No Love Is Wrong

In retrospect, I have realized that no love is wrong no matter who you are or whom you love. Same sex marriage has become an issue that all Americans have become aware of. Many people argue over the thought of seeing a couple of the same sex becoming legally married, but marriage is for love, whether it is between a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. I believe everyone has the right to marry. Heterosexual couples get married everyday so why not same sex couples?

Homosexuals want to marry for the same reason as any heterosexual couple. Some people feel gay couples seek to destroy the sanction of marriage, but that is false. They just seek to be a part of it. Gays and lesbians want to marry for the same reason heterosexuals do and that is to show their love for one another. By not allowing gay couples to marry is the same as telling them their love is wrong, and no ones love is wrong. We live in America, the country of the free! Yet same sex couples are unable to marry? Something seems odd there.

The choice of marriage should be given to everyone no matter what his or her sexual orientation may be. I firmly believe that the future does hold a positive outlook on same sex marriages and will hopefully one day become legal. However, until then everyone should remember that we are all humans and that we should all be treated equally no matter what. Just because certain peoples lifestyles are different from one another doesn’t give anyone the right to discriminate against them.

The True Colors Tour is indeed full of color

Cheers to you Mrs. Lauper! Cyndi Lauper has become one of my new favorite people. Besides being a well known singer and icon, she is also a firm believer and supporter of the LGBT community. She is actually putting on an event called the True Colors Tour, which supports the Human Rights Campaign and empowers both gay and straight Americans to stand up against discrimination.

The True Colors website gave me some great information on why Cyndi Lauper decided to put on this event. She said she wants this tour to “celebrate people’s differences by raising awareness for liberty, fairness and dignity for everyone- not just some of us. Our fans can come out to celebrate a great cause while also hearing some great music.”

This tour has a great lineup of musical guests including Cyndi Lauper, Erasure, Debbie Harry, The Dresden Dolls, The Gossip, The Misshapes, and Margaret Cho. Matthew Shepard’s parents are also going to make an appearance at some of the tour dates in remembrance of their son and his foundation.

The True Colors Tour sounds so optimistic and very exciting. I’m glad to see such positive actions being made towards not just the LGBT community, but also the straight community. As Cyndi Lauper says, “We should all have the right to live with the same dignity, opportunity and safety. It shouldn’t matter what anyone’s sexual orientation is.” How nice would it be if everyone thought this way? Hmm…Maybe the issue of same sex marriage wouldn’t be as hectic and controversial as it is today.

Website: http://www.truecolorstour.com/

Touchy Subject

As I began writing my blog in the beginning of the semester, I told myself that I wasn’t going to incorporate religion into my posts. I just felt that it would open up a whole other door of controversy and opinions that are hard to justify and being that religion is a sensitive subject to talk about.

Yet, I heard some rather upsetting news regarding Vatican officials and Pope Benedict that I just had to mention. It seems as though Italy is trying to offer more rights to the gay community, which is great! When news of this got to the Vatican, it didn’t end up so well. Sources say that Archbishop Angelo Amato, who is very close to the Pope, stated “parliaments of so-called civilized nations where laws contrary to the nature of the human being are being promulgated, such as the approval of marriage between people of the same sex” responded a bit hostile to the subject of same sex marriages.

Being of the Catholic faith myself, I know that same sex marriage is not recognized or accepted. That is fine and I hardly ever hear gay activists asking for the right of a holy matrimony in the first place. Gay activist solely want same sex marriage to be legal in the eyes of the government and issued the same rights as heterosexual married couples. I guess the reason why I am disappointed is that I found Archbishop Amato’s quote rather offensive. Being of Catholic faith myself, I was always taught to love thy neighbor and treat others the way you would like to be treated. Yet, Archbishop Amato’s remarks in response to Italy’s consideration of more rights to the gay community was so un Christian like in my eyes.

Is New York the next state to legalize same sex marriage?

