You Can Make A Difference. What I Did. Gay Rights Fight.

It's late. Few will see this, but that's okay.

I was channel flipping and caught the local debate over  Proposal 622, a proposal in Indianpolis to stop discrimination based upon sexual orientation. I watched, and I contacted my reps. Here's what went down. (This was just before Christmas, for you locals. I'm just slow to diary about it.)

First, I have to described those who testified against the proposal. Man it was sad. Here they are:

One guy tried to be scientific, and said, "There is no such gene as a gay gene" and he gave this long evolutionary argument against homosexuality.

Nevermind that homosexuality is seen often enough in the animal kingdom (bonobos, for example). Nevermind too that it really doesn't matter if there is a "gay gene" or not. What does that have to do with discrimination? Everything humans do has to be defined by our genes to be acceptable? We could play fun games with that concept.

Then came all the Christian bigots, a long line of them. Just a few:

One held up the "Word of God" (bible) and simply preached against homosexuality.

Another said homosexuality is a "psychological sickness."

One compared homosexuality to "pornography and adultry," said homosexuality is being "taught in schools."

A preacher came up and called homosexuality "lunacy."

There were more homophobic Christians. Nearly everyone "against" homosexuality used a religious argument. They had no qualms about discriminating against gays. They obviously felt that their religion should define our laws.

Fortunately a few good-hearted people were there. Now, I know I was biased, but in all honesty those opposed to the proposal seemed fanatic and illogical and angry with hate, whereas those for it seemed passionate and sometimes upset, yet logical and compassionate.

A trim black gay man said, "I used to discriminate against fat people and finally realized it was wrong." And, "being discriminated against as a gay person feels as bad as being discriminated against as a black person."

A retired research scientist, older, never met a gay until recently, and now knows many. He discussed how he found them to be such good people who contribute just as everyone does.

I think this is one problem. If you don't know any gays, it's easy to hate them. Get to know some, and you realize they are just like you. (Note: I hate saying "they" and "us" as if we're different. I don't really think we are. And in the interest of being honest, I've had bisexual adventures myself.)

A lady related how her dad was forced out of job at 57 because there was no protection against age discrimination and she compared this to what can happen to gays. As a lesbian, she has found problems finding a house with her partner.

Two more gave very eloquent arguments for the proposal, one pointing out that it is perfectly legal to fire someone because you think they are gay - e.g., if a guy just acts too feminine. The other pointed out that all professional medical/psychological associations find homosexuality perfectly within the range of normal human behavior.

I loved this one:

A man who was a business owner and landlord said if the proposal fails, he will fire all his heterosexual employees and evict all his heterosexual tenants. He pointed out that the ordinance would protect heterosexuals as well as homosexuals. "Why would I do it?" he asked council members. "Because I can. Only you can stop me by voting for this proposal."

The only council members who spoke up were for the proposal. I guess those who were going to vote for discrimination didn't want to talk about it publicly.

One councilman said it was interesting that we protect against discrimination based upon choice already - choice of religion for example, so why would we not protect against choice of sexual identity?

A councilwoman pointed out human nature in judging others as less than we are, and asked that we tried to find the beauty in everyone.

Well, it should be noted that a similar proposal had already failed in Indianapolis. After watching this, I got online and found the email addresses of these council members, and told them all that I supported the proposal and that I would "be noting their vote on this the next time I go vote."

Here is a reply I got from one:

Tim,

I just got a phone message from a woman telling me that she is watching me and I better vote against this thing!  Glad your message came through at the same time, it is a nice reminder that I should feel free to do the right thing and vote for it as I intend to do.

Thanks,
Jackie Nytes

The vote barely passed this time!

You can do this too. Once a month or so, find a cause, support it, and let your reps know.

Note: I see too much gay-bashing here at kos. I don't get it.

•  Spittoon

  Give it a try. It'll give you a good feeling. And suggest it to your friends as well.

  by chemsmith on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 09:29:01 PM PDT

•  Congrats, man

  and to your district for passing these protections.  Thanks!

  by pico on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 09:31:07 PM PDT

  •  :-) Thanks n/t

    by chemsmith on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 09:33:52 PM PDT

•  Thank you.

