By Travis Covitz

As Pride parades become increasingly corporate affairs, the tensions between LGBT assimilation and queer liberation, especially in the United States, are made increasingly manifest. Mass disruptions of Pride events by queer people are a culmination of growing discontent with the policed capitalist display that these celebrations have become. In previous years, blocs have criticized the ways that Pride parades reflect how LGBT assimilation asks white, American queers to forget the ways the queer struggle is interconnected with other struggles for justice. The organizers of these disruptions use them as a platform to agitate queer people into supporting liberation movements across the world. 

This year, disruptions of pride parades have centered around calling out the sponsors of these celebrations for being complicit in the genocide in Gaza. In addition to direct actions, political education events have discussed why queer people should stand up against the Zionist regime. 

For example, in July, the Rochester Committee to End Apartheid hosted an event, “Stones of Resistance”, where community members came together to learn about the parallels between the First Intifada and the Stonewall Riots. Even without knowing the similarities between their liberation movements, many non-Palestinian queer people are sympathetic to the plights of Palestinians. They are disturbed by the over four-hundred days of active genocide committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces. Ending the genocide is the most pressing issue, but there are deep parallels between these communities and their struggles, that reveal the need for long-term solidarity.

To understand the distinction between assimilation and liberation for queer people, we must look to history. The Stonewall Riots are often cited as the herald of the modern American gay rights movement. Pride parades originated from an annual commemoration of the riots. Modern queer activists have a renewed interest in the legacy of Stonewall, motivated by seeing the same contradictions that prompt leftists to shut down Pride parades—lip service to queer acceptance that does nothing to change material conditions for the most oppressed. Part of that legacy is the group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), created in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots by two street queens of color, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. 

What made STAR revolutionary? This question takes us in two directions. First, we can explore why the people who created STAR were interested in a politics of ‘revolution’ (liberation) rather than ‘assimilation’. Johnson and Rivera, who were active in queer community before the Stonewall Riots, watched as mainstream gay rights groups quickly distanced themselves from sex workers, transgender people, and people of color. These bases were key to the escalation of the Stonewall Riots as a showing of gay power.

Johnson and Rivera not only respected these intersectional bases, but were part of their community, and unwilling to have their demands sacrificed for the comfort of richer, whiter gay communities. With that context, we can now explore what qualities of STAR’s activist work and philosophy characterized it as revolutionary. We answer this by turning to the STAR Manifesto. 

Shared below, the STAR Manifesto demonstrates the group’s radical character through its focus on changing the material conditions that oppress queer people. Because queerness exists across racial and class categories, basing queer liberation in a materialist analysis lends itself to an intersectional understanding of collective liberation. Furthermore, the materialist lens allows queer activists of today to compare the conditions the STAR Manifesto sought to bring about to the conditions of the current day, and reflect on the extent to which the goals of previous generations have been met. 

The Manifesto can be accessed at the website of the New York Public Library – Digital Collections, or read below (please note that the term ‘transvestite’ in this context is understood to have a similar meaning to the modern use of the term ‘transgender’):

The oppression against transvestite of either sex arises from sexist values and this oppression is manifested by hetrosexuals and homosexuals of both sexes in form of exploitation, ridicule, harassment, beatings, rapes, murders. 

Because of this oppression the majority of transvestites are forced into the streets we have framed a strong alliance with our gay sisters and brothers of the street. Who we are a part of and represent we are; a part of the revolutionaries’ armies fighting against the system.

1. We want the right to self-determination over the use of our bodies; the right to be gay, anytime, anyplace; the right to free physiological change and modification of sex on demand; the right to free dress and adornment.
2. The end to all job discrimination against transvestites of both sexes and gay street people because of attire.
3. The immediate end of all police harassment and arrest of transvestites and gay street people, and the release of transvestites and gay street people from all prisons and all other political prisoners.
4. The end to all exploitive practices of doctors and psychiatrists who work in the field of transvestism.
5. Transvestites who live as members of the opposite gender should be able to obtain identification of the opposite gender.
6. Transvestites and gay street people and all oppressed people should have free education, health care, clothing, food, transportation, and housing.
7. Transvestites and gay street people should be granted full and equal rights on all levels of society, and full voice in the struggle for liberation of all oppressed people.
8. An end to exploitation and discrimination against transvestites within the homosexual world.
9. We want a revolutionary peoples’ government, where transvestites, street people, women, homosexuals, blacks, puerto ricans, indians, and all oppressed people are free, and not fucked over by this government who treat us like the scum of the earth and kills us off like flies, one by one, and throws us into jail to rot. This government who spends millions of dollars to go to the moon, and lets the poor Americans starve to death.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

S.T.A.R.