Some good news! A positive initiative has been made on legalizing same sex marriage. The New York Times has reported that the governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer, will soon introduce a bill for same sex marriage equality in New York. This move has been anticipated because Spitzer announced in his campaign a year ago, that he supported same sex marriage and he planned to introduce a bill to legislation on behalf of it.

It’s good to see that Spitzer went through with his plans and upholds of his support on same sex marriage. Unlike other governors, as lets say *cough cough* California, who supports the gay community by signing laws that strengthen tax rights to gay partners, hate crime protections, and domestic partnerships. Yet he opposes same sex marriage, which is obviously a BIG deal for the gay community. Schwarzenegger should look up to Spitzer and take in that in order to support a community, such as the gay community, you should support everything about them and not just certain issues.

Who knows if Spitzer’s bill will even go through, but the fact that he is doing something about it is great. I applaud him for standing up for this issue and trying to make a change.

More than just marriage

I know that my blog is in favor of same sex marriage, but I also feel it is also a pro GLBT rights blog as well. When I see stories, pictures, and in this case even videos of individuals talking down on the GLBT community it makes me upset and at times even offended. The reason I feel this way is due to the fact that some of my closest friends and even family members are a part of the GLBT community and it has become a issue close to my heart.

Here is a short film including the oh so unfavorable and my current opponent Fred Phelps (founder of the Westboro Baptist Church). He is giving his description of why God hates “fags” and that it happens to be a profound theological statement… I think not! Watch and see how unbelievable he and his statements really are.

A visitor

Here it is! The post I had promised you all from my friend Cassandra that includes her views on being gay and of course same sex marriage.

Mostly everyone believes that love is unconditional, that when you fall in love nothing and no one matters…all that matters is that “you have each other.” Yet that isn’t the case for me. I love my partner unconditionally and I’d do anything for us to be happy together, but there is one problem…my partner is a she. I have been a member of the LGBT community for about 4 years, and being in a lesbian relationship has not been easy.

I came out to my family when I was 17 years old and fortunately, I was one of the “lucky ones.” My mother took it so well and she accepted me automatically for who I was. I cannot say that my experience as a lesbian has been a horrible one, but it hasn’t been the smoothest ride either. Though I also consider myself lucky in the sense that I have people who love me for who I am, give me a positive outlook on life, and keep a smile on my face. I always try to surround myself with the resources and people that I know won’t set me up for emotional distress.

I work as a program coordinator in the Pride Center at my University and I am involved in various organizations that aid to the LGBT community. It has become something I am passionate about and being able to help others is the most rewarding. Yet, when it comes to love, it is where I am the least accepted. I was with my partner for over two years and we had to end our relationship because her family wouldn’t accept her as a lesbian. Until this day, it breaks my heart that my partner and I can’t be together because of society and all its negative stereotypes that have influenced people’s (her parent’s) outlook and decisions amongst the LGBT community.

I am a firm believer in same sex marriage; I want to get married and form a family and be happy just as everyone else. Yet, that dream sometimes seems impossible for me. I fear that I will have to stay lonely or in a hidden relationships for the rest of my life because others wont accept me any my lifestyle. I would like to just live my life peacefully and not feel ashamed of loving another woman. I would like to marry the woman I love and plan ours lives together with out feeling scared or degraded. Until that day comes I can only hope for the best.

Some good news!

It is official the Westboro Baptist Church group has finally been put to a stop in the state of Kansas where they are based out of. If you look back into my previous posts, I wrote an entry on the group and their insensitive acts on various groups of people including homosexuals, soldiers, and even the families of those who have been killed in war or hate crimes.

The Governor of Kansas has actually signed a bill aimed at stopping the homophobic church group from protesting at various places, the most inappropriate being the funerals of those killed in Iraq. They are banned from coming within 150 feet of a funeral one hour before, during or two hours after the end of the service. Violators could face up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Kansas joined 16 other states in stopping the hate group’s activities and covers 122 national cemeteries.

