Pam has a great post; head over to the Blend and read it. If we’re ever going to see equal rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, it’s going to take the vocal support of straight allies. Speak up. Don’t give politicians and preachers a pass on their homophobia. Don’t sit quietly when co-workers tell anti-gay jokes. Teach your kids that every person has value. Support your state’s equality organization. Stand with your gay family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers so those in power see they can’t use gays as scapegoats and fund-raising tools anymore.
It’s not just gays and lesbians who need to come out of the closet; it’s straight allies as well. Today’s the day.
The picture above is the Equality Alabama office in Montgomery, just down the street from John Giles‘ house.
Kathy, the scariest thing I ever did was have an honest reaction when my staff sergeant asked me in 2004, “So I hear you think homos should get married?” The best part was that when I said I what I thought, he seemed to respect my opinion and even agree with me to some degree. I’m not usually afraid of being honest, but this guy could have screwed up my world.
Good for you! It’s easy for me to speak out; I don’t have a job to endanger at this point. It’s much harder to speak truth to power, especially power that directly affects you and your future.