Kentucky Notoriety, Judicial Pride

Something remarkable happened in my 
native state today.

In Louisville, the largest and arguably
most liberal city in the state, a Republican
-appointed federal judge ruled that the
Commonwealth must recognize marriages 
of same-sex couples that were performed
in other states and countries.

I am still in shock.

Originally beginning this blog by stating 
that I am proud of Kentucky, I sobered up 
and recognized that most of its citizens 
don't agree with what happened in Louisville 
today. And while I, as a Gay man, am ecstatic 
over the ruling, I am also saddened because
the ruling hits home in a deep way. It forces 
me to think of those in Kentucky who 
disagree with legal/social equality for LGBT
people. And when thinking of them, they have 
faces instead of representation from a right-
winged think tank or a religious group. Those 
who disagree with my right to happiness have
names. They're some of my Facebook friends. 
Old co-workers. High school classmates. 
Family members and yes--my parents.

Part of me wants to be angry with them; to 
defriend them both on and offline, to shake 
them and say, "This isn't just some civil 
disagreement--this is MY LIFE!" I want to 
look at the friends whom I would like to think 
care about me and my happiness and ask,
"How can you say you love me publicly then 
go into a booth at the polls and vote against 
me?!" I would want to say what Sara Barielles
said best: "Who died and made you king of 
anything?!"

The other part of me recognizes that anger 
in these situations is exercise in futility. I am 
powerless to change anothers deeply-rooted 
prejudices on my own. I trust in time and 
increased awareness of the many challenges 
that face Women who Love Women and men 
who Love men. I let go of the anger and give
that to my Higher Power, knowing that Love 
triumphs always.

Today, I am proud of the judicial system. Once 
again, the Judicial Branch has risen to the task 
of its original founding: to protect the rights of 
the minority from the illegal desires of the 
majority.

Kentucky is now yet another stepping stone on 
this great, strengthening road to Equality. 

Godspeed.