Thank goodness, someone has put a stop to this homophobic hate group and their heartless acts. I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a law or bill against these kind of hate crimes or groups before. I'm hoping the Westboro Baptist Church groups protests and hate acts will be banned in all the states not just 17 of them.

Inspired

In one of my first posts, I wrote about a close friend of mine who happens to be my inspiration for this blog and is a lesbian. I thought I would talk about her a little more today. Hmm… where to start? Well her name is Cassandra, she is a college student, and a devoted LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) activist. She is what you call a people person; she has friends everywhere and is always saying hi to someone. That’s one of the qualities I love about her because no matter who you are she’ll introduce herself and talk to you as if you’ve been friends forever and that’s actually how we met. It was my first year of college, I went to visit a friend at her dorm and Cassandra was there. The moment I walked in she immediately started talking to me, made me feel a part of her circle of friends, and eventually her, two friends, and I became roommates the following year. We’ve been best of friends since then and her friendship means the world to me.

(Cassandra and I)

Cassandra and I have discussions on practically everything. Whenever we are together, we talk about anything from our day, the news, jokes, thoughts, dilemmas, and our dreams. When I told her I was doing a blog on pro same sex marriage, she was so happy. She really liked the fact that I chose this topic because she knows it is something that is highly controversial at the moment, yet is of great importance to her and the GLBT community. She would like to get married to her special someone in the future and doesn’t want to have to move to Canada or Massachusetts to do it because those are the only states which legalize same sex marriage. I hope that positive changes will be made regarding this issue and that legislation will finally allow same sex marriage. Therefore, when her special day does come around she will be able to celebrate it wherever she pleases.

- check back for an entry from Cassandra and her views on same sex marriage soon

Dreams Do Come True

The Happiest Place on Earth has just announced that they are now going to offer the Fairy Tale Wedding package at Disneyland, Disney World, or Disney's cruise ships for not only legally married couples, but now to gay couples as well. The Fairy Tale package includes: a ceremony at one of the parks' marriage pavilions, Disney costumed characters at the reception, and a ride in a horse-drawn, glass-enclosed carriage through Disney property. The company stated that they made this change after a gay couple had contacted them wanting to use their wedding services.

Disney Parks and Resorts spokesperson Donn Walker said Friday, “We believe this change is consistent with Disney's long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment, we want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcomed and respected.”

I applaud Disney for choosing to offer this special opportunity for gay couples. I consider this a huge step for Disney because they are such a highly recognized company through out the country and have an important reputation to hold. I’m sure there will be many people will oppose this new change, but hey it’s “where dreams come true” no matter what your age, religion, gender, or sexuality may be.

Article:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/06/national/main2658827.shtml

Are they serious?!

The Westboro Baptist Church website is beyond belief! The website says that their page “is dedicated to preaching the Gospel truth about the soul-damning, nation-destroying notion that "It is OK to be gay."

“WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS, FAG TROOPS, GOD BLEW UP THE TROOPS, GOD HATES AMERICA, AMERICA IS DOOMED, THE WORLD IS DOOMED, etc.”

The more and more I browse through this website the more disgusted I become. These people actually make up bible passages stating false verses, they picket outside soldiers funerals, and dedicate pages to gay people who have been murdered and say that they deserved it.

Words can’t even describe what I am feeling right now… just to think people see no harm in these actions is unbeleiveable.

Go and check it out for yourself and see what I am talking about.

Website: www.godhatesfags.com

Ask for the whole package

For the past ten years, bills to legalize gay marriage have been introduced to various states and have yet been approved. Since it is unlikely that the legalization of gay marriage will pass this year besides the state of Massachusetts(only state where same sex marriage is legal); gay rights activists are fighting to have the basic rights that straight couples are given for same sex couples. There are various bills asking for rights such as, giving same-sex parents the right to take family leave if their partner, or their partner's children, should fall ill. Another bill would give gay couples the right to plan their partner's funerals, or to file a wrongful death lawsuit, should their partner die.

