This year, I made one resolution (to share with everyone), and that was to become more active in my community.

So far, I have made good on that resolution.  There is an organization called the Human Rights Campaign, which is the largest organization in that nation that watches, supports, and fights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights in the US. 

This year, I decided I would be a Federal Club member and support them as much as I could – going to events, donating monthly and becoming INVOLVED.   So I joined, and went to the gala on Saturday night. LOTS of people were there, including my fabulous date, and our friends. 

Never before in public had I cried so much for positive things.  There were campaigns all over the nation with groups of people fighting for the very thing I wanted in my life – Equality, Protection, Representation, and the ability to marry the man of my dreams.

Lots of corporate sponsors are behind us… but the average, everyday person counts more than you know. 

The one video that made the most impact was that of hate crimes.  Think what you want, but many Americans lose their life based on those they love, or who they identify themselves as.  The video below highlights some of those battles lost, and the fact that former President Bush had a bill in his hands to fight this atrocity, and chose not to support it.  How on Earth does he sleep in Dallas?

Take two minutes and watch the following video…

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It was just announced from the Miami Herald that a Florida judge has overturned the THIRTY YEAR old rule banning Gay adoption, stating:

Based on the evidence presented from experts from all over this country and abroad, it is clear that sexual orientation is not a predictor of a person’s ability to parent. Sexual orientation no more leads to psychiatric disorders, alcohol and substance abuse, relationship instability, a lower life expectancy or sexual disorders than race, gender, socioeconomic class or any other demographic characteristic.

The most important factor in ensuring a well-adjusted child is the quality of parenting.

I could not agree more – and can say I am proof.  Ainsley has a wonderful Mom, Step-Dad, and gay Father!  She is the most loved and cared for child who is so damn smart and LOVES her Dad

Just as Prop 8 presents one roadblock, we tackle another.  Maybe one day, just maybe, we’ll be viewed as capable parents in every state, and our love deserving of the right to marry.

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So Saturday was a major Join the Impact day in the US.  Over 130 cities around the nation joined in their demonstration on the passing of Prop 8 in California, which revoked the rights of same-sex marriage.

The passing of Prop 8 was a major step backwards in progress towards equality.  Denying the right of a couple to wed because you do not believe in their love is wrong on so many levels.  I’ve discussed it here and with many people in person, so I won’t rehash the rehash.  This demonstration was amazing – peaceful, purposeful and respectful.  There were no clashing of ideas, there were no picketers from “the other side” – just 3000 Austinites – gay, straight, young, old – looking for the same thing: EQUALITY.  There were parents there in support of their sons and daughters, and sons and daughters in support of their parents.

The event had several speakers, and if you’ve ever questioned why Prop 8 matters, read on:

James was with his partner for over 10 years.  His partner quickly and suddenly was diagnosed with leukemia in the brain.  James contacted his partner’s family to let them know, despite them having little to nothing to do with James in recent years.  James was, without noticed, served with eviction papers and a restraining order and his partner’s parents moved in and took everything in his life – including his partner.  As his partner passed, he asked where James was and his parents said he left on his own and they had no idea where he was.  All this was beyond James’ control, because he had no rights.

Mason Marriott-Voss, a well spoken and amazing young man of 10 years old, spoke of his two moms.  I could wordsmith for days and not capture what he said, so watch for yourself – the video is shaky, but the words are solid.

From there, Rev. Jim Rigby of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church spoke.  All I can say is, when I’m ready to go back into Church, I’m headed to St. Andrew’s.  He was the most positive, uplifting religious speaker I have heard to date on this matter.  Here is an article not directly related to Prop 8 – but gives you the idea he relays.

I have lots of pictures to share from the demonstration – Check them out by clicking on the image below.

Austin Against Prop 814 pictures
Austin, TexasNov 15, 2008

Finally – If you haven not seen Keith Olbermann of MSNBC speak about the Prop 8 issue, I urge you to take 6 minutes to watch a clip from his show.  As he says, he has no vested interest in the issue: No close gay friends, barely a gay distant relative.  This video left me speechless.

This November was historic for America – and you know why.  I won’t go into the details, or reiterate my hope and excitement for the future of this nation.  Instead, I want to reflect briefly on the dissapointment that has come out of Florida, Arizona, Alabama and California.

Florida and Arizona have written into their state constituion, just like Texas did a few years back, clauses to not recognize same sex marriages in their states.  For friends that wanted to move from Texas to more “gay marriage friendly” states, the states that fit that bill are fading very fast.  Alabama has decided to help foster children and the hundreds of thousands of children waiting for adoption by outlawing adoption from gay parents.  Imagine what a gay partent could do to a child – love them, care for them, give them the world.  We would hate to have that type of atmosphere, where we took care of our children.  I mean, I understand… I’ve never read of a a hetro parent doing anything harmful, hurtful, or even deadly to their child. 

Then to California, who made strides in their state for tolerance and inclusion, rolled it all back with the passing of Proposition 8, writing discrimination into their state consitution.  Many people have argued many sides…

• Marriage is a religious instituion…
  • Ok – if that’s so, why can non-clergy perform the ceremony and it be recognized by the government which is bound by the seperation of church and state? 
• The gays will ruin the institution of marriage…
  • Love the ones that have the right to marry now, but seriously, the divorce rate is at +50%.
• Partnerships are just as effective…
  • Maybe. There’s something so romantic about a partnership though.  You know, Scott and Chris, LLP.

Thankfully, all the demonstrations to date have been peaceful.

Prop 8 protests in California

A friend of mine, in conversation of this topic, said “Give it time… it’ll happen.”  I am sure when women were fighting for the right to vote, and the civil rights movement was in it’s prime, someone thought the same thing.  Each only took a minimum of 50+years to reach noticible inclusion.  Something to look forward to when I am 80+

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Despite the recent California Supreme Court decision that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional, efforts are underway throughout the country to take away rights from same-sex couples.

I just joined thousands of others in showing my support for marriage equality for all.  But recently, proponents of banning same sex marriage have collected even more signatures in an attempt to invalidate the California Supreme Court decision. And they won’t stop with California – extremists are even trying to add a same-sex marriage ban to the U.S. Constitution.

We are at a turning point in our nation’s history and I’m hoping you’ll join me in standing up against discrimination.  Please sign the Million for Marriage petition and get us one name closer to showing that Americans overwhelmingly support marriage equality!

http://www.MillionForMarriage.org

Every committed couple deserves to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities conferred by marriage.  Add your name to the petition and be a part of the movement to fight for marriage equality for all.

Thank you!