Wednesday, February 12, 2014
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.
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