Last week, a photo went viral of a returning marine,  Sgt Brandon Morgan kissing his boyfriend. I wrote about and posted the photo, but today I want to highlight another part of the bigger story. Rick Andreoli, over on gay.net gets it started as he writes about Brett Edward Stout, the man who created the “Gay Marines” facebook page. His post is good and a worthwhile read, but I want to highlight a different part of the story. Stout’s efforts with Gay Marines clearly has played a role and made a difference in real person’s lives. But no one, including Brett could have imagined that a single photo would go viral, and in doing so, do so much more good. For me, that’s the first part of the additional story.  Each and every one of us can do things and we have no idea what chain of events can be placed into motion because of it. Btrett’s efforts weren’t some wel thought out, strategic plan for gay acceptance. It was far simpler; tryuly humble and more personal. Yet that action helped set the stage for other actions by other people, that led to more actions by more people. Get the picture?

Here is the second part of the new story as I see it. Brett has a video  where he reads a statement, and in that, I learned that both of the men in the photo as well as the person who took the picture were all friends of Brett’s. Please take away two messages about this. All of the anti-gay homophobes focus all their attention and vitriole on fear mongering talk about sex. Fear about showers and sleeping arrangements, and on and on. But the reality og gay and lesbian solidiers is far different from that. This picture and video tell a real story about friends, and people being there for each other. And what friends do- like simply taking a picture- leads to change.

I was in a meeting a few weeks ago, where a man I respect a lot, was talking about the need for a database of thousands to be able to make change for LGBTQ rights. On some level, yes, I agree, but on another level, that is all bull shit. That’s about people needing to make themselves important. Small acts (as well as big ones) done by friends can be the spark that sets off massive change and possibility.

What I want to challenge every reader with is this: will you be ready to do any small action that could spark more change? Will you take a chance and help or sit back and think that others will do all of the work?

Photo by Jo Ann Santangelo

Additional note: Brandon Morgan’s story itself is very compelling, and here is a link that captures this life.