As it is laid out in the STAR Manifesto, the struggle for queer liberation has a lot in common with the struggle for a free Palestine. The material conditions faced by STAR members bear a striking resemblance to the conditions faced by all Palestinians, regardless of gender status or sexual orientation. Job discrimination, police harassment, detention, and incarceration are core tools of Israeli occupation and apartheid. In the case of job discrimination, Labor Zionism is literally built off of the exclusion of Palestinians from labor unions. Kibbutzim, the supposedly ‘socialist havens’ of Israel, deny residency to Palestinians. Palestinians are treated as acceptable targets of the violence of unregulated capitalism. 

As for the issue of police harassment and detention, release of the mass numbers of Palestinians detained by the occupation forces has been a consistent demand of Palestinian liberation. Systemic sexual abuse at Sde Teiman makes the parallels between Palestinian experience in Israeli detention and queer experience in American detention even more blatant. The goals of the STAR Manifesto cannot be achieved as long as Palestine is occupied.

Oppression of Palestinians and queer people overlap not only in tools, but in methods. State and federal identification documents act as sites of control for transgender Americans as well as Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. Americans need identification to get legal employment and housing, for banking and healthcare access, and for obtaining government services. If their documents do not match with the gender they present, or their documents are inconsistent, transgender people can be denied services—at best—or incarcerated for fraud at worst. Legislative moves such as those by the state of Texas, banning the changing of sex on certain identification documents, make document inconsistency inevitable. The linking of gender between birth certificates, state licenses, and social security cards creates a confusing system, made even more complex by the different requirements between states to change gender markers. 

In their own case, Palestinians are given identification documents by the Israeli government based on their place of birth. The system of registration and documentation is then used to control civil rights by defining residency on different terms for indigenous Palestinians and Jewish settlers. Meanwhile, Palestine has been filled with identification checkpoints, literal barriers, denying free movement to Palestinians. These checkpoints are often sites of violence, where Israeli soldiers frequently torture, kill, and incarcerate Palestinians. As we read the perspective of the STAR manifesto, we can consider that identification documents may not be inherently inhumane. Rather, it is the state denying agency in self-identification that facilitates control of oppressed communities.

Because of their similar material conditions, the principles guiding queer liberation and Palestinian liberation mirror each other. The first demand of STAR, self-determination, also appears in the Thawabit, the fundamental principles of Palestinian liberation. Israeli occupation violates Palestine’s external self-determination, the right under international law for a state to be free of foreign domination, while the apartheid and embargo violate Palestinians’ internal self-determination. 

For the activists who established STAR, self-determination was centered on queer “use of our bodies.” Palestinian self-determination is an embodied practice. The demands of Palestinian society—the right of return, the rebuilding of communities, the freedom to maintain ancestral practices that facilitate stewardship of the land—are all uses of the body that cannot presently occur due to Zionist violation of Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Individuals cannot practice self-determination when it is denied to their community, let alone their nation.

As we can see, Palestinian liberation and queer liberation arose from similar material conditions created by parallel tools of oppression, and therefore have common principles undergirding their radical stance of resistance. The interconnected nature of Palestinian and queer liberation is recognized by Stonewall veterans, such as Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, who canceled an appearance at an institution in protest of its complicity in the ongoing Gaza genocide.

Zionists themselves have realized the power of connecting queer and Palestinian liberation. They seek to disrupt this connection through pinkwashing, anti-Palestinian racism, and islamophobia. Queer activists outside of Palestine must emphasize the demands of queer Palestinian organizations, like al Qaws, who recognize Zionist colonialism as a primary contradiction for their communities. Liberation for queer people will not occur until there is liberation for every Palestinian.

The post Palestinian Liberation is the Legacy of Stonewall first appeared on Rochester Red Star.

Organize yourself out of a job by empowering rank-and-file members of your union to step up and lead.

The post How do I inspire leadership in my union? appeared first on EWOC.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 17 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Ecosocialist Monthly Meeting (Zoom)

Wednesday, December 18 (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.): What is DSA? (In person at 1916 McAllister)

Thursday, December 19 (5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Education Board Open Meeting (Zoom)

Thursday, December 19 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Palestine Solidarity and Anti-Imperialist Working Group (Zoom)

Monday, December 23 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Labor Board Meeting (Zoom)

Check out https://dsasf.org/events for more events and updates.

Events & Actions

DSA SF Education Board: 2025 Planning Survey

What did you come to DSA to learn about? What types of educational events do you think would help our organizing work as a chapter? Help the ed board shape our 2025 educational offerings by taking this three minute survey.

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No Appetite for Apartheid in SF!

Inspired by long-standing Palestinian boycott tactics and the BDS call, the Palestine Solidarity Anti-Imperialist Working Group are canvassing local stores and asking them to pledge to become Apartheid-Free by dropping products from companies complicit in the genocide of Palestinians and colonization of Palestine. It’s time to turn up the heat on this apartheid regime and take apartheid off our plates!

