midgebop
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Dear President Obama
posted Wednesday, 24 June 2009
On the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, I want to have hope, but lately, that hope is fading.
I remember attending a house party early on in your campaign that helped me see the possibilities of hope you carried. When I asked one of your lead canvassers about your support for the gay community, he assured me that yes indeed, you were behind the gay community and that you would finally help end the years of discrimination and relegation to the back of the American bus.
Lt. Col. Fehrenbach and Lt. Dan Choi are no longer able to serve in the military because of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” a policy that sanctions discrimination and forces many top servicemen to no longer have the opportunities their fellow servicemen enjoy daily. A close friend of mine spent many years proudly serving in the Navy, silent every moment in his depression because of a policy that threatened his ability to do what he loves. Imagine if you were able to be President as long as you didn’t express your love for Michele, your love for your family, or your identity as a black man. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell must be repealed now.
Another promise that lingered with the bright signs of hope is the repealing of DOMA. Yet today, almost 40 years since the queer community stood up to the constant harassment by police, this policy that legalizes discrimination and prevents committed adults from enjoying the same benefits you do, still stands. I am in a long-term relationship with a woman I love, and we must spend lots of money on legal documents to ensure that some rights (note the word some) are accorded to us that you inherit by the simple act of marriage to Michele.
The gay community has put down its bottles, angry rage, and loud voices, acquiescing to the call for patience, constant promises that in time things will change. I held a hope sign for you proudly in Denver the night you accepted the nomination, eyes tearing with the possibility of hope, the promise of change. I am tired of being patiently silent. Please mark the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising with action, not just media photo portraits with leading members of the gay community.
I remember attending a house party early on in your campaign that helped me see the possibilities of hope you carried. When I asked one of your lead canvassers about your support for the gay community, he assured me that yes indeed, you were behind the gay community and that you would finally help end the years of discrimination and relegation to the back of the American bus.
Lt. Col. Fehrenbach and Lt. Dan Choi are no longer able to serve in the military because of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” a policy that sanctions discrimination and forces many top servicemen to no longer have the opportunities their fellow servicemen enjoy daily. A close friend of mine spent many years proudly serving in the Navy, silent every moment in his depression because of a policy that threatened his ability to do what he loves. Imagine if you were able to be President as long as you didn’t express your love for Michele, your love for your family, or your identity as a black man. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell must be repealed now.
Another promise that lingered with the bright signs of hope is the repealing of DOMA. Yet today, almost 40 years since the queer community stood up to the constant harassment by police, this policy that legalizes discrimination and prevents committed adults from enjoying the same benefits you do, still stands. I am in a long-term relationship with a woman I love, and we must spend lots of money on legal documents to ensure that some rights (note the word some) are accorded to us that you inherit by the simple act of marriage to Michele.
The gay community has put down its bottles, angry rage, and loud voices, acquiescing to the call for patience, constant promises that in time things will change. I held a hope sign for you proudly in Denver the night you accepted the nomination, eyes tearing with the possibility of hope, the promise of change. I am tired of being patiently silent. Please mark the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising with action, not just media photo portraits with leading members of the gay community.
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