This post was recognized by BrazenCareerist.comas #73 on "The Brazen Top 100 Posts Of All Time" list.
I just don’t get it. Someone please explain it to me because I simply can’t comprehend how we can create such a historical moment as electing the first ever black President, and in the very same night, be prehistoric in our views and beliefs when it comes to voting on Proposition 8. This is 2008, right? So we are ok with a black man, but not a gay man? For those reading this outside the U.S. and wondering what Prop 8 is, it’s a law in the state of California that would eliminate the fundamental right for same-sex couples to marry. I think Amanda said it best when she asked..."How you can look at someone and say you don't deserve what I have?"
I’m straight and I was raised Catholic, although today I don’t consider myself a very religious person. I’ve never followed or been a believer in ALL the things the Catholic Church teaches. For that very reason, I’ve somewhat distanced myself from their teachings. And with that said, there are a few things I strongly disagree with, like being gay is a sin and you will burn in hell or whatever crap they preach. I’m sorry, but that’s just an ignorant statement and a total bullshit theory. It’s not just Catholics either. Jews, Protestants and other religions also believe a marriage should only be between a man and a woman. I don’t feel "being gay" is something a person chooses. I think if a person was to "choose" their sexuality, most would choose to be straight simply because it doesn’t carry all the extra "hardships" (for lack of a better word) that being gay does. With that said, I think people are born either gay or straight.
A traditional marriage is almost a joke these days. If you’re a straight couple looking to tie the knot, it’s as simple as a drive-thru chapel in Vegas - like ordering a cheeseburger, you can order a marriage license. Although if you are a gay couple looking to tie the knot, good luck with that! You will need to do more than jump thru hoops and climb the tallest mountain. Our country is making it nearly impossible for you to be seen as an equal. And as a straight man, that angers me. So I know that it must infuriate those who are gay. I had an Aunt who was gay, hid it all her life and eventually hung herself because she could no longer live with the stigma attached to being a gay. If her pain is any indication of how difficult it is to be gay in America, "The Land Of The Free" or not so free as it seems, then my heart really goes out to those directly affected by Prop 8 being passed. I simply can’t believe that California, one of the most liberal states in the country, has banned gay marriage! San Francisco is known as gay-friendly and is practically draped in the rainbow-colored flag. So to see Prop 8 passed with 52% of the vote, truly saddens me.
Sorry, but I don’t see marriage as this "exclusive religious club" it once was. Statistically, 50% of marriages fail and because of that the institute of marriage has lost quite a bit of its religious quality. Sadly, for many these days, it’s just a piece of paper - a legal one that entitles you to certain rights. And because a "marriage on paper" holds so much weight in terms of receiving benefits, dispensing a will, etc...it only seems right that gay couples are given the same opportunity as straight couples in terms of being listed as the spouse. If all the bible bangers are hung up on the term "marriage" being given to gay couples, then how about calling it something else like a "partnership" or whatever term you want to give it? Just don’t deny someone their rights because of their sexual orientation. Last time I checked, denying someone equal rights is unconstitutional.
With the exception of our family, we choose who we form relationships with, we don't necessarily choose who we fall in love with. Love often just happens, regardless of whether or not outsiders approve of the person you're involved with or the situation you are in - gay, straight, bi-sexual, etc. It's true that you fall in love with the heart. It doesn’t matter who the person is - male or female. It's their heart that makes you feel the way you do, not what they have or don't have in their pants. I don't think one should feel ashamed about that. If anything, it's rather mature to be able to put aside physical characteristics and place more importance on the true essence of a person - their heart. Find someone that makes you happy, period. Male or female. Don't find someone that makes OTHERS happy. And if you’re gay and you want to get married, I say you should be able to.
For all those who voted in favor of banning gay marriage, get over yourself. Get over your God-like mentality of what is moral and immoral. You’re being narrow minded and homophobic. Gay people aren’t hurting you. And it wouldn’t hurt you, nor affect your life in the least if they marry. So what’s your problem? As I’ve said in a previous post, I really wish people would understand the concept of "the separation of church and state". And I challenge anyone to argue against abortion or gay rights WITHOUT using religion as part of your debate. Can’t do it, can you? Seriously, I challenge anyone to give me just one valid reason, that isn’t tied into religious beliefs in any way, why we should not allow gay couples to marry. I’m serious because I’m just dying to know how a right that is available to the rest of the population should be denied to someone else based solely on their sexual preference. You have defined the very word of what discrimination is. Tell me how you justify that.
