe it to ourselves to keep asking for what we truly need to achieve full equality under the law.

I’m optimistic about legislation currently moving through Congress-particularly the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. If we keep working hard, talking to legislators, and investing in pro-equality candidates and ballot measures, we’ll succeed.

Q. What do you see as the greatest obstacle for the LGBT movement right now?

The greatest obstacle to people working for full-equality is the lack of sustained resources and action.

We need people who are always willing to make the calls into their representatives, show up at the district office, or come lobby at the capitol. We also need more people donating to LGBT organizations to support the people who are working around the clock to move us closer to full equality under the law. If everyone gave even a few dollars to support a local, statewide, and national organization we’d be able to have our voices heard in all the places where decisions are being made.

Q. In the Huffington Post article you wrote last year, you underscored the importance of focusing on solutions, saying, “We have to give them hope. We need to say what we want, not just what we don’t want.” What actions can people take to get involved proactively in the movement for equal rights today?

I’ve already said it once, but it’s so important that I’ll say it again. Make your values heard by showing up to help and giving to organizations making a difference.

It’s always easier critique the work that’s been done or isn’t being done. The true test of leadership is to ask how you can be part of the team that’s working on making things better-and then doing it.

There are hundreds of worthwhile organizations, candidates, and campaigns out there that need help. Call one of them and get involved.

Q. If you could say ten words the whole country would listen to, what would they be?

Everyone can do something for equality. What are you doing?

Photo courtesy of dbking’s photostream/Creative Commons