Gay Marriage - What's the big deal?

This Saturday, November 15th 10:30am PST/1:30pm EST a Protest is being held across the USA against Prop 8.

I have to admit, I was excited last week when Obama was elected. This was closely followed by disappointment as the ballot results came in:

Arizona: Ban on Gay Marriage
Arkansas: Ban on Gay Couple adopting children
California: Ban on Gay Marriage
Florida: Ban on Gay Marriage

Each on of these bans went through.

I really struggle to understand why the majority of people believe that gay marriage and gay adoption is wrong. Some of the arguments that I have heard in support of the bans include how marriage is sacred (then why do we allow divorce?), children have the right to a loving mother and father (yet many children are abused by straight parents).

Really, want impact does it have on a person if a gay couple, who love each other get married. Does it really matter? Why shouldn’t two people that love each other be able to be together, and be able to commit to each other in the same way that a straight person can. Why should your sexual orientation affect your rights as a human?

It is a common misconception is that GLBT folks choose “the gay lifestyle”. The only choice involved is the choice to be honest with yourself, and open with others, and to come to terms with all that you are, and to integrate that into your life. Just as straight people do not choose who they fall in love with, neither do gay people. Sure there’s a choice on whether you spend your life with that person, but you don’t choose who you are in love with.

Please take time on Saturday and attend the protest in your area, see here for more information about the Protest Prop 8, I’ll be at the Portland one.

Connecticut judges allow same-sex marriage

I had to write 2 posts today now that I know this.

This is great news, I am so happy that this is a possibibilty in one more state :)

Read more here

Get your Pride On!

This past Sunday was Pride Festival here in Portland. I walked in the parade again for the 3rd time.

It was a blast.

About 125 people from my work showed up and we walked through the streets of Portland. There was a great turn out, both of people walking in the parade, and people on the streets.

Unite for Human Rights

Today is the day that bloggers unite and talk about Human Rights.

I chose to talk about human rights for LGBT folks, as it’s a subject near and dear to my heart.

If you’ve been by my blog before, chances are that you know about my involvement with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends network in my workplace.

I got involved in this network primarily because of the legislation that exists in the US and many other countries which prevents gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender folks from being able to do the same things that a heterosexual person can do. This ranges from healthcare, benefits, employment rights, rights to marriage, taxes – and that is just in the US. In some countries people can get the death sentence because they are in love with a person of the same sex. It amazes me. Why should someone’s sexual orientation require them to be treated differently? The map below shows LGBTI rights around the world. It really shocks me.

Photo source: http://ilga.org/

Its not just a matter of legislation. For many people the inequality comes from having to hide a part of their life due to a fear of how their community/workplace/friends and family will react. Back in February 2008, Lawrence King an eight grade boy, was murdered by a class mate. Hehad asked his friend to be his valentine, this lead to him getting shot by the same friend. Whattype of world do we live in, when showing your love gets you killed, when there’s so much homophobia that even an eighth grader is so frightened that he shoots a fellow classmate?

Small wins happen in the fight for GLBT rights, but for every win there seems to be a set back somewhere else. Last year Oregon finally managed to get the Domestic Partnership bill into effect, however, the fight continues today to keep it there, due to concerns of an appeal. If Domestic Partnerships are removed, it voids any domestic partnerships that have already been registered in the state of Oregon.

Its quite hard for me to keep this short, as there’s so many things that I want to say, but instead I will just give a few suggestions of things that that anyone can do that will make a difference.
- Find out more about what’s happening in your community.
- Know your local legislation.
- Walk in, or attend your towns Pride Parade.
- Stand up against homophobic slurs.

If you are interested, here's some sources for more information:
HRC

Speak Out

Public Agenda