I just read about
the final "slap in the face" to Gay Men and Women in
the U.S; George Bush's (unsurprising)comments made today
about his strong support for the Federal Marriage
Amendment. While his arrogance and incompetence are
common knowledge; George Bush is a key example of the
hatred which our people face EACH DAY. That is why the
From The Editors column, Pride and Thanksgiving, meant so
much to me on second reading. WE must take primary
responsibility in showing RESPECT for ourselves
starting with our reaction to even OUR own families
discrimination towards us. For those who discriminate or,
indeed, hate us; be it for "faith" based, or any other
reasons, is bad enough. To overlook our OWN families
unkindness/thoughtlessness/discrimination because they
are OUR FAMILY is how we begin a self hatred which grows by
the ugliness of those around us who would all but see us
dead before ACCEPTING us as fellow travellers on the
road of life. The final summary paragraphs or your
incredible story say it better than I ever could-"We
don't have to cut off our conservative loved ones to let
them know (that) their actions have real HARMFUL effects on
our lives. We WON'T be nasty about it. We just won't
be there. For one SPECIAL day, we'll have dinner with
our gay family; with people WHO KNOW we deserve to
have love and happiness and equality..." BLESS YOU for the
simple yet elegant sentiment.