I walked a total of 4.5 miles.
My feet are dirty. My body hurts. I have a major sunburn. I had a fiasco of a time finding the guys and gals I am ever proud to march with. I was hungry.
But every single minute of this day was worth it.
Not a spot of rain since yesterday. A beautiful day. And in the midst of this beautiful day with no rain was a rainbow.
I stood in awe looking at this sight. I sat in church this morning, teaching Sunday School, thinking about hatred and whether or not there is a place for it in this world. And I looked at this rainbow shining high above the sun and I knew that there simply isn't a place for that hatred. Sadly, it exists, but its use is very little.
I wish I could share with you the power of being in this place at this time. Regardless of whether you agree with LGBTQ rights, the moment was one of strength and solidarity. Every single one of these people was there to show support for equality, for rights, for justice. They stood up with one voice and demanded that this is their time.
And I am imminently proud that I stood with these all of these people and demanded it for my fellow man and woman who do not have the rights I do. Gay, straight, Black, white, Christian, Jewish, punk, classic, big boobs, little boobs, ba-donk-a-donk butts, flat butts... you name it, somebody was there representing it, standing in solidarity for equality.
Yes, every moment was worth whatever I may be physically feeling now because I stood with a great many people who inspired me and reminded me that we will have a better tomorrow because of the amazing people fighting for it.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Marching for an Equal Tomorrow
Tomorrow is a big day for DC and for the country. The National Equality March is happening, marching from downtown to the Capitol. Throughout this weekend there are numerous events, panels, and social hours taking place - quite the undertaking.
I read in someone's facebook status yesterday that "marching for gay rights is passé." I also received an e-mail from the church I teach Sunday School at that I will be recognized at the 11:00 a.m. service as a new member of the church.
I will not be going. I will not be going because marching for my brothers and sisters is not passé. I will not be going because I believe in equality and I belive in love. We must stand together to fight bigotry and hatred. Rich, poor, Asian, African, Caucasion, handicapped, male, female, gay, straight... whatever stratifications we fall into, there are still people who are being treated as second-class citizens in a country that purports to be free.
There are those out there that use the Holy Books (place your religion of choice here) as a shield for their hatred and wield a sword of prejudice to cut people down. I refuse to do so. If you want to talk to me about religion, I'll talk to you about love. If you want to talk to me about spirituality, I'll talk to you about love. If you want to talk to me about being an aethiest, I'll STILL talk to you about love. Because I believe in the tenets of this country and the religion I practice (one that I will never boost onto another). I believe in equality and love. We won't hold a shield because we don't need one. We won't hold a sword because our hands will be held together and high in the air because we are proud and we believe that justice will someday stand for us.
I am proud to be called a straight ally. I am proud that tomorrow I will march to continue to bring attention to a plight that is not dead and certainly is not unfashionable. Because this is not about the cause of the moment, this is about people.
If you'd like to march with me (and thousands of others) tomorrow, send me a message. If you can't march with me tomorrow, then think of those thousands of people who will be and hope for a peaceful standing of what is right.
If you'd like more information on the event itself, please go to: www.NationalEqualityMarch.com
I read in someone's facebook status yesterday that "marching for gay rights is passé." I also received an e-mail from the church I teach Sunday School at that I will be recognized at the 11:00 a.m. service as a new member of the church.
I will not be going. I will not be going because marching for my brothers and sisters is not passé. I will not be going because I believe in equality and I belive in love. We must stand together to fight bigotry and hatred. Rich, poor, Asian, African, Caucasion, handicapped, male, female, gay, straight... whatever stratifications we fall into, there are still people who are being treated as second-class citizens in a country that purports to be free.
There are those out there that use the Holy Books (place your religion of choice here) as a shield for their hatred and wield a sword of prejudice to cut people down. I refuse to do so. If you want to talk to me about religion, I'll talk to you about love. If you want to talk to me about spirituality, I'll talk to you about love. If you want to talk to me about being an aethiest, I'll STILL talk to you about love. Because I believe in the tenets of this country and the religion I practice (one that I will never boost onto another). I believe in equality and love. We won't hold a shield because we don't need one. We won't hold a sword because our hands will be held together and high in the air because we are proud and we believe that justice will someday stand for us.
I am proud to be called a straight ally. I am proud that tomorrow I will march to continue to bring attention to a plight that is not dead and certainly is not unfashionable. Because this is not about the cause of the moment, this is about people.
If you'd like to march with me (and thousands of others) tomorrow, send me a message. If you can't march with me tomorrow, then think of those thousands of people who will be and hope for a peaceful standing of what is right.
If you'd like more information on the event itself, please go to: www.NationalEqualityMarch.com
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