47 comments:
I love that you posted so openly about this...I watched the election coverage last night at the home of some friends who happen to be a lesbian couple, along with a gay couple and a smattering of us hetero's.
Before we were even close to knowing about California, our own damn state passed the same kind of ban here. It sucked to be in that room with them and feel their disappointment. Even worse is that their neighbors openly had Yes to Amendment 2 signs on their lawns fully knowing that their neighbors were gay. Who the hell does that! Even if you don't agree with their lifestyle you don't have to be complete asses about it.
I spent the day today moping along with my friends. Yes, in one respect it was a great day for the US, and in another a terrible one. How American's can take away basic civil rights just because someone is gay is beyond me. I can honestly say, that today I was ashamed to live in Florida.
I'm sorry to hear about the disappointment of your friends. And I must say I'm rather disgusted with their neighbor's boldness. But hopefully the law can be overturned in the near future, or so I hope.
As far as I’m concerned, Prop 8 and laws like it, are the definition of discrimination. It’s no different than being raciest or sexiest. It’s bigotry at its finest.
As sad as it is, it took America a really long time to get to the point where they elected a black president. I think that we are just starting to get into the thick of the gay rights movement. Over the past few years gay rights issues have been spotlighted a lot more. That is great but I still think there is a looooong road ahead. I wish it wasn't that way. I don't understand those that discriminate. I hope hope hope that one day we will look back on this similarly to how we look back on slavery or women not being able to vote. I hope one day the whole country looks back on this time with shame and disbelief that gay men and women were not allowed to get married.
Great post and so true, and masculine of a straight man to voice such opinions with such passion. :)
Congratulations on your blog award nomination, which you should promote on your site.
* pats Diesel*
-he's still on my desk top and I see him everyday.He hasn't shit once. :)
Really? Then that's nothing like the REAL Diesel. He shits daily, actually twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the early evening. Aren't you glad I shared that info?
Kudos on the post, I am also a straight male, and it gets under my skin any time people try to legislate morality. This is yet another step away from civil liberty for this country. As for the neighbors... my god. How brazen do you have to be to display that level of cruelty? That is the sort of ignorance that would have thrown a brink through a window with "Die Fag" painted on it in the 60s... There is really no place for that sort of hatred.
This was really well-written and I agree with you 100%. Gay marriage is allowed up here in Canada, and it really kind of surprises me that a country that is so intent on moving forward is still holding on to barbaric notions. Yesterday really was bitter-sweet. One step forward with the election of the first black president and two steps back with voting yes to prop 8.
Love is love, and I will support any two people who love each other enough to want to make such a special commitment like marriage. I voted No on Prop 8, and I'm so sad that the majority of Californians don't share my views. It's CALIFORNIA, for goodness sakes! When people think of gays, don't they also think of California at the same time? I can't believe that the voters overturned same-sex marriage. It was such a monumental event when it was ok over the summer. It's just so sad that many Californians don't believe that anyone should be allowed to marry.
Excellent points.. and sad really that we are still putting labels on people that prevent them from living to the same extent that every other person is permitted.
mmk confession time. I just wrote a post about this, but am terrified to put it up because I used to be one of those religious idiots- my parents raised me that way.. but I had a lot of issues with what the church in general was teaching... And I went to a Mennonite Church!! Ah well.. you can read it all on my blog.. when I get the guts to put it up.
In any event, kudos. Great post.
"One Step Forward And Two Steps Back"
Hmm, maybe that should have been the post title. I like it better.
When I think of heavily populated gay areas or gay-friendly areas, however you want to call it, I think of San Fran and the West Village in NYC. But in LA, I guess Ellen DeGeneres got married just in time! I’m sure November’s gay marriage vote was part of the reason for her summertime wedding.
