I really don’t like PRIDE parades. I don’t think I will ever attend one with my children. I do support public and group social movements, and in standing up for ones beliefs and rights. I just don’t support flaunting. There is a difference.
But don’t hate me yet, keep reading.
For many who know me, you know this already, for those who don’t….I will do nearly anything for the people in my life that matter to me. I have long friendships with amazing people and will go out of my way to help others-sometimes at my own expense. So, in this, it is difficult for me to just keep quiet about my personal thoughts and feelings in relation to the legalization of gay marriage.
I love my husband. He is my best friend, and I cannot imagine my life without him. If I were told that I could not marry him, I can only imagine the steps that I would take to have that right. I also know, that even if I was told I could not marry him, I would still be with him forever.
I also believe in the constitution and the laws of the land passed down from the leaders before my time. I too believe in and support some of the changes that have happened in our history, such as: gender equality and the elimination of racial segregation. I do not believe that changes should happen quickly and easily (or for every long fight), but this battle, about the right to marry, has been one long and ongoing battle that in most states has found justification of legalization.
There are many who have made the decision to be together, even without the right to marry. They have chosen to have children and make a life together. They are making it work, and I think doing a pretty good job. There are also those who aren’t doing so well, but I have seen that in traditional married couples as well. It’s happening, whether it’s legal or not, it is already a part of our society. Families exist with parents of the same gender. I support love, I support the family. Historically, the legal aspects of marriage have changed many times, remember the arranged marriages of our past, or polygamy….hmmm…I sure am thankful that we fought and considered what was best for our society even when it meant pulling religious institutions along.
I watch the actions of others, and often wish that a very large mirror existed to reflect that person back upon themselves. Maybe, we wouldn’t have so many people judging and protesting the right to love one another, and just maybe, there would be more open and honest acceptance of others all around. By showing compassion, you are not changing your own belief system, you are not backing down from what you believe, but instead, you are growing. Can’t we just be kind to one another? Standing up for what we believe, in a manner that represents us as a loving and tolerant person instead of vocally tearing others down because they don’t feel the way we do.
The open and blaring attacks against members of our community hurts us all. It’s true, I said I didn’t like the PRIDE parade, but this only happens once a year. I would equally dislike a parade based upon the traditional partnership if one were to exist. I don’t love public displays of affection, or outrageous behavior on either side, truly. I hope for a community of equality, of kindness, and of love, because I myself don’t always exist within the “norms” of society and I hope that I can always still matter and have my own voice.