I found an article about these current bills and about a lesbian couple named Aronda Kirby and Digit Murphy who were once previously married to men. They state that once they were divorced all of the rights they once had were taken from them. It’s sad to think that these women once had all of these right because they were married to men and now they are gone. All couples should be able to have these rights no matter what their sexual preference may be.

Kirby states that she “isn't sure that she would want to marry again, but she does want the same rights as heterosexuals, particularly when it comes to caring for her partner and children.” Hmm… sounds a bit strange to me. Why would she not want to marry her partner and gain these rights if she had the chance? You can’t expect to gain the same rights as married couples if you yourself don’t know if you want to get married. I feel she shouldn’t just be fighting for these rights, but for the legalization of same sex marriage as well. The gay community shouldn’t have to just settle for SOME of the same rights as heterosexual couples, but for the whole package including and all of the same rights and most importantly the right to marriage.

Article: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/

In dictionary terms

Since my blog is on the topic of same sex marriages it has made me wonder… What is the exact definition of marriage?

Well Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines marriage as “the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.” Their second definition was referred to as same sex marriage, which they defined as “the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage.”

I was actually quite surprised to see they mentioned anything about same sex marriage in their definition; I’m positive a few years ago that the second definition wouldn’t have been included. I guess times are a changing and it might not seem like a big deal to see that definition posted, but it just goes to show that same sex marriages are being recognized and that marriage shouldn’t have to only be between a man and woman.

The newest in Mexico

USA Today reported that a new law went into effect just two days ago in Mexico allowing gay civil unions. It grants same sex couples with similar benefits as legally married heterosexual couples do. The article stated, “It reflects a growing acceptance of homosexual culture in what has traditionally been a macho society, as well as Mexico City's willingness to join the international debate on gay marriage rights”. Being of Hispanic (Mexican/ Colombian) heritage I fully understand how big of a deal this is for the state and its citizens. Mexican traditions alone are very customary and this new law is such an immense deal for their gay community.

Antonio Medina and Jorge Cerpa

The first couple to take advantage of the new law was journalist Antonio Medina, and economist Jorge Cerpa. They were united in a plaza in front of the government offices of Mexico City's Iztapalapa borough, signing documents under a banner that read "Civil Union Law: Your right to choose" a wide amount of supporters yelled "Bravo!" and waved rainbow flags during the ceremony. It is so nice to see that Mexico and some of its citizens are in favor of this important issue. I hope that with this new law in effect same sex marriages won’t be too far along.

Article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-03-16-gayunions_N.htm#uslPageReturn

Unsurprisingly surprising

I came across this photo while I was searching for same sex marriages and I just had to post it. Photos just like the one above make me sick! It is so hard for me to believe these women are actually smiling. The most outrageous thing is the fact that one sign says, “God hates fags.” Actually, God doesn’t hate anyone and if they were so religious or into the bible as they display than they should know that nowhere in the bible does it state that.

Make up your mind already

I can’t pin point whether or not I feel Arnold Schwarzenegger a.k.a. the Terminator, is one of my bad guys or not. Reason being that yes he does help the gay community by supporting and signing laws that strengthen tax rights to gay partners, hate crime protections, and domestic partnerships. Certainly those are great actions and help for the gay community, which is a positive thing. Yet, he is also in favor of Proposition 22, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. His actions are confusing at times, well most of the time because when he first ran for office I remember he ran as a pro gay rights Republican.

Those reasons are primarily why I have Arnold Schwarzenegger on my list of bad guys, but even more so because he claims to be a pro gay rights supporter other than his EXCEPTION to gay marriages. Strange…how can he be pro gay rights and NOT support a highly important issue the gay community is trying so hard to pass and long for? Governor Schwarzenegger needs to make up his mind already and fully support the gay community. Going around the bush won’t get him or the those in favor of the legalization of gay marriages anywhere in my eyes.

