Obama made history yesterday but as he stepped forward into the light, monsters were still lurking in the darkness. As we came together to rejoice the change in the direction of America, a different kind of change was being decided upon -- a change in the state constitution to remove the right for same-sex couples to marry. Good people. My friends.
And because of Proposition 8 passing, I found myself unable to fully celebrate last night. And today I feel robbed of the pride I should be feeling. The hope I should have for my country.
Last night was momentous and I couldn't help but think, as I clinked champagne glasses with those of my friends, my daughter in my arms and son at my feet, that this would be a night I would remember always. A defining moment in the history of this country and in my life.
As the first family stepped onto the stage I marveled at the unification the Obamas signified. The personification of equality and change. The fact that TODAY it is possible for ALL parents in the United States, regardless of race and ethnicity to BELIEVE when they tell their children, "sky's the limit!"
Unfortunately, when it comes to Gay rights, we're still stalled on the tarmac. And when the champagne bottles had all been emptied and we had finished hugging each other goodbye, I felt a certain sadness overtake me, a feeling of shame. One I wanted desperately to replace with the hope and pride I felt watching Obama take the stage with his family.
As the first family stepped onto the stage I marveled at the unification the Obamas signified. The personification of equality and change. The fact that TODAY it is possible for ALL parents in the United States, regardless of race and ethnicity to BELIEVE when they tell their children, "sky's the limit!"Unfortunately, when it comes to Gay rights, we're still stalled on the tarmac. And when the champagne bottles had all been emptied and we had finished hugging each other goodbye, I felt a certain sadness overtake me, a feeling of shame. One I wanted desperately to replace with the hope and pride I felt watching Obama take the stage with his family.
I spoke to my mother, last night, who said to me "when we were children, we would have never guessed that in our lifetime we would see a black U.S. President. It's extraordinary to see how far, as a nation, we've come."
And I thought to myself, hopeful, that perhaps one day, when my children are old enough to participate in an election, they might call me to rejoice over the election of the first openly gay President of the United States.
That I might look back on this day, and like my own mother, marvel at how far we've come.
Because indeed we can come together and evolve as a nation. But as Obama said so eloquently in his acceptance speech, there is still work to be done.
For now, I'll keep fighting and believing in the NECESSITY that is equal rights for ALL men and women, and I will, as they say, cling to hope.
To quote my new President, "yes we can!"
And I encourage all of you to join hands and fight until we do.
GGC
