At last, after 20 plus years of struggling for marriage
equality a great injustice had been undone and there was dancing in the
streets.
So, why did I not feel like dancing?
I am sure that what I am feeling is similar to what African Americans must have felt in 1967 when the U.S. Supreme Court heard Loving vs. Virginia and finally overturned the laws which prevented black and white people from marrying. I was only 2 years old then but I am sure that there were great celebrations but how can one be truly happy when you finally get the justice you deserve but there are still so many people that hate and despise you?
Today, it is no different for the gay and lesbian community and our supporters than it was for the African American community and its supporters in 1967. We’ve won the battle but not the war because there is still a large percentage of people who find it okay to openly and proudly discriminate against us.
I hate the fact that I am even going to have to explain this chapter in our country’s history to my child. I hate the fact that I can’t walk down the street with my family and feel completely safe from a hate crime. I hate the fact that many in my own family won’t even speak to or see my husband and I. I hate that I have been forced to spend so much energy in my life addressing the prejudice and hatred of others.
So, yes, I am happy that this hateful law has been overturned. And, yes, I know that we will in the not-too-distant future have full equal marriage rights for everyone in this country. And, yes, I know that each year gay and lesbian people become more and more accepted and that there will come a time when the world will be quite different than it is today.
But, for now, I don’t feel like dancing in the streets. Instead, I’ll just hug my husband and son really tight tonight and pray for strength as we continue in a battle that is far from over.
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