Human Rights

It seems obvious that lesbians and gays deserve human rights given to others in America. But in the growing Conservative and Christian climate it seems unlikely that it will happen in the near future.

Weren't you surprised when New York State passed its law recently allowing lesbians and gays the right to marry? Who knows how long this will last before it gets caught up in negative legislation that could reverse or tie up the issue? Like California, before New York, there are still debilitating obstacles in the way of equal human rights.

What kind of affect does this have on us? Just below the surface is a message of inequality, judgement, fear and nonacceptance. We become so used to these messages that they almost become "normal". Those of us who are comfortable with our lifestyle simply accept things as they are and go on about living our lives.

Still, whether conscious or unconscious, the messages wear on us and on our lives. Legally we are at a distance disadvantage. Even if we are allowed to marry, as we now can in New York and a few other states, there is no legislation in place to dissolve a legal union between lesbians and gays. Some states are working to find a way through this quagmire.

Living in a country where freedom is supposed to be its basis for existence has not always proven so. We don't have to go back in history very far to find the African Americans struggle for freedom. Even more recently, the Woman's Movement fought for and won our ability to own land and the right to vote.

Today immigration, particularly aimed at Mexicans, is up for questioning around human rights. This struggle is getting more publicity than ours because it is easier for the public to look at and there are many more people involved. It seems as though the public doesn't want to look at the gay issue so they bring another problem to the forefront.

Compared to other issues confronting our world today, gay and lesbian issues appear to vanish. Does that in itself bring out a bit of laziness on our part or a feeling of despair that nothing can be done to help?

We need to remember and remind ourselves often that we not only deserve our human rights, but live in a country that supposedly offers that right to each of its citizens. We must not give up on making an impact for our lifestyle. We must persevere and take every opportunity to be visible with our needs.

I hope that eventually lesbians and gays will have true freedom like other citizens in America. As we grow in numbers, awareness and intentions, I wish for a day when we can celebrate our human rights and our lifestyle in an honorable way. That will be a great day indeed!