Want to show your support? Sign our Apartheid-Free Pledge so business owners know how popular this movement is with their local customers. After signing the pledge, we would love to see you at any of our upcoming canvassing. Check dsasf.org/events for updates.

Behind the Scenes

The Chapter Coordination Committee (CCC) regularly rotates duties among chapter members. This allows us to train new members in key duties that help keep the chapter running like organizing chapter meetings, keeping records updated, office cleanup, updating the DSA SF website and newsletter, etc. Members can view current CCC rotations.

To help with the day-to-day tasks that keep the chapter running, fill out the CCC help form.

Are you a progressive running for office? ROC DSA may be willing to endorse and assist you.

You do not need to identify as a socialist to apply. We are seeking candidates whose policy stances align with ROC DSA’s goals. If you have anti-capitalist sentiments and support socialist policies, such as unions, housing as a human right, and improved city schools, we may be a good fit.

We can potentially provide both a formal endorsement and mobilize our membership to assist with your campaign.

To begin the process, fill out the form to the extent you are able. We will be in contact shortly.

APPLY HERE: bit.ly/endorserocdsa

DEADLINE: January 7th

The post Apply for ROC DSA’s Electoral Campaign Endorsement first appeared on Rochester Red Star.

In an era when democratic institutions face mounting threats, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) offers something invaluable: a space where people can come together not just to resist deteriorating conditions, but to actively build a better world. This combination of practical organizing and genuine community provides essential support for personal well-being and effective political action.

Walking into your first DSA meeting can feel like finding an oasis in a desert of political despair. Here are people who not only share your concerns about the direction of society but are actively working to change it. Whether it’s your local DSA chapter’s mutual aid program, tenant organizing efforts, or labor solidarity initiatives, you’ll find concrete ways to channel your anxiety into action.

The mental health benefits of joining DSA extend far beyond political engagement. Research consistently shows that feelings of powerlessness contribute significantly to depression and anxiety – feelings that are particularly acute when witnessing the rise of antidemocratic movements. DSA membership offers a powerful antidote through collective agency. Rather than doom-scrolling through news alone, you’re working shoulder-to-shoulder with comrades on tangible projects that make a real difference in your community.

“In times like these, it’s pretty easy to feel alone. Joining DSA, attending meetings, coming to social events, all of these have helped me see that I’m not actually alone. There are people out there who value solidarity, equality, and democracy, and DSA is where they connect with each other.”
– Anonymous, member since 2024

The structure of DSA chapters combines social connection with political purpose. A typical month might include formal organizing meetings, but also movie nights, shared meals, or informal gatherings where members can relax and build genuine friendships. These social bonds strengthen the organization’s political work while providing vital emotional support. There’s something profoundly comforting about knowing that your concerns are shared by others who are willing to work alongside you for change.

The physical aspect of DSA gatherings shouldn’t be underestimated. In an age of increasing digital isolation, coming together in actual spaces to both socialize and organize creates connections that online interaction simply can’t match. Whether you’re planning a campaign, joining a reading group, or sharing a potluck dinner, the simple act of being physically present with others who share your values helps combat the alienation that makes authoritarian movements possible.

DSA’s democratic structure provides members with genuine agency in shaping both the organization and its initiatives. Unlike traditional political organizations where decisions come from the top down, DSA chapters empower members to propose and lead projects they’re passionate about. This participatory approach not only leads to more effective organizing but also helps members develop practical skills in leadership, project management, and collective decision-making.

The intergenerational nature of DSA provides unique opportunities for learning and growth. Newer members can learn from those with decades of organizing experience while bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the organization. This creates a living tradition of solidarity and collective action, where knowledge and skills are constantly shared and refined.

Working within DSA also provides an important counter to the feeling of historical inevitability that authoritarian movements try to create. When you’re actively building alternatives – whether through mutual aid networks, tenant unions, or labor organizing – you demonstrate in practice that other ways of organizing society are possible. Each successful project, no matter how small, becomes evidence that collective, democratic action works. The regular rhythm of meetings and actions helps maintain hope and purpose, while the concrete achievements of collective work provide tangible evidence that change is possible.

“I joined DSA because I was tired of feeling powerless to stop the world from getting worse. The moment when you commit to joining an organization – to doing politics together with other people rather than simply thinking the right thing – is such a powerful one. Working with comrades has given me hope and prepared me to be a better member of the society we hope to build.”
– Luke, member since 2018

DSA chapters also serve as crucial hubs of information and rapid response in times of crisis. When communities face threats – whether from hostile legislation, corporate exploitation, or direct attacks on vulnerable populations – DSA members learn to work together to properly analyze the moment, and develop tactics and strategies that drive successes, rather than simply respond in a way that is itself status quo.

