I write to you, not as someone rich, or famous. Not someone who has been elected to a position in Government... but as a normal person who wants to talk a little bit of the state of the Queer Nation. And as Gay Pride Month Approaches, this is a good time to take stock of where we are.
I will say upfront. I am not an expert, and I encourage everyone to contribute to the State of the Queer Nation in the comments below. The strongest part of the Queer Nation is our many voices, who stand up to be heard. From the fields of Kansas, to the clay of Mississippi, to the Urban Canyons of New York, and San Francisco. To the far flung places of Nepal, Uganda, England, Argentina and More... every voice counts, and I want you to contribute.
I will say now however... that The State of the Queer Nation is Strong.
Insert Applause
To think that the modern Gay equality movement started in the waning days of June 1969 outside a Bar called "Stonewall" in New York City, it is amazing how far we have come in 42 years.
42 years ago, being Gay meant that you had a mental disease. If you worked for the government, you were a threat to national Security. The medical profession claimed that therapy, electro-shock therapy, and other hideous "treatments" could cure this perversion.
Of course we know differently, we know what is in our hearts and minds. The march to equality is slow, but we are making progress. There are still challenges that await us.
The States
This has been a tough year for us when it comes to states giving us equal rights.
Indiana started the process of Banning Gay Marriage and Civil unions this year. They need to pass it again in another legislature, and then voted on by the public. The earliest vote would occur in 2014.
Maryland, which initially looked to have the votes to pass a Gay Marriage Law was barely defeated, and will have to wait a while before it comes up again in the legislature.
Tennessee has passed a law forbidding teachers from discussing homosexuality in any shape or form to school children under 9th Grade. As well as nullify Non-Discrimination Bills throughout the State with the "Special Access to Discriminate" Bill.
These laws are capped off by the Minnesota Legislature passing a Constitutional Amendment Banning Gay Marriage in their state. Despite some fantastic speeches from both Democrats, and a Republican. It passed and is now heading to a public referendum in the Fall of 2012.
We do have some victories however:
Illinois and Hawaii ushered in Civil Union Laws that successfully passed the Legislature. Delaware just passed a Civil union Bill just this last month. Washington no recognizes civil unions and marriages from other states (though they are all treated as Domestic Partnerships).
We need to continue working at every level of government: Local, State, and Federal. In order to ensure our equality in the US. Take heart from the Women's Suffrage Movement. They worked at multiple levels in order to get suffrage, and we much do the same.
Federal
This was a good year from our Federal Government. With finding some allies from unlikely places, we were able to move forward on some long standing goals of the LGBT movement.
DADT: While there are some wrinkles to the story, last December saw the dismantling of a 17 year old compromise that everyone hated (for one reason or another). Though the patience of Barack Obama, and the suprise rescue from Joe Lieberman, we were able to push through the repeal during the Lame Duck Session of 2010.
DOMA: The first cracks in DOMA are now appearing. Alluding to changes in the Government in his end of year news Conference, the Federal Government is no longer defending the law, passed in 1996. The Republicans howled in protest, but their cris seem to fall on more and more deaf ears.
This, as well as Obama allowing Same Sex partners rights in the hospital is giving us a picture that Obama is committed the LGBT community, even if it is not as fast as many in the community want it.
The World
The world is... complicated. Argentina, Portugal, and Iceland all passed Same Sex Marriage in 2010. There are also multiple countries who are contemplating Same Sex marriage in 2011 though we have not had a victory yet. Nepal is slated to become the first Asian country to have full gay equality... but when their constitution passes, no one knows.
The LGBT community took a deep breath when Uganda almost passed a law prohibiting homosexuality, carrying a death sentence is caught. It fortunately was not voted on, but the specter still remains for the future.
Closing
We are not finished. 42 years after Stonewall, we are still fighting for equality in our home states, in the US, and around the world. We are all connected and must help each other. This year, we have seen a very organic and wonderful online campaign called the "It get's Better" Project. Whether you make a video, or tell a youth that the bullying, or the hate is not the only thing to look forward to. There is such awesome things in store for them, and it is up to us to show them. What happens in Uganda, or Tennessee or Minnesota affects us all, and we need to stand united.
As we prepare for Gay Pride Month in the US, and as we descend to the Parades, street fairs, parties, and frivolity of the month, give thanks to those who pioneered before us, and those who fight for us today. Cheer for the leaders of tomorrow, Hug an Ally, High Five a Presbyterian, cheer a drag queen, salute a gay marine, and kiss whomever you like.
Be strong. i am here to tell you that state of the Queer Nation is strong, and can only get stronger from here.