Also, here’s a question I’ve been wondering...if gay couples have to work so hard at the process of trying to get married, I have to wonder if they will work as equally hard, if not harder, at keeping their marriage strong? Straight couples can get married in a sinch, takes little to no effort. So do you think that lack of work to "get married" is part of the reason many straight couples don’t work hard at staying married?
It only makes sense that the harder you have to work to obtain something, the more committed you are to keeping it.
Mhea...
Don't be scared. I say post it! If you are really worried about posting it on your blog, but yet still want to be heard, then I'll be happy to post your piece here on my blog.
Thanks but I took your lead and posted it.. *le sigh* we shall see... :S
I would respect your post a lot more if you didn't use offensive terms like "Bible bangers." I stopped reading right there. I know it's your blog and you can say what you want, but I think there's a more tactful way to do it. Just my opinion...
Sorry if I offended you. That definitely wasn’t my intention. However my intention was to make a strong point, that being that the term "bible bangers" (in reference to someone who is so in love with their Bible that they can’t open their mind to anything else) isn’t any more offense than someone who is gay being called a "faggot" and told they are going to hell for being born gay.
And someone who is sooo in love with their bible that they can't open their mind to anything else are usually the very people who would be throwing stones, or in some cases bricks, at the "sinning fag".
And I also used the term "bible bangers" to show my disgust with ALL people who are bringing their religious views with them into the voting booths. Religion and politics are not supposed to be mixed, but people just don’t seem to get the concept of the division between church and state. And THAT is why Prop 8 didn’t pass. It had nothing to do with people not agreeing with the law. It had everything to do with people not agreeing with another’s lifestyle because it didn’t coincide to what their church told them is the morally correct way of living.
One could make an argument that the REAL sinners here are the people who are discriminating against homosexuals and taking away one of their basic rights, the right to marriage. And last time I checked, most if not all religions, don’t condone discrimination of any kind.
Great post - I don't understand it either and I don't buy the whole religious argument either as I was always taught that we don't judge others. I also think that if someone else's 'marriage' defines your own, you have some major problems.
"And I also used the term "bible bangers" to show my disgust with ALL people who are bringing their religious views with them into the voting booths."
Doesnt everyone, in some form, bring their religious views? I mean, if someone who was running was a proclaimed Muslim, I highly doubt they'd be elected. However, the president (past and present) has repeatedly made reference to 'God'. Now, I know Canada seems to have a more distinct line that separates religion and politics, however isn't it even printed on your money "in God we trust"? It seems almost expected that God will be a part of the government even just in word. Even Obama stressed that hes been going to the same CHRISTIAN church for the last 20 years. I don't know, just a thought.
I am loving this post! YAY for you. I truly believe in gay marriage and everyone should be entitled to the rights that you and I have without question.
I truly believe that we are all made in God's image, including gay people. I belive that gay people are made in God's image, so how can being gay wrong???
My church is is the United Church of Christ and is very liberal. You may want to check them out if you ever want to get back into the church scene. They accept everyone just the way they are.
if you stopped reading after the bible bangers remark, you missed the most important point of his whole post
i agree with you, i was actually shocked with the results, i was so sure people (especially in CA) would be a bit more open-minded and human than that. I have 2 gay brothers, and even as a conservative person I cannot understand how the government has the power to decide this kind of thing, it's simply ridiculous. So we're not allowed to teach religion in schools, but we ARE allowed to take away rights because of religion? makes absolutely no sense to me. I swear I need to go protest somewhere, any gay rights protests in Pgh you know about?
It is freaking hard to find someone to love these days. Who cares what sex they are.
Mike,
I didn't miss the point of the post. Being conservative doesn't always coorelate with close-mindedness, depite what many "liberals" believe. I support giving anyone the right to the privilages accompanied with marriage. I voted "no" on Amendment 2 in Florida for this very reason. Who am I to say gay couples shouldn't get health benefits? (This was part of the amendment in Florida).
