HRC

Joe Solmonese, the public face of HRC, is leaving. Here's Pam Spaulding's initial story breaking the news. Here's HRC official release.

There's been a fair amount of speculation in the gay blogosphere as to whether Solmonese's departure will signal a change of direction at HRC. If you look at Spaulding's original post, you'll note several bullet points marking possible changes. I think that's a pipe dream. Yes, there is a chance for HRC to make itself relevant to the gay civil rights movement again, but that requires leadership and vision, both of which seem to have been lacking on the HRC board for some time now. If HR really wants to change -- which I doubt, because I don't think they understand just how irrelevant they are -- the board should resign -- or at least open up a few slots for the likes of, maybe, Dan Choi and Robin McGehee. Or Dan Savage. You know -- people who are making waves rather than sitting tight and not rocking the boat.

There is certainly room for an organization that is conversant with the corridors of power and knows how to use them, but there's one element that HRC seems to have lost sight of: no one is afraid of HRC. It should take a good hard look at the NRA if it wants to see how an effective advocacy organization works.

Then maybe we can expect some changes.