Prop 8 – Equal Rights

I have to admit, I have not been thinking much about Prop. 8 or what it will or won’t mean for me. I’m not even in a relationship right now, let alone looking to marry my same-sex partner. However, if and when the time comes, I would like that right and would like to have the same privileges and rights my heterosexual counter parts receive. We all pay taxes. We should all have the same benefits and responsibilities.  See, being in a committed relationship is not just about sex with one person, it’s a responsible act.

I was driving to my local dog park – a place I go every single day with Coop. It’s in an older wealthier part of town – Stockdale Estates. Old white republican money. Anyway, I don’t see many political signs on the lawns like most election years. I’ve seen only one “vote republican” plaquard.  Yesterday I noticed at least 20 different “Vote YES on Prop. 8″ signs and bumper stickers. One house had at least 5 of them on their lawn.  The signs have little stick figure children holding hands… looks like a child’s drawing. Hmmm… I was puzzled about that as I wasn’t even aware that the gay marriage issue IS Prop 8. I had to come home and look at my sample ballot. AH! WTH?!? 

Of all the issues before us you people care about who I may or may not marry? Wow. Yes, you people. It bothers me so much that we have to fight so hard for every single right that the average white american gets automatically. I’m Black, a woman and lesbian. Every time I turn around one of my rights is under seige.

I’m different. Deal with it! If we were all meant to be replicas of Ken and Barbie GOD  WOULD HAVE MADE US ALL THE SAME. And if you think that keeping gays from marrying will prevent you from having to explain to your children who gay people are, you’re delusional – or irresponsible.

I have the right to be in a committed relationship. I have the right to create a family, to have or adopt children and provide them with a loving home. I should have the right to claim them on my taxes, to add them to my insurance and to provide them with the same benefits other families receive. Why not??