Sanctity of Marriage = Purity of Race

I'd like to speak to all my gay friends out there about the recent anti-gay state amendments. I think it's important to understand what has happened. The movement to protect the 'sanctity of marriage' is really the doctrine of segregation reborn. The very phrase 'sanctity of marriage' is no less putrid and powerfully evil than was the phrase 'purity of race'. Both fundamentally posit the idea that one or more groups of people are impure and must not be allowed to dirty the group in power by being treated equally under the law.

Now that the evangelicals have come to politically dominate much of the geography of this country, they have been moving to mold our laws to suit their world view. Gay people are the lucky recipients of this new 'will to power'. But be warned, this is but the beginning. Now that the evangelicals are emboldened, I foresee them acting more decisively to denigrate and segregate us. Remember that some amendments took away rights gay couples already had been given. Isn't it likely that many evangelicals and their kind will now feel empowered to vilify us even further? I'm not sure what's next on their agenda for us but I fear we shall find out soon enough.

Stay vigilant and do not relent in demanding equality and respect under the law. Remember, it is not you and your queerness which is immoral and shameful, it is the churches and church leaders who have used the power of the pulpit to promote this new incarnation of segregation. Not suprising given a brief review of history. I cannot stress this enough. Do not be intimidated by this societal sickness masquerading as 'moral values'.

Here in Kentucky where one of the anti-gay amendments banning same-sex marriage passed, I feel a renewed sense of outrage and bitterness. Yet I cannot help but remember that throughout history many groups have had to endure various injustices and indignities. Our time in that way is not unique in the least.

And although I cannot say how much worse it might get for us nor how long this dark time might last, I do believe that in the long view we are assured final liberation. It is not for naught that the evangelicals and their ilk are forced to talk about, debate with and fight against our growing inclusion in important institutions, rituals and traditions. Whether they like it or realize it, our 'gay agenda' is moving inexorably to success. Remind them of this reality as I often do and you will assuredly feel better.

But you will feel better not because that person's mind has been changed. It likely hasn't. You will feel better because you will have refused to recognize their core conviction - the belief that they are morally superior. Remind them that noone speaks for god though many may foolishly claim otherwise. By confronting this self-righteous delusion and slapping it back, you will have nurtured your own dignity.

Finally, I just want you all to have no doubt. In fact, I want to remind you that you owe no one an explanation or justification for your life. It is not militant or obnoxious to confront others for their own beliefs when they affront your dignity and seek to overthrow your very right to exist and live and love fully. In fact, it is absurd not to do this. Do not compromise. Do not be polite. Do not be understanding. Be unyielding to those who would segregate you to the margins of society for that is their 'final solution'. We queer people have simply awoken to our basic dignity and worth and will not retreat back into the closeted dark ages of superstitious medieval destructive world views.

With love and good wishes,
Patrick