The elation of last night's Republican defeat is destroyed today by the victory of Proposition 8 - a Constitutional ban on gay marriage. As night fell, one barrier was broken, only for the harsh light of day to usher in a new one. Ugh.
I am heartbroken. But not completely surprised. After all, it is human nature - an ugly but undeniable part - to seek an "other" to fear and wage war against. The definition of "other" can be based on class, gender, race, religion. Depends who you ask. Now the time has come for sexuality to take center stage. The target may shift but as long as there are human beings there will be targets. Remember, no one of us is "safe."
During his last year of law school, Mr. Diabolina told me that gay rights would be our generation's civil rights movement. I remember how sad his eyes looked when he told me this.
Seven years later, here we are. Bracing ourselves for the battle of our lives.
And make no mistake about it, this will be every American's battle. Whether you are gay or straight, man or woman, minority or majority. If you believe in liberty and justice for all. If your faith teaches you to love your neighbor. If your soul knows it is wrong to deny someone the right to love. Then this is your fight.
This is your opportunity to affect change. This is your chance to save somone from the shadows of marginalization. This is your civic duty - to defeat discrimination.
Gay men and women are not deviants. They are not caricatures. They are not ungodly. They are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. They are patriots and public servants. They are flesh and blood, mind and spirit. They are just like you or I. Maybe better ;)
They are gifted performers who sparkle with creativity
They are financial wizards who protect us and guide us
They are award-winning journalists who uphold the hallmark of a free society, a free press
They are passionate filmmakers who champion freedom of speech, give a voice to the voiceless.
They are talented architects who build the homes where we build our lives, make memories with our loved ones
They are brilliant TV comedy writers who
entertain us while making us think.
They are burgeoning entrepreneurs trying to make their American dream a reality.
They are magical spirits doing the best they can, living their lives honestly and proudly.
I refuse to hand this innocent little kitty a country that denies law-abiding citizens the right to be who they are.
I don't want to have to explain to this little girl
And this little boy that our generation got it wrong.
Do what you can. Speak out like Sable Crow and WeeMo, donate, march, sign the petition. Please just do something. Lives depend on it.
17 comments:
I prefer "geighs."
I prefer geighs, too.
Love you Diabolina.
Very well said, and I agree 1000%
i'm digging the personal pictures and stories that put a "real face" on the issue. {{hugs}}
I love you to pieces. Beautiful.
Wonderful entry. I will never understand the fear-mongerers who refuse to acknowledge the faces, accomplishments and lives of those they seek to opress.
Completely unrelated: I finally bought a wrap sweater. Never would have even bothered to try it on had I not been reading your blog.
This made me cry.
The Obama victory was a totally buzzed killed by Prop 8.
I agree with you 100%
It's a bit ironic with all the people out there trying to bring the Bible into the equation that Jesus is hanging on the wall behind Mr. NYC. Who's to say Jesus wasn't gay? Regardless, he surely wouldn't be down with this bigotry!!!
Love that you picked up on it, Juana. I have hundreds of pictures with Peach. But that one really spoke volumes.
agree with you all the way. happy to say gay marriage becomes the law officially next week in ct. we also voted against an amendment to our constitution to allow voter initiative, which was largely fueled by the catholic church with the hopes of banning gay marriage. hope it stays this way here. hope it becomes the law everywhere.
beautifully put.
i'm about to cry. really. it's all so true and very well put. what a gifted writer you are!
your writing never ceases to amaze me. xoxo.
Long-time lurker here. I have always enjoyed your blog, but never commented because I never thought I had anything useful to say. This post was so poignant that I cannot help but comment. With all the mud-slinging and fear tactics, people forget what this is all about - civil rights of real people. Thank you for being so eloquent.
Right on, sister!
Thank you so much for this post.
Adore you.
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