Swish (organization)


Swish is a gay-straight alliance that provides opportunities for all women and men to contribute their time, energy, and talents to furthering the LGBT rights movement. “Swish has been creating opportunities for straight allies to become active in the LGBT civil rights movement since 2003. They are inspired and encouraged by the recent outpouring of support by prominent straight allies, post-Prop 8. Swish’s, motivation is simple and clear - love is love. Until every citizen of this country – and the world – is treated equally under the law and celebrated by his or her friends, neighbors, colleagues and loved ones, our society will remain deeply flawed and un-evolved. “."

History

Founded in 2003, Swish has evolved into a large, diverse community comprising people of every background, shoe size, hair color, and sexual identity. Swish was founded on the principle that equality cannot be fully achieved and hateful policies cannot be overturned without the help and support of the straight community. In its founding year, Swish registered over 250 members in 20 states and 4 countries.
Today, Swish has more than 1,000 members in 32 states and 4 countries, and works "to provide volunteer, advocacy, and educational opportunities for the gay and straight communities to learn from each other and work together toward full, unwavering equality for everyone..."

Accomplishments

Along with eight appearances in the annual New York City Pride March, Swish has participated in the 2007 and 2008 Atlanta Pride Marches and represented the U.S. at the EuroPride 2008 events in Stockholm. Swish has also been the subject of an internationally acclaimed documentary by queer filmmakers at Red Queen Productions called Fag Hags: Women Who Love Gay Men, and has been featured in the best-selling book Fag Hag, by Swedish journalist Linda Leopold. Swish was also recognized in Time Out New York's "Best of Gay 2009" issue."