While up here in Massachusetts we've been debating whether or not to take away the right of same-sex couples to marry, a little to our south, the Rhode Island legislature has been debating competing bills--one to ban same-sex marriage, one to authorize it.
Here's what happened in today's hearing:
Gordon Fox, House Majority Leader: "I was at a rally today and announced I've been in a committed relationship for six years now with a person that happens to be a man ."
Fox went on to say that he has never hid who he was. And his announcement was sparked by others who have shared their story trying to push this issue out of committee.
CHEERS to Gordon Fox!
A similar thing happened in the MA debate, when Representative Cheryl Rivera came out publicly during the course of debate. The presence and friendship of Liz Malia--the openly lesbian legislator from Jamaica Plain--obviously had an impact on some members of the MA General Court, particularly Republican Shaun Kelly.
I was also speaking with someone yesterday. He had talked to his Senator's office, who told him that the Senator's views "evolved" during the progression of the ConCon. This evolution was brought about by queer folks telling him the stories of their lives.
It's been said before, and I'll say it again here, coming out is one of the most important political acts a gay person can take (it's necessary, but not sufficient). Keep on coming out, keep on telling your stories. The truth of our lives has the potential to overpower the falsehoods, lies and hatred of our opponents!