Who will Stand for You?

The days of “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it” have long past, but it still feels like being a member of the LGBTQ community is something new. Especially if you listen to the right wing nut bags that want to run for President. The truth of the matter is that being gay have be around for millennia and it is not about to stop, so we as a culture need to fighting it and start embracing it. Now I know that for some people they feel that their religious beliefs prevent them from embracing the LGBTQ community and I have spoken about what we can do with those people. As the LBGTQ community stands up and fights for equality I am reminded of Pastor Martin Niemöller famous poem:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

The fight for LGBTQ equality is just another is a long line of equality battles that have been fought in this country and it is time for everyone to take up arms in the battle, because you never know who is going to be the next group targeted to have their rights diminished.

Now I know this might sound counterintuitive from someone who wants anti-gay businesses to put up signs that say “no gays allowed.” I’m not advocating that we force everyone to fly a pride flag in their front lawns, what I am advocating is that every person that believes that all people are created equal stand up and fight. Open your mouth when you see discrimination, stand against companies that have poor records when it comes to LGBTQ issues, and finally get out and vote, it may only seem like one vote, but your vote is one in many and it makes a stand against hate, bigotry, and discrimination.

Martin Luther King Jr. said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I have a similar dream to Mr. King, it just adds a few things like sexual preference and gender identity. If someone has to hate me I want them to do so because they think I’m an asshole, not because of who I choose to love.

Being gay is not a sin, nor is it a choice it is just who you are. Pride is not a dirty word, nor is it something just for the LGBTQ community. Pride is for everyone, because it is for everyone to take a stand when some someone’s rights are being diminished. The road to equality is a long one, and it will have many twist, and turns, but is a journey we all must take. It is however a journey that we should not take alone because just think when your time comes who will stand for you?