  Seriously.  Thanks.

  by Armandito on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 09:40:32 PM PDT

  •  Welcome! :-)

    by chemsmith on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 09:41:11 PM PDT

•  Yeah, it's late...

  and as one (of the few) who read and recommended this, I'm betting I'll have better dreams tonight, and will take your example and turn it into action.  G'night, with hopes that this'll be on the rec list in the morning.

  by wvillmike on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 09:46:18 PM PDT

•  From the not so great state of Utah

  There is a bill in the legislation now trying to ban a Gay/Lesbian support club in the high schools. The bill writer says if they do that then the club will promote bestiality and only talk about sex.
  Bestiality?
  Just thought I would add this tidbit

  by snoopydawg on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 10:07:48 PM PDT

  •  Typical

    The homophobes love to pull that crap. "Gotta hate homosexuals because they promote bestiality and child molesting, blah blah."

    Stupid argument, and totally unfounded.

    by chemsmith on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 10:14:57 PM PDT

  •  Speaking of not-so-great states..

    Indiana isn't exactly a bastion of liberal thought. I found it amazing this could ever pass. Although of course it was only within the city of Indianapolis and even then it was close, like a 15-13 vote. It would stand no chance almost anywhere else in the state.

    by chemsmith on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 10:18:34 PM PDT

    •  Speaking of not-so-great states (again)...

      ...Florida, which isn't exactly a bastion of liberal thought either; but then again, is a bit more diverse than its Deep South neighbors, has a lot of black marks on its name when it comes to equal civil rights for the GLBT community. Gays/lesbians are prohibited from adoption; the religious righties constantly threaten with a marriage ban; and about a half-year ago, my own county (Hillsborough, which includes Tampa and surrounding areas) banned Gay Pride events as well as gay/lesbian literature in the public libraries.

      Equality Florida is an active group that stays on top of the many needs for equality in our state, and has quite a following and membership of people across the state, both gay and straight like myself. I've donated to EQFL, marched in the 5,000-strong Pride March that followed the County Commission's decision, and even spoken face-to-face at a County Commission meeting to tell them why I thought, as a straight Christian woman, that the government-sanctioned bigotry that they were imposing upon our county was immoral and inarguably wrong.

      Sometimes I really don't get why these righties would freak out about things that go on in someone else's bedroom and are really none of their business; sometimes I do "get it." I grew up in a really repressive Catholic environment and will not subject myself or my children to that kind of bullshit again. Sex is a part of who we are as human beings--we have to engage in it responsibly and respectfully of our partners, of course; but to completely deny ourselves of it and tell ourselves that it's dirty and evil except for pro-creation between a married het couple only makes us think about it (and crave it) more. And that is a God-given fact.

      by boofdah on Fri Feb 17, 2006 at 06:19:31 PM PDT

      •  From Florida also...

        I'm from Florida myself, and let me just add how much I think it sucks to be gay and growing up in that state.  Maybe other parts, but in good ole Polk County, it's not fun at all.  When I went to college up here in DC, my eyes sure were opened.

        As sad as it is, we need to push for our rights everywhere.  I'm hoping there'll be a time in my lifetime when I won't have to worry about being fired for being who I am.

        by AUBoy2007 on Fri Feb 17, 2006 at 07:33:06 PM PDT

        •  OMG Polk County????

          Do you live there now, if you don't mind my asking? Parts of Polk Co. are in Stephen Gorham's district. He is running against Ronda "Scary" Storms, whom you might have heard about was the ringleader in the County Commission of Hillsborough pushing for that lovely, ever-so-compassionate Gay Pride ban. He is a fierce "straight-but-not-narrow" proponent of GLBT rights and is even a Hillsborough GLBTA Caucus member. Really great guy, and he's working his butt off in this campaign. Not sure if you're in State Senate District 10; but check him out if you can. (FYI I'm not in this district, but I still donate $$$ when I can to his campaign because I believe he is an exceptional candidate who can really do a lot of good for FL.)