For many members, DSA becomes not just a political organization but a central part of their social world. The friendships formed through shared struggle and celebration create bonds that extend beyond political work. These relationships provide emotional sustenance during difficult times while strengthening the organization’s capacity for long-term organizing.

Joining DSA offers a powerful combination of political engagement and personal connection that’s particularly vital in challenging times. By bringing people together in physical spaces to both socialize and work toward concrete political goals, DSA provides the community, agency, and purpose that people need to maintain their mental health while building effective resistance to anti-democratic movements. The path to a better world isn’t found in isolation but in coming together with others to actively create the future we want to see.

For decades now the federal government has, to a certain extent, mediated relations between the classes through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the National Mediation Board (NMB), the Department of Labor (DOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc. The Labor Bureaucracy has been fine with that because it kind of keeps them […]

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11 (6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.): December General Meeting (Zoom and in person at 2948 16th St.)

Thursday, December 12 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Palestine Solidarity and Anti-Imperialist Working Group (Zoom and in person at 1916 McAllister)

Saturday, December 14 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): No Appetite for Apartheid Training & Canvass (Location TBD)

Saturday, December 14 (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): DSA SF Community Dinner (In person at 1916 McAllister)

Monday, December 16 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Labor Board Meeting (Zoom)

Monday, December 16 (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.): Maker Monday (In person at 1916 McAllister)

Tuesday, December 17 (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.): Ecosocialist Monthly Meeting (Zoom)

Wednesday, December 18 (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.): What is DSA? (Location TBD)

Check out https://dsasf.org/events for more events and updates.

Events & Actions

Support the Appeal of the SFMTA RV Ban!

The Homelessness Working Group is helping fight SFMTA’s ban on RVs parking overnight around the city, and we need your assistance! RVs are critical homes for those who would otherwise be on the street — but the city keeps punishing vulnerable people.

Speak out by filling out this form to email the Board of Supervisors, asking them to overturn the RV ban. If you can, please show up to make a public comment TODAY, December 10!

DSA SF Holiday Dinner

Join DSA SF for a holiday dinner on Saturday, December 14, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at 1916 McAllister. Come wind down with your favorite socialists before we recharge for the struggle to come in the new year. Bring friends, family and something small to share.

Maker Monday

Maker Monday is next week (December 16th) at the office at 1916 McAllister from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.! We’ll be writing notes of appreciation to our fellow comrades, reflecting on our 2024 wins, and crafting welcome packets for our new members. Masks are required and will be provided. See you there!

Pre-Order Your 2025 DSA SF Pet Calendar

New merch alert! The chapter’s 2025 pet calendar features photos of our cutest comrades. They’re $20 each and will be available for pickup at the December chapter meeting tomorrow and the office. Pre-order yours now!

No Appetite for Apartheid in SF!

Inspired by long-standing Palestinian boycott tactics and the BDS call, the Palestine Solidarity Anti-Imperialist Working Group are canvassing local stores and asking them to pledge to become Apartheid-Free by dropping products from companies complicit in the genocide of Palestinians and colonization of Palestine. It’s time to turn up the heat on this apartheid regime and take apartheid off our plates!

Want to show your support? Sign our Apartheid-Free Pledge so business owners know how popular this movement is with their local customers. After signing the pledge, we would love to see you at any of our upcoming canvassing. Check dsasf.org/events for updates.

Behind the Scenes

The Chapter Coordination Committee (CCC) regularly rotates duties among chapter members. This allows us to train new members in key duties that help keep the chapter running like organizing chapter meetings, keeping records updated, office cleanup, updating the DSA SF website and newsletter, etc. Members can view current CCC rotations.

To help with the day-to-day tasks that keep the chapter running, fill out the CCC help form.

We condemn the recent actions of South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol implementing the now-lifted martial law. We affirm our support for the people of South Korea in their resistance to authoritarianism and join them in calling for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.

On 11pm Dec 3rd (local time), South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol decreed unconstitutional martial law on baseless claims that his political opponents are scheming against the country. 

The decree of martial law is a devastating blow to democracy that suspends all political activities, suppresses the free exercise of the press, and allows the military to arbitrarily arrest and imprison its citizens.

This is a blatant display of an undemocratic and unjustifiable exercise of power, and sets a dangerous precedent that we must never allow abroad or at home.

We affirm the South Korean people and trade unions who immediately mobilized against the martial law decree. We support their calls for the resignation or impeachment of the president.

We stand with our Seattle members who have family in South Korea that deserve to live their  lives free from arbitrary arrest and suspension of hard-earned democratic order.

The post Statement on South Korean Martial Law appeared first on Seattle Democratic Socialists of America.