I showed up angry, hurt, disappointed and confused.
For me, understanding the hatred derived from consciously choosing to restrict a civil liberty from a group of people is very, very hard to understand.
Over the course of our country's history, I cannot recall when giving a minority the same rights as the majority has hindered our nation.
I showed up to our state capitol building on Tuesday night with all those feelings because it was announced that the California Supreme Court had decided to uphold the Proposition 8 vote, and continue to ban gay marriage.
Everyone that supports the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender) community was asked to join at the Capitol on
Tuesday night, regardless of the outcome.
I know that the people there had all the same feelings that I did, but the rally was not about being angry, it was about being hopeful.
My attitude quickly changed being around so many people that had been hurt so many ways by society, yet continued on because they knew in their hearts that one day things might be equal for them. It wouldn't be today, but mayb
e one day.I was glad I was wearing sunglasses, because several times I teared up at the sight of the crowd that was gathered, and especially at the sight of my brother and his boyfriend of several years holding hands, walking down State Street proudly.
I am more proud than I can say of my little brother, and it hurts me so much to see him refused the same freedoms I enjoy.
All I can think is, "when there's love... who loses?"
I know for a fact that the 18,000 gay marriages that are being upheld in California before the repeal of gay marriage do not have the power to make my heterosexual relationship spontaneously combust. The only thing that gay marriage will do to my relationship is nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I've been thinking a lot about causes, about how people choose a cause to believe in, and also about how a lot of Americans are too lazy or "busy" to fight for something they believe in. I urge the readers of this blog to seriously think about their impact on this world- Have you done anything in your life to impact someone elses? Was it for better or worse? Have you donated any of your resources toward anything you believe in? Was it to better mankind or to hinder?
When you think about the impact your life has on others, please consider the larger picture. If your chosen "cause" is in anyway working to suppress civil liberties of your fellow man, I urge you to rethink your chosen charity. In the end, does anyone who helps propagate hate, injustice and inequality benefit?I encourage everyone to find something they believe in and don't just talk about it, but act.
I'll wrap this up with the chant often heard in LGBT rallies:
What do we want? EQUALITY!
When do we want it? NOW!
Is that so much to ask?
What do we want? EQUALITY!
When do we want it? NOW!
Is that so much to ask?
