We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Today marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 235 years ago. Thomas Jefferson, in his great wisdom, penned the words which have become the cornerstone upon which this great nation has been built. As a young boy learning about the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution in elementary school, I truly believed that I lived in a free country, where a boy or girl could grow up to become whatever he or she chose. I believed that I would live in a country where my inalienable rights would not only be protected, but would also be held as a sacred gift granted to me by my Creator. I imagined a life that would be rich and fulfilling, a true pursuit of happiness.
As a young boy, I was aware that I was different than the other boys in my school. Although I knew nothing about sexual orientation, I did know that I didn't share the same interest in rough and tumble games that the other boys played. I wasn't the least bit athletic and preferred music and art classes to recess and PE. As I grew into adolescence, these differences became more defined and along with them came a profound awareness of same-sex attraction and the word "gay." Like many other young gay men, I quickly retreated into the closet, and I lived there until I turned 31. Living and working in western South Dakota presented a multitude of challenges to my ability and willingness to embrace my sexual orientation as anything but a curse. I could not fathom living an openly gay life, and although I ached inside for an opportunity to live my life with honesty and authenticity, doing so would require overcoming insurmountable obstacles.
Now, 11 years later, I live in San Francisco with my life-partner, Freddie, and I am happy. Freddie and I were legally married in San Francisco on September 12, 2008, after the California Supreme Court lifted the ban on same-sex marriage on May 15, 2008. In November of 2008, opponents of Marriage Equality successfully passed Proposition 8, a law which once again effectively stripped gay men and women of their inalienable right to pursue happiness. Because Freddie and I were married during the time when same-sex marriage was legal, the courts declared that our marriage would remain intact.
Today as Americans across the nation gather to celebrate independence and freedom, I find myself wondering how my own observance of this day can be little more than a lie. Don't get me wrong, I love being an American. I AM a fan of democracy. I find myself getting weepy when I hear our National Anthem. And, I will never forget the sight of our beautiful flag draped over the casket of my father and the pride he felt in serving his country. But, as a gay man living in the United States, I cannot say that I feel completely free or that I have equal rights.
LGBT Americans have been fighting their own revolution for centuries. Some of the battles have been very public, and others have been quite private. We fight our way out of the closet and into the light. Some have to fight for dignity and respect within their own families. Others have fought to be able to work and live in the communities of their choosing. And, the fight for Marriage Equality continues across this country.
When Freddie and I decided to get married, I'm not sure I was aware that we were doing anything revolutionary. Yet, in speaking our vows at San Francisco's City Hall, we enlisted in the army of all of those brave men and women who have stood up to the hatred and bigotry of those who have attempted to rob us of our human dignity.
As I sit here and reflect on my life on this beautiful Fourth of July in San Francisco, I wonder how I, as a gay American, should feel about this day. Are we truly free when LGBT citizens can still be fired in some states for being gay? Are we truly free when corporations can still choose whether or not they will extend medical benefits to same-sex couples? Are we free when LGBT couples who have built a life together are kept from truly inheriting the estates of a deceased partner? Are we free when teachers are not allowed to speak about homosexuality in the classroom? Are we free when LGBT parents are not allowed to share legal custody of a child they have raised together? Are we free when countless LGBT Americans have to fight to live our lives openly and without shame in a country that we continue to support with our tax dollars and the invaluable contributions we make to society?
I was 7 years old in 1976 when America celebrated her Bicentennial. I still remember that Fourth of July celebration and sitting around the table with my family as my father showed me the special quarter that had been issued to commemorate the event. It saddens me greatly to realize that my childhood awe and reverence for this country and what it represents has become tarnished by disillusionment.
Today marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 235 years ago. Thomas Jefferson, in his great wisdom, penned the words which have become the cornerstone upon which this great nation has been built. As a young boy learning about the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution in elementary school, I truly believed that I lived in a free country, where a boy or girl could grow up to become whatever he or she chose. I believed that I would live in a country where my inalienable rights would not only be protected, but would also be held as a sacred gift granted to me by my Creator. I imagined a life that would be rich and fulfilling, a true pursuit of happiness.
As a young boy, I was aware that I was different than the other boys in my school. Although I knew nothing about sexual orientation, I did know that I didn't share the same interest in rough and tumble games that the other boys played. I wasn't the least bit athletic and preferred music and art classes to recess and PE. As I grew into adolescence, these differences became more defined and along with them came a profound awareness of same-sex attraction and the word "gay." Like many other young gay men, I quickly retreated into the closet, and I lived there until I turned 31. Living and working in western South Dakota presented a multitude of challenges to my ability and willingness to embrace my sexual orientation as anything but a curse. I could not fathom living an openly gay life, and although I ached inside for an opportunity to live my life with honesty and authenticity, doing so would require overcoming insurmountable obstacles.
Now, 11 years later, I live in San Francisco with my life-partner, Freddie, and I am happy. Freddie and I were legally married in San Francisco on September 12, 2008, after the California Supreme Court lifted the ban on same-sex marriage on May 15, 2008. In November of 2008, opponents of Marriage Equality successfully passed Proposition 8, a law which once again effectively stripped gay men and women of their inalienable right to pursue happiness. Because Freddie and I were married during the time when same-sex marriage was legal, the courts declared that our marriage would remain intact.
Today as Americans across the nation gather to celebrate independence and freedom, I find myself wondering how my own observance of this day can be little more than a lie. Don't get me wrong, I love being an American. I AM a fan of democracy. I find myself getting weepy when I hear our National Anthem. And, I will never forget the sight of our beautiful flag draped over the casket of my father and the pride he felt in serving his country. But, as a gay man living in the United States, I cannot say that I feel completely free or that I have equal rights.
When Freddie and I decided to get married, I'm not sure I was aware that we were doing anything revolutionary. Yet, in speaking our vows at San Francisco's City Hall, we enlisted in the army of all of those brave men and women who have stood up to the hatred and bigotry of those who have attempted to rob us of our human dignity.
As I sit here and reflect on my life on this beautiful Fourth of July in San Francisco, I wonder how I, as a gay American, should feel about this day. Are we truly free when LGBT citizens can still be fired in some states for being gay? Are we truly free when corporations can still choose whether or not they will extend medical benefits to same-sex couples? Are we free when LGBT couples who have built a life together are kept from truly inheriting the estates of a deceased partner? Are we free when teachers are not allowed to speak about homosexuality in the classroom? Are we free when LGBT parents are not allowed to share legal custody of a child they have raised together? Are we free when countless LGBT Americans have to fight to live our lives openly and without shame in a country that we continue to support with our tax dollars and the invaluable contributions we make to society?
I was 7 years old in 1976 when America celebrated her Bicentennial. I still remember that Fourth of July celebration and sitting around the table with my family as my father showed me the special quarter that had been issued to commemorate the event. It saddens me greatly to realize that my childhood awe and reverence for this country and what it represents has become tarnished by disillusionment.
Labels: fourth of july, lgbt rights, marriage equality
posted by Bohemedude's Page | 12:57 PM
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