It is 24 hours after New York became the 6th state in the USA to legalise gay marriage. Having sobbed for half an hour upon hearing the announcement, I am still overwhelmed. I don''t know anything about politics. I can't hold a conversation about legalities (though, being a lawyer's daughter, I'm getting good at faking it). I don't know the names of the various politicians whose names I should be familiar with. What I do know is that I believe with all ferocity that every single human being who walks this Earth deserves the same rights as anyone else. We are all created equal. We all ARE equal. This is not a discussion; this is fact. That there are still women in various countries who are not allowed to vote blows my mind. That child labor still exists in parts of the world is inconceivable. That in modern day western culture, when the collective fancies ourselves as smarter and wiser than ever, there are now only 6 states in the USA, the self-proclaimed land of the free, where same-sex marriage is deemed legal, is absurdity. But, let's not focus on the negative. There is too much good to be recognised.
One of the most moving things about the journey towards the passage of the bill is that I saw so many straight people fighting on behalf of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. People who do not have much, if anything, to gain personally from the legalisation of same-sex marriage fought with solid integrity. Letters were written, donations were made, charity events were held. These people, with wills the strength of an ox, put me to such shame as I sat and merely watched. To stand up and yell at the top of your lungs for a cause that directly affects you is noble. To be just as bold and loud when it is someone else's cause is remarkably beautiful. Thank you to those who reaffirmed that togetherness is much harder to turn a deaf ear to than a solo voice.
What a time to be living in New York.
The day after Osama Bin Laden was reported dead, I was at Ground Zero, taking pictures of all the placards and news crews. A couple of young people, opposed to the killing of Bin Laden, were quietly making their opinions seen by holding up signs. On one sign was written, "an eye for an eye only leads to blindness." Next to the young man holding this sign were newspaper clippings someone else had taped onto the wall. These were of tabloids which had shamelessly glamorised the story. An ironic sight to behold, and yet, a reminder that I live in a culture where we are privileged with the freedom of speech. Thank goodness that we are all entitled to speak our opinions and our beliefs. However, to force our opinions and beliefs onto others is unfair. Seeing some of the negative response to last night's news was disheartening. But, not enough to dampen the joy! So, up yours, ye hypocrites of skewed faith who stand idly by while someone of your brotherhood molests young boys, yet, in response to the right of same-sex couples to make their love legally binding, proclaim: "The Bishops of New York State oppose in the strongest possible terms any attempt to redefine the sacred institution of marriage. Marriage has always been, is now, and always will be the union of one man and one woman. Government does not have the authority to change this most basic of truths." I curse ye, everyone part of the New York State Catholic Conference, to rot in your own smelly hypocrisy!
Today, the day after same-sex marrige was legalised in New York, and also, appropriately so, the day before gay pride day, I walked through the West Village. There, as one would expect, the pride was palpable. I saw a gay couple both wearing shirts that said "Trophy Husband," and had to turn away before the tears came streaming down. I wonder how many proposals will happen tomorrow during Pride? One more massive step towards equality, and for those whom the passing of the bill most directly affects, I imagine that celebrations will be unrivaled.
"Today marks another step in history's uneven but resolute march to justice." (Dan Cantor, Working Families Party) Every step taken is born from the efforts of many generations of activists. Whomever you all are, and wherever you all are, I thank you for fighting to make this world a better place. Love won this time. Let's hope it keeps on winning, for the millions who still need it. We're one step closer to freedom and justice for all.
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