Othering, requires identifying “same or different,” and this poses real issues for gays and lesbians. We are very much the same and yet we are also very different. I think this has stopped us at times from effectively fighting back against the Homo-haters, because we have fought internally about what being same or different means for our own identity.
On the one hand, we want to celebrate that our relationships and our families are recognized, and on the other hand, there is no denying that second class citizenship is never enough. Separate is never equal, and we must keep working until there is Equality for all.
So many activists are busy screaming about equality and equal rights, and that isn’t really a bad thing. But if we don’t do more to voice how our rights are connected the the founding and foundational documents of our states as well as our country, we may as well be screaming where no one can hear us. The very nature of everything we hold as Americans is up for grabs, if the constitutionality of laws doesn’t matter.
Carl Paladino says he doesn’t want kids to think that being gay is an equally valid and successful option for life. And that was part of his softened statement.
No matter how passionate you are about Marriage Equality, it is in your best interest to understand the nuances of Walker’s decision, and what the next steps may mean. It could mean the difference between an end to Prop 8 for California, or a cornerstone for the foundation of the case that will allow Same- Sex Marriage across the entire country.
Yet, my experience also shows me how successful the anti-gay forces have been in their attempt to define being gay as a choice and a lifestyle. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter what laws we pass- as long as enough people buy into that falsehood, the future for LGBT equality will be a rocky one.
Countering NOM may make Marriage Equality supporters feel good, and let them blow off a bit of righteous steam, they also totally play into meeting NOM’s needs and help them garner publicity where they might not otherwise get any. Why are we helping them be successful, even if it makes us feel good?
Corbett has already made clear that once elected he will push for a constitutional amendment in the PA constitution that will make marriage as being only between one man and one woman, and the general consensus is that if he wins, the Republicans will also win the House, and he will have little trouble getting the constitutional amendment through both the Senate and House quickly, setting the stage for a battle at the ballot box in 2 years.
Republicans don’t have to become gay friendly to do this either. They can still oppose all other gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans rights, leaving the community still disempowered and victimized by our culture and political system.
The subject line of this blog entry caught my attention and I dug into what is a very good read! I’ve been neglecting to post here on Queer Look at the Bible, so I thought the religious quality to this post and ideas lent itself to QLATB nicely. First, I really appreciate Eugene’s honesty and what comes across as his authentic faith journey surrounding the issue of Marriage Equality. On the one hand, I wish[Read More…]