I participated in the “March on Springfield for Marriage
Equality” rally on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. Why would I do that?! It was
definitely a cold and gloomy day. Also quite rainy. I suffer from neuropathy
and my leg already was aching; I knew I’d be hurting more if I went. I’m not a
lesbian. So again, why did I participate? Why did I go out in the cold rain
with an aching leg when I could have stayed in the warmth of my home with my
loving husband?
I participated in support of the many friends I have who
are “gay/lesbian” but, more important, are human beings just like you and me.
One is an artist, a couple are teachers, a few work for the State, one is a
lawyer, one is a postmaster, several work in healthcare. Some are family.
Several had to marry in other states. A few have civil unions. A few have
children, either biological or adopted, and nurture beautiful families. When I
think of them, “gay” is not what defines them. They are regular people, just
like you and me. I can tell you this for sure: My marriage and my lifestyle
have never been threatened or ruined by their relationships.
I participated because I believe that love is love
between two consenting adults and marriage is a fundamental human right.
Same-sex couples cannot participate fully in our society if they are denied the
legal rights and cultural privileges offered to heterosexual couples through
marriage.
I participated because it saddens and sickens me to hear
stories of people who cannot be in a hospital room with their loved ones when
they are sick and/or dying, because they are "gay" and not “family.”
Imagine for a moment if you had a child or spouse who was dying, and you could
not be there with them. That’s just bullshit, isn’t it?!
I participated in honor of my parents’ gay friends – longtime
family friends who were part of my life as I grew up – now long passed, who
probably never even imagined the day would come when they could marry the
person they loved and have equal rights.
I participated to support those who are afraid to be openly
gay in a society that judges them by their sexual orientation. Imagine for a
moment that you could not proclaim love for the person who means the most to
you, in fear of judgment or persecution. What kind of society is that?
I participated because I believe gays/lesbians should
have the same rights that you and I do to insurance, pensions and survivor
benefits. When your spouse dies, you receive their pension and life insurance.
Imagine for a moment if you built a life with someone for many years, they pass
away, and you are denied the economic stability of their pension or life
insurance because you were not allowed the right to be married. Again, more BS.
I participated because I don’t want to be on the
sidelines, only posting my support on Facebook, talking the talk, but not
walking the walk. I don’t want to be a fair-weather friend. I believe this is
an important social justice issue and it’s time to give equality to all.
Even though I didn't actually march (I was part of the
drumming), I was there, holding my sign that said “Marriage Equality For All”.
I want my children, my grandchildren, my great grandchildren - all of my
descendants - to know that I was there to support same sex marriage.
