A Reason to Write

A month ago I started a new job working inside the Massachusetts State House. At first, because of the office I now work in and the person I work for, I decided that it would be best to lay low for a little while. I have not posted on this website while I tried to decided whether or not it would be appropriate for me to continue to write on my blog. In the past month two things have happened that have helped me decide to continue writing.

The first was an email from someone I have never met. He contacted me through the website. He explained to me that he recently came out to his friends at college and even spoke on a panel promoting LGBTQ rights on campus. Something he wrote made me rethink my decision to stop posting. This is what he said:

"I LOVE YOUR WEB SITE. Thank you so much for being a voice for so many who will not, or cannot do it for themselves. I look forward to meeting you at a rally sometime soon."

The second event that happened was my first day of school. I am taking a class called "Sociology of Homosexuality" at Bunker Hill Community College. In this class we are discussing LGBT history and related issues. It reminded me that I am part of a movement. Anyone who speaks openly and advocates for change is part of a much larger movement.

Where would I be today if no one spoke up in the past? I do not believe that I have the right to remain silent today. There is still so much work to be done. So lets do it!

I will not be able to post very often, as my job and school do not permit me much free time. However, I will be doing my duty as an openly gay citizen. I will be an advocate for change. I will continue to speak up and I will use this forum to create dialog.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Two Steps Foward, One Step Back

On January 2nd, two-thirds of Massachusetts legislators voted against a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, but their votes were not enough. The amendment, which required only 50 votes to move forward, will now face a second round of consideration in 2007 or 2008.

Do Something Now.

We have lost this battle, but we will most certainly win this war.

Marriage is a civil right. In all fights for civil rights there are two steps forward and one step back.

We need to keep this amendment off of the ballot. There is more at risk than our right to marry.

Growing up gay can be hell. Gay teenagers commit suicide at a rate four times higher than their peers. Growing up gay during an all out anti-gay campaign would be deadly. If this war on gay marriage was allowed to continue there would certainly be casualties. Most of those casualties would be gay and lesbian teenagers.

Massachusetts stands as a beacon of hope for fair-minded individuals all across this nation. Let us now come together to fight to protect our rights.

We should take a minute to realize how far we have come.

Be proud.

Now fight.

We will win this fight for full equality.

We will win. I promise you that.

"The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice" -- Martin Luther King, Jr.