Stories to Share

Since my last blog was so disturbing and really pushed my buttons I have to admit it had more than just a negative affect on me. It really got me thinking about my topic way more than I imagined. As I was doing my daily routine, I would catch myself thinking of gay marriage issues and topics I was curious about or wanted to get more information on. One of the main things I couldn’t get off my mind was my interest in couples who have primarily been affected by the illegalization of same sex marriage or have tried getting married.

Earlier today, I was doing research online and came across one of the most positive and insightful websites in favor of same-sex marriage I have ever seen. The website is called 10couples.org and their mission is for viewers to meet 10 couples they have selected and to share their stories and lives with us through a video clip. They all share their unique stories relating to topics such as how they both met, how their life is currently affected by not being able to get married and receiving benefits that are important to them. One couple in particular shared their story on how they were able to get married and how it was rescinded a month later. Listening to all these stories truly touched me in so many ways and got my mind thinking even more. There was one story in particular that truly touched my heart and that was the story of Dick and Bob. I encourage all of you to visit this website, listen to at least one of the stories, and try to understand what it must feel like to live in their shoes and not being able to have the same benefits and protection rights as other equally committed and married couples have.

Visit www.10couples.org

Watch for Yourself

DISGUSTED. Is the only word I can think of after viewing this video of a gay man who was beaten by anti gay marriage activists. Only two people were helping the injured man and everyone else was just standing there and even walking over him. Who does such a thing?! It is cruel and indescribably appalling while watching this footage. Those activists are out there protesting because they feel it is immoral and atrocious to have same sex marriage legalized. Yet their hate and actions towards the gay community and especially the injured man is what happens to be IMMORAL and ATROCIOUS!

Equality is the best policy

A local Minnesota news website has reportedhttp://wcco.com/local/local_story_068211623.html that the senate committee has passed a bill offering the state same sex benefits. The senate committee approved the bill that would extend similar health insurance to state workers and their same sex partners. Equal to those of the spouses those traditional married employees receive. The bill is a great advantage to state employees who have always wanted and worried about the concern of their partners’ health. They will now be able to receive and not be troubled by the thought of anything health related were to go wrong with their partner they wouldn’t be able to help them. This a huge step for the state of Minnesota not only because this issue is widely ignored in many other states, but the fact that they have actually approved a bill which will make so much of a difference to those state workers and their partners’.

The only downfall to this news is the fact that this bill is only for state workers and not to the domestic community and their partners. Luckily, the article states, “a parallel bill would give local governments the authority to offer domestic partner benefits.” This is extremely important because that means that all same sex couples would have the advantage of these health benefits and they should not only be offered to state employees. I hope that it all works out and that all same sex couples would have access to these benefits. I hope that in the near future all of the U.S. would take this issue into consideration and offer these benefits to their citizens no matter what their sexual preference happens to be.

Senator Clinton Pro Gay Rights

MSNBC reported http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17469609/ that New York’s current Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton has announced in an unpublicized speech that she would like a partnership with the gay community if she was elected president and stated “I am proud to stand by your side” to the Human Rights Campaign during her speech. I am glad to see that Sen. Clinton is actually standing up for the gay community and isn’t ashamed of wanting to have a relationship with them. Not too many political officials would be caught doing such a thing.

I was surprised to read that Sen. Clinton is also in favor of opposing her husbands “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” which let gay individuals serve in the military only if they kept their sexual orientation private. I very much disagreed with that policy because it was unnecessary and didn’t make any kind of progressive change for the gay community in the military besides keeping their sexual orientation a secret rather than expressing it. Sen. Clinton response to her husbands’ policy was, “it would be safer for the nation if openly gay soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen could wear the uniform. This policy doesn't just hurt gays and lesbians, it hurts all our troops and this to me is a matter of national security and we're going to fix it.” I highly respect Sen. Clinton on her rather positive statements; maybe with a President like her in office legalization of same sex marriage won’t be too far along.