          In the HCC, only ONE commissioner, Kathy Castor, voted against the ban--and she is running for Jim Davis's seat in November. In addition to being a progressive who's not afraid to stand up to the powers that be for their crappy decisions, she's also a huge proponent of health care, ethics reform, the environment, and growth/sprawl management. She IS in my voting district, so I'll be volunteering for her campaign as well as donating to her. Kathy rocks!!

          I share your hope that someday future generations will not persecute others who see the world differently than they do. If my kids (when I have them) are able to look back at this generation and go, "did that crap REALLY happen back then?" I will be a happy mom.

          by boofdah on Fri Feb 17, 2006 at 09:12:12 PM PDT

          •  Yes, Polk County

            I do "live" there now, although most of time I am in college in DC, I am still technically a resident of Polk County.

            I don't live in District 10, which if it turns out to be represented by Ronda Storms, I'll be all the more greatful I am not there.  I have heard of her, and I believe she is one of few Republicans even my uncle (who from the Brandon area and is pretty conservative) doesn't like.  I will check him out, though as a poor college student with no job this semester, my giving may have to wait.  Maybe this summer, I can take up campaigning on the weekends!

            You are lucky to be able to vote for Kathy Castor.  I'm "served" by Rep. Adan Putnam who's is a recent addition to House leadership.  I'm afraid I'm stuck with him for a looong while (at least until I'm 25 and can think about running against him!).

            Good to hear from fellow FL Dems!

            by AUBoy2007 on Sat Feb 18, 2006 at 08:07:24 PM PDT

•  Well done!

  A sincere thanks from a gay man who fled the Midwest...and a reminder to all those Kossacks that are feeling overwhelmed by our national situation, local politics can yield real progress if we raise our voices.

  As for the gay bashing here, I've seen very little, and have always felt very welcome here.  At any rate, again, my thanks to you for your efforts.

  by outragedinSF on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 10:25:07 PM PDT

•  u roq!

  & btw, homosexual behavior has been scientifically observed in hundreds of species, including not only primates and other mammals but birds, reptiles and even insects.  It is therefore completely natural.    

  by Bob Love on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 10:34:06 PM PDT

•  yay!

  i was beginning to lose hope for indiana. lol

  here's an interesting thing on homosexuality:

  http://www.dailykos.com/...

  boy did i stir up some dirt with that one!

  by Cedwyn on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 10:40:20 PM PDT

•  Good job. Thank you.

  It takes being involved, to raise your voice.

  I do not know if you have the answer to my question:

  Does it include Gender also or it only protects sexual orientation?

  The reason I'm asking is because here in California and at a National level, Transgender have been consistently excluded.

  I hope so much that Indianapolis if breaking the Gay Leadership mold to knowingly exclude TransGender protection in the legislation they propose and/or pass.

  In Any event, I'm happy for the good gays out there.  My brothers.

  by Tranny on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 11:29:01 PM PDT

•  Thanks for being part of the movement!

  If my gay brothers and sisters don't stand up and require equality, we will get no where.  Actually, we will get somewhere.  We'll be marginalized further, we'll be "erased" from existance, forcing us to have to deny ourselves at some point, in some situation, that could grow and grow.

  We can depend only on ourselves, no one else.

  Unfortunately, too many of us don't place an emphasis on this, which perplexes me.  I've written here before that even among my gay friends, they think things are fine (!?).

  Interestingly, I recently read, I think on towleroad (towleroad.typad.com) that more and more cities in red states (Phoenix and Atlanta for example) are increasing their advertising budgets for gay tourism.  Fine.  Our tourism money is green.  Our equality?  That's apparently another story.

  On that website today is a story about the lack of reference to GLBT Americans in the DNC's annual grassroots report, in contrast to the efforts published under former DNC head Terry McAuliffe.  I like Dean a lot, but this is troubling, to say the least, and means I'll be writing to Dr. Dean to tell him I may cancel my democracy shares that I regularly purchase.

  I've never linked to a story before, but here's the source (I hope this works...my apoligies if it doesn't):
  Out for democracy.org

  by perky mcjuggs on Thu Feb 16, 2006 at 11:49:32 PM PDT