I originally wrote what follows as a response to a comment from one of my many "adopted" kids that I have known since he was a young 'un. Thank you James for supporting me and my community in a time where it feels like we have been forgotten. I love you kiddo and am very proud of the man you have become. :)
I just let my typing come from my heart and the product is below. After I was finished, I felt like I should post it as a blog, so here I am on my soapbox and in all my glory, lol!
Thank you for your words of encouragement my surrogate son! :) I too was amazed to see that my home county was a supporter of this civil injustice. The sad thing is that I KNOW that that if these same people actually studied the prop and saw what was really about instead of listening to the pro 8 bullshit being spoon fed to them, they would have voted otherwise. The problem with our country as a whole is that if it doesn't actually pertain to them, they won't try to learn more about it.
Now if the prop tried to say that two people of different races couldn't marry (how quick they fucking forget), there would be riots. Hell it never would have gotten on the damn ballot. They just don't realize that it is the same thing. They are taking away MY civil rights!!! That is discrimination, plain and simple. Soon they will be taking away yours as well, stupid people...
I am so tired of hearing people say, "Oh, you have domestic partnership, that's the same thing". Read me loud and clear, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP IS A SHAM!!! Couples who have been together for years are finding out the hard way. One of the partners dies and there is a GOOD chance that the suriviing partner will never see any of the deceased loved one's pension, property or even be able to keep some of the things they purchased together as a family. Let's not forget social security benefits and the other 1000+ federal benefits that domestic partnership does not get to access. How many of those Solano County voters know this? Not many I am afraid.
So I will march on in Sacramento Sunday with my friends and those who support me (and each other). I will march and think of many things:
Stonewall to inspire me,
Gwen Arujo
Matthew Shepard,
Brandon Tina,
and all the others that have been abused, mistreated, or killed by those who hate us for what we are and what we represent. I march for all of you.
The really sad thing is that whether they like it or not, WE ARE JUST LIKE THEM. We cry when hurt, we bleed the same blood, we love with as much conviction (sometimes more) as they do. We are your mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. We are your teachers, the police and fire personnel that keep your homophobic asses safe. We are your ministers, your grocery clerks, your next door neighbors. Above all this, we are your fellow human beings, not animals or abominations. WE ARE EVERYWHERE AND WE WILL NOT GO AWAY! THIS IS FAR FROM OVER AND I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE IN MY BODY!