Diamondkt,
This country was founded on Christian principles. Freedom of religion is an important right and for a GOVERNMENT to tell people what they should believe based on Christian principles is wrong. HOWEVER, most religious people bring their beliefs with them to the polls. It's their right to stand up for what they believe in & vote people into office that best represent themselves.
As far as Christian's throwing bricks at gay individuals... it's important to remember that the silent majority of Christians would NEVER do this. It's those few outspoken groups that ruin the image of Christians by judging their fellow citizens.
I love your blog & respect your opinions, I just thought I'd put in my two cents here. :)
Good post, David.
I grew up in a very religious home and attended church service several times a week as a kid. Now as an adult, I still make it a point to attend church as often as possible. I'm not going to deny that my religious beliefs do play a part in my struggle with this issue.
My best friend of 15 years is a gay man, who hid being gay until we were 22/23. The hurt that he endured killed me. The fear of judgment that he lived with before he completely "came out" broke my heart.
To me, marriage is an institution between a man and woman, an institution that is often taken too lightly, in fact, I took it too lightly just one year ago.
That being said, I do support gay rights and would be a huge supporter of "partnerships" giving gay couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. I find it insane that even though my husband and I have been seperated for 6 months now, he would still have rights to my assets if something were to happen to me simply because our divorce is not yet final, yet loving gay couples have no rights to their "spouses" health care, etc.
In short, my Christian background makes gay marriage a hard pill to swallow, but if their was a bill up for vote in IL that allowed gay marriage and the only alternative given was giving gays no rights, I'd be hard pressed not to vote for it.
Libby...
"I also think that if someone else's 'marriage' defines your own, you have some major problems."
Oh, I like that!
Mhea...
I read it and you said it well. Good job and brave girl. :)
As far as the words "In God We Trust" being printed on the dollar bill, that’s a whole other debate in itself! It’s been brought up by many in the past. But I think right now, people are more worried about losing their money and not having any money, rather than what words are printed on it.
Bella Anonymous...
I just want to stress that I’m not knocking anyone’s religious beliefs here. Everyone is entitled to practice their own religion, that’s what is great about America. And I’m all for people believing in what they want to believe in. I’m just against people using their religious beliefs as a means to define or justify a political stance on an issue that so clearly is discrimination if you look at it in terms of a state law. Sure you can disagree with it from a religious standpoint, but I really don’t feel you can disagree with it from a legal standpoint.
Mike...
Thanks. The last paragraph or two really are the important ones.
La Petite Belle...
I may disagree with banning gay marriage, but you won’t see me leading the gay parade with a rainbow flag. So don’t ask me where the next local gay parade is being held, silly girl. :) Google it up though, see what you find. How about another milestone between us – we agree on something, for only the 2nd time ever!
The Dutchess of Kickball...
No doubt! And when you find them, hold onto them.
Ms. Florida Transplant...
I understand what you are saying, but your argument brings us right back to "the division of church and state". The point is people are supposed to separate the two when they deciding what laws should and should not be passed. Yet, people constantly cross the line between church and state and intertwine the two. Since we have a rule to divide church and state, then we should stick to it and play/vote fairly by it...or so I feel.
Jenn...
Honestly, I don't care what term they give it - marriage, partnership, whatever. I just feel gay couple deserve the same legal rights that a straight couple receives in terms of healthcare, will, etc. I don’t think that’s outrageous to ask of our government.
I love this post.
I am in the Mid West, and I'm in the military - there's plenty of homophobia to go around here and I"m just getting so pissed at all the dumb shit people say to support things such as Prop 8. I think that black people might not be persecuted, but now let's hold down Muslims and homosexuals.
This post is on fire and all before noon! I love when you get so passionate about something-sexy. Now quit playing on your blog & come join me out for lunch.
jen
You took the words right out of my mouth. I was raised Catholic, attended Catholic schools, and more than anything found that I didn't agree with the bulk of it because of things like this. It's not just Catholicism, but any religion in general that claims to be the only way. Moving to the bible belt has certainly been eye opening as well.
While I would like to think I could get married one day I don't know that I will because it really is a joke now days. Nobody takes it seriously like they use to and that is discouraging to say the least. If I do get married some day I don't want to always think in the back of my mind "Oh I can just get a quick divorce if things don't work out."
