Who we are: an informal network and grassroots coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) activists and community members from the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg area

What we do: work for civil and social equality for Charlotte’s LGBTQI community

How we do it: non-violent and peaceful protests, educational and awareness-building public events, forums and panels, online activism and outreach, social and networking opportunities

Our method: open to all, closed to none, consensus and acclamation, and fair and equitable decision-making, power-sharing and responsibility

Why a crane? Whether you’re thinking the bird or the construction equipment, we think the metaphor is appropriate. In many cultures, the crane is a respected bird symbolizing many values and virtues: Longevity, Honor, Loyalty, Hope, Harmony, Peace, Happiness and Good Fortune. We want all these things for our group and for the world around us. And, in constructing this kind of world, we know that we’ll have to pull out the heavy-duty equipment: civic education, mobilization, engagement and direct, grassroots activism and advocacy.

We are committed to… the full inclusion of all in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex community, including our straight allies.

We work with… already-established organizations with proven track records and the ability to lead in areas we can’t. As an informal grouping and network of community members and activists, CRANE, in turn, has the ability to say and do things that board of director-controlled and donor-based groups cannot. Our method of vocal and grassroots direct action complement the good work of existing LGBT political and social structures in the Queen City.

History

After the passage of California’s discriminatory, anti-family Prop. 8 marriage amendment in 2008, as well as other amendments in Arizona, Arkansas and Florida, the LGBTQI and straight ally community of Charlotte banded together with the national Join the Impact movement and in a week’s time organized more than 200 concerned citizens who rallied at the Charlotte Government Center.

CRANE is an outgrowth of the Nov. 15, 2008, Prop. 8 protest organizing and was formed to counter the anti-gay, “ex-gay” threat posed by Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out conference in February 2009.

In its short history, CRANE has held high profile, hundreds-strong rallies and demonstrations as well as educational forums and outreach activities. CRANE fills a need for a well-organized, well-networked and well-connected pro-LGBTQI activist organization in the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Our past actions have included our wildly successful “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” events, in which activists across North Carolina helped to collect five sets of 13,500 plastic toy soldiers — each soldier representing one of the lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers discharged under DADT — for delivery to Sens. Richard Burr and Kay Hagan and Reps. Sue Myrick, Mike McIntyre and Larry Kissell. The campaign attracted high-profile local, regional and national news coverage  upon CRANE’s visit to Myrick’s Charlotte office and subsequent delivery of soldiers to the other representatives in Washington, D.C. Click here to see all past news and updates regarding our DADT actions…

A note on non-violence and direct action
CRANE is not a violent or militant action group. Although we may at times engage in grassroots or direct action we will conduct ourselves with a commitment to non-violence of thought, word and deed, in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ghandi. Non-violence trainings are an important part of our leadership and development strategy.

Last updated: May 14, 2012