U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Prop 8 ( which only allowed marriage to be between a man and a woman ) was unconstitutional.
Walker went on to rule that " Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples."
These words (and his ruling) were quite validating to me - an enormous sigh of relief. As if I was hearing this for the first time from the mouth of Harvey Milk in the late 70's- telling me that Im "normal". That I too can engage in the act of ultimate commitment in love- and get married. That the world would recognize my union- and I like my straight counterparts- we would be equals.
What a simple concept. To be equal in love.
Later that day, I attended a "Celebration Rally" in West Hollywood . A couple hundred people gathered in a small park to celebrate our huge victory and to hear words of inspiration "first"- as this defining moment in gay civil rights- happened before our eyes.
But what was louder than al the cheers and excitement - were the comments from two friends of mine. One of them sent me a text saying " I left to the bar cause the speeches were boring" and my other friend who was there with me was making jokes about how "the crowd sucked cause everyone was taken- and how hed rather be at the gym".
I felt rather beside myself.
How can our community still be apathetic- even in thick of all the action? Why wasnt the crowd bigger?
Now- to be fair- not everyone is an activist, or into politics, or hell- even caring. But I think its time that as gay men we take a closer look at the image we convey to not only ourselves- but to eachother as well.
Like any culture- we have history and a struggle- though filled with hate, discrimination and inequality- everyday someone out there is fighting to make our lives a better one. So that the future of our community can be less and less of what it used to be- and a more of one filled with love and equality.
How can we do this? The answer is simple- by supporting the community. By showing up to a small rally- you not only celebrate our victory, you celebrate the people who did the tireless work for you and your future. By donating to a charity- time or money supports those who cant do it all. And most importantly- being the best example of who you are for the community. Because- no matter where you are- you are a representative of who we are, where we are going and who we have yet to be.
1 comments:
Well, in all fairness, my comment about preferring the gym was not because I don't care about the overturn, it was geared toward the fact that I didn't really care for the rally. It seems as if every good thing to happen for the gays is an excuse to hit the bars, to get fucked up and go wild. I think it's phenomenal what is happening. But I don't need to show my support by hanging out in a town that celebrates, supports and screams "let's get drunk and fuck." That night, the bars were crowded, the streets were flooded and the bubbly was popping. And I'm sure, no I'm certain, that the majority of people out celebrating that night engage in polygamy or don't give two shits about equality...So why would I want to celebrate monogamy around them?
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