I have a feeling some of the only people now days who view marriage as a sacred rite of passage are from the gay community and I think it's horribly unfair that they aren't allowed to share their lives that we are simply because of their sexuality.
I thought we were suppose to be all about equal rights and a land of opportunity, but even with our making history in the presidential election the other night it seems we still have a long ways to go before we are a better and braver America.
Congrats on being featured again - what a great way to be recognized!
Did someone say lunch? Food? Say no more, I’m sold!
Besides, I think I might be digging my own grave if I say too much on this topic or fail to articulate myself very well. I knew it would be a hot button issue, but you’re right, it has been blowing up and all before noon! That’s a good thing though if you ask me.
Anyway, this is also being discussed at BrazenCareerist.com and Ryan asked some pretty good questions that I had to answer...let’s just say it involves me marrying my dog. Don't act like any of you are surprised. I heart him to bits! I just can't slip the ring on his fat paw.
Good lord David...I'm in love. I couldn't agree with you more. Living in California and knowing tons of Gays, it just doesn't make sense that people's sexual preference should hold bearing on rights. Well said. Can we go to Vegas now and get married?
Why should marriage be between a man and a woman??? Why does it have to stay within those boundaries when so many men and women don't even respect the vows they take to enter a marriage. Shouldn't everyone have the right to screw it up like everyone else?
Kristin...
Thanks. Or should I be scared? You fall in love fast! But I am sorry to tell you that I can't run off to Vegas and marry you. Although, I was in Vegas just last week to celebrate my birthday. I didn't marry though.
Bella Anonymous...
Yes, everyone should have the right to screw! Oh wait, you said "to screw it up". My bad.
thank you so much for this post. but more than that, thank you for truly believing what you've written.
it's hard. it's really, really hard.
i am incredibly sorry about your aunt.
So they are not going to reverse the marital status of gays who married prior to this bill being repealed?
How can the law recognize the legality of some gay marriages and not others?
How are they even allowed to illegally infringe upon the constitutional rights of these people? I thought in America one is not allowed to discriminate on one's gender, which this revocation of the bill is doing.
Great post. The title is the perfect summation of what you had to say. (You never fail to impress me with your writing or your intellect.)
Btw, I read the discussion on BrazenCareerist and it was extremely interesting. Your post sparked off a deep discussion there!
Thanks. And yeah how about BrazenCareerist? I really never thought this post would get as much attention as it has and would cause such a slew of comments to pour in less than one day!
There's been about 60 comments so far between my blog and this post being featured on BrazenCareerist.com
Here’s the direct link to the discussion over there if anyone wants to read the comments that were left.
You know WHY you were the featured post twice in a month? Because you are AWESOME.
Seriously, the best thing about this is that it IS coming from a straight man. And it's such a passionate but objective post that it deserves a million kudos.
*1,000,000 kudos for you, mister. =)
Right on. So well said.
Amazing and very thoughtful post. I was discussing Prop 8 with my uncle who lives in Toronto. He believes that if we called it something like a union instead of marriage with the same rights then this would never be such a hot topic. I believe in equal rights for everyone. I am also saddened that Prop 8 was passed.
well said. I was shocked to hear the results, especially in the state of Cali. I don't understand why those boxes and labels persist in this day and age...If they're going to adhere to the categorization of people, at least make the rights equal. Generally, I find that people born into the dominant power roles (Caucasian heterosexual men or women) that have been normalized in our culture, are unable to see their position of privilege, and thus see everything and everyone else as "different" and somehow not worthy of the same rights and freedoms. If only we could see one another as fellow humans instead of insisting on the labels to define ourselves and each other. THEN we'd be progressing.
Awesome post.
As a Catholic I am to protect the definition of marriage. Marriage, by definition in the Catholic faith, is between a man and a woman. It is a sacrament from God. Opponents to Prop 8 were trying to change the definition of the word and I think that is wrong. That being said, I am not against civil unions between gay couples.
