Throughtout this election I've heard it over and over again. The most important thing is to get Obama elected and to work for a democratic majority in the legislature. Civil equality for GLBT people can wait. We must see the forest for the trees, people.
Well, we got Obama elected. And legislatively, the cards are stacked in our favor. We GLBT people have bided our time. We've campaigned hard for Obama, we've given money. Social issues will not have any wedge power for two years, at least.
The battle is not over yet. Progressives should not be satisfied until all American's rights are recognized, and until all of us are granted equal protection under the law. Straight people, you better be there fighting with us. Politicians, we are going to be holding your feet to the fire.
It's been satisfying that the fight against and subsequent success of Proposition 8 has opened the eyes of so many straight people here on Daily Kos to the injustice that GLBT Americans face. I've patiently tolerated so many "Eureka, I've got the answer nobody has thought of before -- All marriages should be civil union" diaries as a part of the process of an expanding social awareness (although I've stopped commenting on them). Great, I say. Welcome to our side, folks. Now is the time for you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this struggle.
There are many things we can do to continue the battle for justice and fairness for GLBT people in this country. Here are a few:
Give money to the ACLU and Lambda Legal to help them with the numerous court battles that are on the horizon. Become members of these fine groups.
Ditto GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). Help them champion positive gay images in the media and fight back against negative ones. This is part of the hearts and minds battle.
Become an outspoken advocate for equality. Wear pins, wear t-shirts, talk to your friends, call out gay bashing, gay jokes, and homophobia when it raises its head. Call it out in the media, but also among your friends and family members. Do not tolerate it.
Be aware. Be informed. Follow the issues. Hold discriminaters accountable. Don't qualify injustice.
Protest. Take it to the streets.
The fight for gay equality is the frontier for true equality and justice for all Americans, and fulfilling the final American promise of justice and equality, equal opportunity and the pursuit of happiness for all American citizens. We all have something at stake here.
And I am not just talking about marriage equality, but also freedom from work and housing discrimination for all GLBT people, hate crimes awareness and prevention, and access to supportive health care and social services for all GLBT people no matter what state or county they live in.
The struggle for GLBT equality is the social issue of our day. Nobody who truly cares about justice can afford to sit on the sidelines. We GLBT have been more than patient.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
ACLU
Lambda Legal Defence and Education Fund
GLAAD