Coverage of the Reason Rally on Youtube

[Brian37]

Ok, this is 6 hours long, and unfortunately some of the audio went out on the feed, it isn't you. But lots of speakers and artists, worth the watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFGUCQCvH9A

[Nonsensei]

Tagline before the event: The biggest gathering of the nonreligious in history.
Attendance numbers (2012): 8000 - 30000
Attendance numbers (2016): 2000 - 4000 (best estimate)
Tagline after the event: The biggest gathering of the nonreligious in the US.

Goals and topics of the 2012 rally:

To encourage attendees (and those who couldn’t attend) to come "out of the closet" as secular Americans, or supporters of secular equality.
   
To dispel stereotypes ("there is no one 'True Atheist' "). Participation by non-theists of all political persuasions, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds was encouraged. The intent was to show that there are secular Americans in every major demographic.
   
Legislative equality. Secular Americans should be permitted to run for public office and adequately represent non-theists, just as theists in office represent their constituents. Non-theists deserve a seat at the table just as theists do; the rally should put secular values "on the radar" of American voters.

Goals and topics 2016:

LGBTQ Equality
Climate Change
Women’s Reproductive Rights

(The website lists no other topics).


Looks like the rally got hijacked by the feminism plus crowd. Not a huge wonder that attendance is way down when topics that concern atheists and atheism don't even rank a mention on the event website.

[drunkenshoe]

Of course the rally is about the topics stated above. That is safe. At leats for now. In this climate, bringing up hot political issues with real opposing groups attending probbaly would turn violent.

It's not a rally per se... it is more like 'let's have fun'. I don't think you guys should have real rallies on these days to be honest. 

[Nonsensei]

Of course the rally is about the topics stated above. That is safe. At leats for now. In this climate, bringing up hot political issues with real opposing groups attending probbaly would turn violent.

It's not a rally per se... it is more like 'let's have fun'. I don't think you guys should have real rallies on these days to be honest. 

You know you may actually be right about that violence comment.

[SGOS]

To encourage attendees (and those who couldn’t attend) to come "out of the closet" as secular Americans, or supporters of secular equality.

I love the phrase "secular equality."  It has an inclusive and un-hostile sound to it, not looking for a fight or a debate, not raising reason above faith, not creating an in group or a minority.  It's just about everyone living together without getting caught up in unimportant personal details.  I could see "secular equality" becoming a buzz phrase describing a "Secular Equality Movement" of the future.