Separation of church and state does not mean that we are to check our beliefs at the door when going to the polls. It means the church is not to make the laws. The church is not making the law, the people are. It's unfortunate that there are people who voted in favor of Prop 8 did so because of hate. Not everyone who did is hateful and homophobic.
I Voted Yes said...
"Separation of church and state does not mean that we are to check our beliefs at the door when going to the polls. It means the church is not to make the laws. The church is not making the law, the people are."
Actually, the separation of church and state is a political and legal doctrine that government and religious institutions are to be kept SEPERATE and INDEPENDENT from each other.
So the people may be "making" the laws in the sense that they are the ones physically voting/checking the box. But if they are carrying their religious beliefs and views with them INTO the voting booth, then essentially, their church is casting the vote. And that goes against the seperation of church and state.
This is why I keep stressing the fact that nobody can put up an argument against gay marriage WITHOUT bringing religion into it.
I am Catholic and I would never vote yes.
Hi Diamondkt,
I didn't even finish this, but I read enough to want to comment right away.
I grew up in Calif. and I can't believe that they are still holding out on this either. I also am not gay. But I have had several gay friends. One I have known since 'he' was sixteen.
I truly believe it is not a choice.
I think some people connect the word gay with some of these public exhibitionists and pervert types and the gays that I have known you wouldn't even know that they were gay.
I don't think that marriage should be confined to a religious ceremony. I think marriage is should be a contract between to people and that everyone should have the right to legally commit to each other.
The young man I was speaking of is a grown man now and has been living with his partner for years, they should be able to have all of the legal benefits that everyone else enjoys. They dress like normal people, have jobs, and bother no one. It's truly sad.
Why do we say it's no ones business what go's on in you own bedroom, except when it comes to gays.
I FINALLY popped over from your 20SB forum post, and decided I'd put in my two cents. (First, a hearty "Well said!" and many kudos.)
As a gay man, here's my take on things. First and foremost, I hate that I'm social issue. I have a job, pay rent, pay bills, pay the same taxes everyone else does, donate money and time in every way I can, and generally do my part to help make this world a better place. I still cannot comprehend why my rights are being put to a vote.
Second, marriage has historically not been about love until, oh, the last couple hundred years, give or take. It was originally a handy way to transfer property: a father gives away property (his daughter) to a new owner (her husband). Other exchanges of property during this wonderfully moral ceremony might include land, servants, power, and control over the lives of other people. Wow, such a strong "institution" that was truly a societal foundation. Please.
Next, while I think civil unions are a step in the right direction, I still have one problem with them: they're NOT equal to marriage. Everyone says they are, but they're not. Civil unions are granted at a state level, while marriages are recognized at a federal level. If I civil unionized my partner (seeing that as a verb is reason enough to hate the very idea) here in California, if we take a trip we're no longer under the same laws, and thus the civil union wouldn't be valid. If people support equality, why not just accept that the use of the word 'marriage' can apply to a variety of couples? Separate is never equal. And really, what's the point in wasting everyone's time and energy arguing semantics when we have a system that works just fine and we have MANY, MANY MORE PROBLEMS that need fixing. Indeed, they're problems that many gay people are also doing their part to help fix. Slap in the face, much!
To all those who say they had to bring their religious values to the booths, I have only this to say: I am not Christian, nor am I Catholic. I was raised in a religious environment but have the decency to enjoy that freedom and let others enjoy theirs. I see no need to be forced to live by Christian values when I have my own values and my own sense of decency that I don't go trying to force on anyone else.
Finally, my rights may have been squandered, but I refuse to be. I will not go back in the closet, I will not stop being gay, and I will not let society bully me. I will fight for equality for as long as it takes, in the hopes that those who come after me don't have to struggle as I have struggled, so that they can be free and comfortable being who they are, so that they don't have to think twice about even holding the hand of someone they love for fear of what might happen to them if they do.
I don't really have a view on gay marriage one way or another - but I do have a view on democracy. I think if you put a matter to a vote - it ought to be upheld, whether it's favourable or not. We can't just change the results of such things because we feel there's something morally wrong with the outcome. Unless there's something illegal about the voting process or the wording - the whole point of voting is majority rules, even if the "moral majority" doesn't get it's way.