donkey love?... i think NOT

Appalled. Is the one word that comes to mind while visiting the website nogaymarriage.com. Obviously, this sites mission is to ban gay marriages from ever happening, but they do it in such an unprofessional way. First of all, they list 10 arguments that they believe justify why gay marriage is terrible and should never be legalized. As I was reading the immature and quite unbelievable arguments they have posted on their homepage made me upset. For example, argument #2 states, “legalized gay marriages will lead inexorably to polygamy and other alternatives to one-man, one-woman unions.” First of all where in the world did they get this fact from? They don’t even support this claim with any relevant information or sources that come close to justifying why they believe this. Then the worst part is that they say gay marriage would be equal to a judge ruling that it is okay to rule that three men and one woman can get married. The issues of gay marriage and polygamy do not even compare to one another. How does the love and happiness of a same sex couple equal to that of a polygamist lifestyle? Farther into the argument, they have the NERVE to write that gay marriage would lead to “group marriage, or marriage between relatives, or marriage between adults and children? How about marriage between a man and his donkey?” This just blew me off the top. It’s an outrage to think that someone would actually compare a same sex marriage to that of a relationship between a human and an animal. You have to have a rather unbelievable and sickening mind to think of that.

They really crossed the line with their statement regarding marriage between a man and a donkey. How far and immature can someone really go to make such claims? What’s even worse is that this site feels that what they believe is right and makes sense. Don’t get me wrong they have the right to speak on their beliefs, but I don’t tolerate their level of immaturity and mind-boggling comparisons. It’s just flat out rude and offensive to more than just same sex couples who read this. This website is beyond belief.

the good ol' president and his views

As I was researching online, I came across a rather old but relevant news article http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/24/elec04.prez.bush.marriage/.
It focused on the time when President Bush tried endorsing a constitutional amendment that would restrict marriage to only couples of the opposite sex. Thought there was a possibility that the states would allow civil unions of a same sex couple, but not MARRIAGE. Luckily, Bush’s hopes for this amendment did not quite turn out the way he expected and also because the constitution has only been amended 17 times over the past 215 years makes it extremely difficult to accomplish.

I am not very fond of our President of the United States for many reasons but as of right now it is mainly due to the fact that he is against the marriage of same sex couples and has eagerly tried banning it. Although, it does make me feel somewhat better knowing that there are in fact some political officials in office who happen to support same sex marriage and have actually tried to make it legal for those couples to wed. Currently there is only one state which allows couples of the same sex to get married and that is Massachusetts. States such as California, Vermont, New Jersey, and Connecticut allow same sex couples to have a civil union, which offer SOME similar rights and benefits as offered to those of married couples but do not compare.

Bush is of course the leader of our country as of right now. He has the ability to make changes in our country, which can help make it flourish and become a better one all around. It’s sad to think that he is against an issue that is of great importance and has become highly recognized over the past years. This is an issue that cannot be pushed aside anymore and is becoming more and more important every day. However, the marriage of a couple who are just as equal as any one else in this country but happen to be of the same sex is prohibited and sometimes even looked upon as taboo. I still find it unbelievably hard to believe what is so wrong with it. Who is it really going to effect besides people who let it affect them?

Out and Successful

The much-admired financial guru Suze Orman has had a successful popularity streak over the past few years. America has tuned into her popular TV show called the Suze Orman Show on CNBC and have purchased her best selling books to learn about her powerful financial beliefs and analysis. She is someone who is not shy when it comes to expressing her opinions on a subject, especially financial information.

