Is it safe to COME OUT
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Maybe it’s just me, but I doubt it. I am honestly worried about the future of my country, a country I have been fighting most of my life for full citizenship in. A country where today, I know that may be less possible than any other time in my life. George W. Bush is, as I post, accepting the nomination for President of the United States for a second term.
I am worried because at final analysis ‘moral issues,’ among them same-sex v ‘traditional’ marriage, were a major deciding factor. I am worried because Evangelical Christians, people I have learned through oppression to dislike the most, are responsible for this outcome. I am worried because in all 11 of the states in our country voting to ban same-sex marriage, the measure passed, as a constitutional amendment.
Was I surprised that any of these measures passed? On final analysis, no. I honestly expected most of them to be successful from the start. And it seems that after the issue was so soundly defeated for the Federal Constitution, that there should be cause for celebration that only 11 of 50 states have voted to outright ban same-sex marriage. It is further less surprise which states they are: Mississippi, Alabama, etc.
My disappointment comes from the fact that I was expecting, as a young gay activist, to finally have help in the fight for equal rights. I was hoping against all hope that America would see the hatemonger of a man that the President is, and send him home. I, like many Kerry supporters, watched what I wanted of the news and watched the polls I liked best. Why shouldn’t I have? Since Bush’s first election I have had to fight for my civil rights. I have had to worry about loosing my job, working in a federally funded HIV service organization.
This morning, when I heard that Kerry had conceded the election to Bush, I spent a long time thinking about what I am going to do for the next four years. Where am I going to live? Can I live in a country that doesn’t recognize me? Maybe I should just give up. Isn’t it clear that we have gained no room in the last 4 years? Bush didn’t get the majority vote last time, and had to steal the electorate. This time he did neither. What can I do?
My answers came back to me when I listened to Edward’s and Kerry’s concession speeches. It was an answer I was arriving at myself, but I realized I would not be alone. I am going to live in America. I am going to live in Laramie, Wyoming, and I am going to keep fighting on what many consider to be the front lines for GLBT rights. I will keep educating my fellow students, hoping one day that they will become public officials (as I hope to do myself) and we can do what’s right. I will let no social injustice continue where I can work to right the wrong. I will stand up for what I believe in.
The country, last night, demonstrated a divided nature that has not been witnessed since 1968. 48% of voting Americans voted for John Kerry. This is a man who has a 100% voting record, he does what’s right, on issues that matter to GLBT Americans (according to the HRC). As our candidate, this man is a far cry from his predecessors Gore and Clinton who both supported the Denial (actually named Defense) of Marriage Act. Our fight, my fight, HAS meant something. And I will not give up. Many are calling today for reconciliation. A healing of our country. Let me make one thing absolutely clear: If anyone thinks for one second I am going to bow down to anyone who would like to take away my freedom to love whomever I love, they are messing with the wrong kid! If you can accept my sexuality, I will accept your religion. We are free to disagree about whether or not either are “right” or “correct,” we are NOT free to disagree about what is right or correct about my civil rights.
Maybe this is the type of impetus we as GLBT Americans need. After Stonewall we “came out.” After the discovery of the ‘gay plague’ we “acted up.” After the murder of Matthew Shepard we came together. Today, it is time we start acting together. Lawrence v. Texas, decided under Genghis Rehnquist’s Supreme Court, furthered the judicial opinion that my sexuality is protected by my constitutional right to privacy. So go ahead. Outlaw my love. I have yet begun to fight!
posted by ZEUS @ 1:59 PM,