Having said that - I'm not entirely sure why such a thing should even be put to a vote. Aren't there more important things going on in the world that the public should have a chance to vote on? Why the voting public has a say on bedroom matters I will never understand.
Just stumbled across this post - haven't read the other 43 comments so I'm sorry if I'm repeating other peoples' points. But just wanna say: Here here! Fair-fuckin-play to ya! I couldn't agree more with this legendary post.
I'm sick of people talking such absolute bullshit about what's right and wrong for other people and their lives. Rotting religious leaders preaching that the terrified young girls with no way of supporting their unexpected child don't have a choice - and don't deserve one. Bullshit. The people who are against abortion must have no empathy for others. They must be incapable of it. Otherwise, what's the explanation? That they're blinded by all that bullshit that they've smeared on everything in their lives to paint the world the way they think it SHOULD look? ...whatever..
I couldn't do it myself, get one, I mean... I don't think I could - but that's me and, y'know what, it's cos I know I'd find a way to make it work, and I would have support, and I'm 21!!!! I would NEVER tell another person what to do if they found themselves in that situation - only one person can, and should, decide.
Stay on your high-horse, dickheads, and you can look down your noses on them all ya like! But don't interfere with the people who have their two feet firmly on the ground - struggling in a society that says they're wrong to exist.
My brother! Bullied, picked on, torn down, but by God since he's gone to college he's come out loud and proud and I've never seen him happier or more confident! He lives in Cork now, the "Gay Capital" of Ireland some say.. He knew he was gay at a very young age (Born, not learned, i thank you! That's the way it is. Choice doesn't factor into it and if you're convinced it does you're in denial. Sorry. That's not my opinion, it's a fact.)
When it comes to the gay thing, and the abortion thing, Ireland hasn't budged in... ever. Hell, divorce is only legal here since 1995! And it BARELY passed in a referrendum! Can you believe that? What hope do we have? Really! We had an abortion referendum a few years ago.. no prized for guessing how THAT went...
The world has a long way to go.. and Ireland's trailing somewhat..
But yeah, good post!! Though it's got me all fired up now, and I was so chilled out before..! lol
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm in a same sex relationship, and I have been for over 4 years. I can only dream of my wedding day that I've wanted since I was a little girl. I'm not "allowed" to have that dream come true, because of who I fell in love with. But you know what? I'm willing to let that dream go, to be happy for the rest of my life. All of the people who are against gay marriage can take that away, but they can't take our love for eachother away. That's all that matters.
Thank you so much for putting your heart out on this post. Shannon from http://lovecommashannon.com is my partner. We have been together for over four years and have suffered a very tragic life changing event over 15 months ago. I got in a gour wheeling accident and became paralyzed. Shannon stayed by my side for a whole month, sleeping on the floor, not eating, taking care of me night and day for 4 weeks. We have true love, and the american people are determining our life.
I think we have come a long way and there still is a looong road ahead of us. I understand that people are religous but I do not agree that the president whomever it may be should determine my marital status on his religous beleifs. I live in Norht Carolina and I live in the "Bible Belt" and I hate it. There is nothing worse then going to wal-mart and being gaulked at and pointed at just because of my sexual orientation, just because I have short hair. If I could earn a dollar everytime someone called me sir I would be a millionaire. I have grown adults mistaking me for a man and then a 6 year old will walk by and ask her mommy why SHE is in a wheelchair.
Thank you so much for writing this. I just wish everyone could feel like this. Then maybe everyone would get a long to an extent.
Good day,
Megan
Honestly, I have been wondering this same question. I have lived in San Francisco all my life and I feel like I've been brought up to be accepting of all people, whether it was at school or at home.
I have a lot of gay friends who are very out there and I completely feel for them. And although it would seem suitable to compare the black man to the gay man, the concept of being gay is still relatively new. Black people have had to fight for a very long time for their rights, and the process is not easy. Just as supporters of gay marriage can't understand the opposing sides, they cannot understand our views either.
In my opinion, I believe this will be a long fight and there are no quick solutions to changing it, but eventually, Americans will come to accept gay people as equals.
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