Marching Forward

It is rare in life when one gets a second chance to get something right. This is not to say that there aren’t attempts to make a wrong right, but often that is an exception to the rule. On November 4th of last year an injustice was perpetrated onto our community. Our right as gay men and lesbians to get married was taken away from us. A very slim majority of voters went to the polls and voted to legislate prejudice over basic civil rights. And while many of us did what we could to ensure that such an outcome did not occur, there were far too many of us who did not.
I am not saying in any way shape or form are we responsible for the outcome of the vote on Proposition 8. Far from it. What I am saying is that far too many of us simply took it for granted that people would do the right thing and vote for our rights to live happy lives as married couples. On March 5th of this year, just a few short weeks ago, the California Supreme Court has decided to hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
Immediately following the outcome of Proposition 8 there was an outpouring of outrage and sadness. Shocked by what was definitely a defining moment in our communities history, people, gay and straight alike, took to the streets literally in peaceful protests and marches. Now I know, there are those of you thinking about that “poor lady Phyllis who had her cross ripped our of her hand and was attacked”?Regardless of what happened to the media attention grabbing granny, or what anyone thinks of it, actions of a few do not reflect the entire gay community. I for one couldn’t have cared less if she had her cross knocked out of her hand. Regardless of age, race, sexuality, if you stand in the way of someone’s god given rights as a human being than you had better be prepared for the consequences. The media was quick to turn poor Phyllis into a victim, and more recently has made those who gave money to Proposition 8 victims as well.
I have always stated that if you truly believe in a cause then you must stand behind your beliefs. You don’t hide by donating money and then are outraged when your donation is made public. You do not insert yourself into a rally of people that you want to deny their rights and then not expect them to react.
Of course this is a two way street. I heard plenty of gays and lesbians stating that they would not join any Prop 8 protests because of the infamous cross incident. Nor would some of them refuse to boycott businesses that donated to the yes campaign, for the only reason that the business was a favorite of theirs, or there was no proof that such business donated to the yes campaign. The whole “proof” rationale is ridiculous. The way I see it, if you ask a person if they supported Prop 8 either directly or indirectly, if they do not give a definite no, or refuse to answer, than they are not a friend to our cause.
As for those protests that were well attended, they were still not attended enough. This is Palm Springs and we have a much bigger gay population than showed up at any of the rallies. If you are not outraged or even interested in the outcome of Prop 8 than you are either not paying attention or are just plain selfish. We are talking about being recognized not as gays and lesbians, but as human beings with “certain unalienable rights”. We have another chance to speak out. On March 5th California Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of Prop 8. Leading up that date, and to the day of their rulings, there will be more rallies, demonstrations, and more importantly conversations. Now is our time to truly make our voices heard. We need to collectively come and stand together. So if you want to make a difference than get involved. As for your friends who seem disinterested, explain to them how important this. Convince them than they need to get off the bar stool, log off the internet, and even forego a trick, and make a true difference. Luckily we do have a great community that has come together but we need every single one of us to speak our voice. Our time has come