Just this past Sunday Suze made a courageous move when she acknowledged the fact that she was a lesbian. During an interview held with Deborah Solomon of the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/magazine/25wwlnq4.t.html?_r=1&oref=slogin), she asked Suze about her new book, her thoughts behind it, and her personal life. When Suze was asked if she was married she responded with “I’m in a relationship with life. My life is just out there. I’m on the road every day. I love my life.” The reporter was a bit confused with Suze’s response so she asked her what that meant exactly. Suze then openly responded with, “K.T. (Kathy Travis) is my life partner. We’re going on seven years.” Suze also mentioned the fact that she and her partner would love to get married because she would feel comfortable knowing that if anything were to happen to her that her partner would be taken care of. Suze mentioned that it scares her thinking that its possible “K.T. is going to lose 50 percent of everything she has to estate taxes. Or vice versa” due to the fact that they are unable to get married.

This was a huge and courageous move Suze made by finally speaking out about her sexuality. I’m sure it wasn’t easy especially because it was going to be published in an article by one of America’s most respected newspapers. It makes me wonder how Suze Orman’s conservative viewers and readers feel about this information. Nevertheless, I highly respect Suze for what she has done because during this day and age it is so hard to come out about your sexuality with out getting some sort of criticism for it. It’s unfortunate to think that being the profound business woman and highly successful person she is that her sexuality stands in the way of the marriage and future she and her partner long for.

A future full of dreams

A very close friend of mine happens to be one of the nicest, most caring, and understanding people, you will ever meet in your entire life. She has had a rough life growing up and has gone through some of the toughest situations you would never imagine possible. She was originally from the southwest and currently resides in Los Angeles. She came to California on her own and only at the age of 16. She came to California wanting to help herself in many ways, but most importantly, education was a major factor. She has worked so much over the years to save money for her education and especially for her family. Everything she does she truly does for them. She is a person that always thinks of others before herself and would rather help her family and friends out in any which way we she possibly can.

You may be thinking so why all this information on my friend right? Well aside from being such a wonderful person, my friend also happens to be a lesbian. She is a GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) activist and currently works at her universities pride center. She always tries her best to make the members of her school who are GLBT citizens to feel comfortable around their environment and not be afraid to open up. She always influences her peers to be proud of who they are and to feel privileged for the lives they have because they could be worse.

Whenever we discuss our futures, we always mention the fact that we want to have a successful job, meet that special someone, get married, and have children. I always ask her about the marriage issues our country has regarding same sex couples and how she feels towards them. She openly expresses her beliefs on them and understands that the US just isn’t ready to accept the fact that same sex couples should be able to get married and receive the same rights as straight couples do. That is why she tries her best to spread positive messages regarding GLBT citizens and that they should all have the same rights as everyone else and that there is no sufficient reason as to why they should not.

Realizing and understanding the passion my friend has toward this issue and the fact that she approaches it in such a positive way greatly encouraged me to blog about the topic of pro same sex marriages. Being the wonderful person my friend happens to be there is no possible way I could imagine her future dreams and goals not take place after everything she has gone through and has accomplished. I would love to see her future unveil the way she has always hoped for and that she lives the blissful life we all wish to have.

In love... then what?

You finally meet that special someone. They are the person who brings you an immeasurable amount of happiness, contentment, and of course LOVE. Love is such a powerful emotion. It takes over our minds and bodies in such a way that it can become indescribable. When two people love each other and realize they want to spend the rest of their lives together they begin to plan their future together. Their future would most likely entail marriage, a home, children, and all the things they have ever dreamed of. Sounds easy right? Wrong.

It is so hard for me to understand why it is such a problem for people, especially the government to recognize gay marriage. What is the big deal about a same sex couple being in love and wanting to get married? It is their life and they have the freedom to do with it as they please. Why should they not have the liberty of getting married and living happily with their significant other just as the rest of America does. Same sex couples go to work, pay their taxes, and do everything a heterosexual couple does. So why can they not get married? Just because their partner happens to be of the same gender, should not give anyone a reason to discriminate against them. They are human beings with the same wants and needs as everyone else. Who are we to tell them whom they can and can’t marry. We are no one to make such decisions because it is out right absurd, it is their life and whom they chose to marry will not affect us and is simply none of our business.