Today's Meme is political—you have been warned

[thatcrazycajun]

I am…

I am the straight guy who looks on with pride and joy at his best buddy celebrating twenty-five years of love with the same man who is so good for him.

I am the guy who came out to the entire school in his senior speech and got a standing ovation for his courage.

I am the girl who kisses her girlfriend on the sidewalk and laughs at those who glare.

We are the couple who planned and studied and got a damn good lawyer and BEAT the state that wanted to take our child away.

We are the ones who took martial arts classes and carry pepper spray and are just too dangerous to gay bash.

I am the transgender person who uses the bathroom that suits me, and demands that any complaining staff explain their complaint to my face
in front of the entire restaurant — and shares with my other trans friends which restaurants don’t raise a stink.

I am the mother who told her lesbian daughter to invite her girlfriend over for dinner.

I am the father who punished his son for calling you a fag.

I am the preacher who told my congregation that love, not hate, is the definition of a true follower of God.

I am the girl who did not learn the meaning of “homosexual” until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing.

I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.

We are the high school class who agrees, unanimously, along with our teacher, that love should be all that matters.

I am the legislator who, in spite of letters running 10:1 against it, voted in favor of a measure that would legalize same-sex marriage, because it was the right thing to do.

If you agree, repost this. Do it. You don’t have to be afraid. You can handle it. You’re stronger than you think.

I am making a difference. Hate will not win.

This came last from jrittenhouse. Please pass it on, and help the bravery of those who will stand up for themselves make a difference.

Comments

[jannyblue.livejournal.com]

I had to bodily haul one of my high school friends away from the main drag at rush hour after he came out of the closet.

He said he was trying to get himself hit by a car so he wouldn't have to endure the teasing and death threats. He had a flair for the dramatic, so I don't know how serious he was, but I don't consider sucide threats to be a joke.

Holding him back was not easy, because he was bigger and stronger than me. I stayed low (harder to move me) and just got between him and the traffic. I wouldn't let him get around me. Fortunately, he didn't want me to die, so he backed off from going to play in traffic...

We talked a lot that year. He needed someone, and I was the only one who would talk to him.

He eventually graduated (year after me) and went on to college. Theater major, IIRC.

Haven't heard from or about him in over a decade...

*pokes google*

[wolfette]

I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.

Frequently and loudly.

[pocketnaomi.livejournal.com]

I *was* the girl who didn't learn the word 'homosexual' until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing. I really like this meme.

[ladyqkat.livejournal.com]

A couple of true stories from my youth (SF Bay Area - mid 60's).

First story:
One neighborhood we lived in we had (a couple of houses up the street) a house that was wonderful to look at every single holiday. Always decked out with seasonal decorations; yard always neat; best Halloween candy. Until one year some hoodlums decided to trash their Christmas decorations simply because they were two men living together. They sold the house and moved the next year despite many in the neighborhood wanting them to stay. Nearly broke my heart because they were very nice people and always kind to me and other kids in the neighborhood. I was young (10 to 12) and didn't understand why some people's hate would affect them that way - now I do.

Story the second:
My uncle (US Army - retired Colonel) and his wife (the Heinlein type Colonel's Lady) had to go out of town for several days and didn't want to pull my cousin (one year older than me) out of school so they asked their upstairs neighbors to keep an eye on him and make sure he was okay.

The ensuing conversation occured:

Man #1 - Betty, you do know we are gay, don't you? Do you trust us that much?

Betty - Yes, but you are not pedophiles! OF course I trust you!



Yeah. I think love outweighs gender and hate will not win, but it is going to be a tough fight.

I hope you

[sffilk.livejournal.com]

don't mind, Matt, but I borrowed this and posted it to my journal.

Re: I hope you

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Not in the least, Michael; that is the whole idea. And you are one of those for whom it is intended, so you have more right than most.