Yep, we're family too!
Short diary just to toss out an "thank you" and "amen" to our esteemed leader, President Barack Obama for including mention of same-sex couples in his "Family Day Proclamation."
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives.
American families from every walk of life have taught us time and again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential. Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things. Today, our children are confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the dedication of parents, commend the achievements of their children, and celebrate the contributions our Nation’s families have made to combat substance abuse among young people.
Take that Maggie Gallagher, Rick Warren, Church of Latter Day Saints, Catholic Church, Rick Santorum, and whoever ya got. You'd like to characterize the gay community as anti-family, satanic, sex-crazed, pedophiles and bestiality aficionados.
But the reality is far more mundane. People across the nation are recognizing we are merely your brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, and yes, even in some cases your parents. Our family values also include spending time with our loved ones, celebrating their joyful moments with them, supporting them in the trying times, fighting together for what's right and fighting together what is damaging to the collective communities which we all belong.
Harvey Milk was right, so long as we remain invisible, those that hate us will be unfettered in their attempt to demonize us and rally the forces of ignorance, fear and hate against us. But if we come out, and they know us, they'll recognize we bear no resemblance to the people of whom they speak, and we win.
I thank my 60-something year old mom for speaking up, even in her small midwestern community. Confronted with homophobia, she has not been shy about saying, "When you speak badly about gays, please know you're speaking about my son and I take offense." It can't be easy for her, but she's a good, strong woman.
And I thank you President Obama, for endowing with the power of the Presidency the recognition of our family ties, and the positive influence they provide for every American.
The gay blogosphere has shown its appreciation, reposting your proclamation. (1, 2).
Now, if it's not too much, can you skip the golf game and attend our little Equality Soiree on the mall next month? Cleve Jones invited you very nicely. Thanks!