One Nation Invisible with Liberty and Justice for Some? Part II (Join Youth Pride Day!)
The recurring theme of invisibility permeates gay civil rights too.
History repeats and intersects.
A discussion with Debbie Morris regarding gay civil rights:
Debbie -- "Join Youth Pride Day 2006! Saturday, April 22, 2006; 12pm to 5:30pm; Rock Creek Park; (Corner of P & 23rd NW); Washington, DC [link to Youth Pride Announcement]
It amazes me in the 21st century that there are still people who are reduced to begging for Civil rights granted to every American Citizen by the Constitution of the United States. Either we are equally treated by the law or we are not; there is no compromise, no need for accommodation, and no need for assimilation. There is no Constitutional provision for bigotry. There is no "slippery slope". There is no reason to fear."
Adam -- "I agree. I am amazed. However there is the "ya, but". It is a fact that each person chooses to "come out" or not to "come out" in this "don't ask don't tell" world we live in. I know people young and old who fear the loss of contact with their family, the loss of their job, and the loss of their other rights, and bodily harm, if they openly come out. To feel that you are forced to deny who you are is amazing. Each individual must choose. Each person exercises their right to privacy. Fear definitely is a variable in the individual come out decision equation."
Debbie -- "We can choose life and living or we can choose our own prison with its stifling air. BUT, that does not alter the fact that there is NO REASON to fear. Whether one fears or not, whether there are consequences or not, fear will always keep our heads down on the ground even if there's no one standing on our necks."
Adam -- "Yes I totally agree. To paraphrase an old civil rights slogan: "Say it loud! I'm gay and I'm proud!" Hard to convince some that only fear stands on their neck; and that fear should not be feared."
History repeats and intersects.
A discussion with Debbie Morris regarding gay civil rights:
Debbie -- "Join Youth Pride Day 2006! Saturday, April 22, 2006; 12pm to 5:30pm; Rock Creek Park; (Corner of P & 23rd NW); Washington, DC [link to Youth Pride Announcement]
It amazes me in the 21st century that there are still people who are reduced to begging for Civil rights granted to every American Citizen by the Constitution of the United States. Either we are equally treated by the law or we are not; there is no compromise, no need for accommodation, and no need for assimilation. There is no Constitutional provision for bigotry. There is no "slippery slope". There is no reason to fear."
Adam -- "I agree. I am amazed. However there is the "ya, but". It is a fact that each person chooses to "come out" or not to "come out" in this "don't ask don't tell" world we live in. I know people young and old who fear the loss of contact with their family, the loss of their job, and the loss of their other rights, and bodily harm, if they openly come out. To feel that you are forced to deny who you are is amazing. Each individual must choose. Each person exercises their right to privacy. Fear definitely is a variable in the individual come out decision equation."
Debbie -- "We can choose life and living or we can choose our own prison with its stifling air. BUT, that does not alter the fact that there is NO REASON to fear. Whether one fears or not, whether there are consequences or not, fear will always keep our heads down on the ground even if there's no one standing on our necks."
Adam -- "Yes I totally agree. To paraphrase an old civil rights slogan: "Say it loud! I'm gay and I'm proud!" Hard to convince some that only fear stands on their neck; and that fear should not be feared."
posted by adam_styles at 12:24 AM
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