Thanksgiving began as a celebration of a bountiful harvest and has evolved to become a holiday where we spend time with our family, friends and loved ones to reflect upon the many blessings bestowed upon us over the year.
As lesbian civil rights activists, we are thankful:
- First and foremost, that we share our lives together, for our love and strong commitment to one another, to our family and to our community;
- For our children: two daughters, Kylie (and her husband Darren), Katie (and her partner Meghan), son, Colin, parents, Hedy and Dick, and beautiful grandchildren, Jareth and Eowyn;
- For good friends;
- For our good health;
- That we have enough food, warm clothing and a self-made roof over our heads;
- Finally, that we are blessed with an ability to give back to our community via our activism and writing.
We are also grateful for the progress made since last November in the advancement of LGB rights:
- The House of Representatives approved the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which offers protection from workplace discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexual employees based on sexual orientation;
- An amendment to the Massachusetts constitution banning equal marriage rights was defeated in June, keeping marriage safe in that one and only state where it is available to gays and lesbians – at least until 2012;
- A similar amendment banning marriage equality was also defeated this year in
- And lastly, it seems (with the exception of marriage equality), the National Democratic Party has finally embraced the issue of civil rights and legal protections for the LGBTQ community.
The best way to counter the wing-nut's lies and cruel gutter-style tactics is to continue to live out and proud.
The truth about our ordinary and everyday lives is the only antidote for the negative stereotypes used to incite fear and hatred against our families.
Have a great holiday! See you next week!
1 comments:
I am thankful that there are people like you who walk the talk and make a difference :o)
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