During the 2008 Presidential elections, the Obama campaign rightly identified queer people and their straight allies as a crucial liberal base to be pandered to. Upon taking office, however, the Obama Administration seems much more interested in expending a lot of effort claiming that it has policies that expand and entrench GLBT rights while not doing much in particular. Sure, the James Byrd/Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act was a great thing, and Obama took the opportunity of signing the bill to compare himself to another leader with dubious human rights claims, President Johnson. (However, the bill includes gender expression as a category of protection, an advancement that is hugely important for the transgender community, and one that the gay community is too often satisfied to leave out of other anti-discrimination legislation.) The HIV travel ban, which prevented HIV-positive foreigners from visiting the United States, has been finally lifted.

Yet these are merely tokens compared to what the Obama Administration could really do for queer rights, if they were actually an interest. Not even a priority – merely a sideline. Dan Savage, for instance, suggests that the president should order Don’t Ask Don’t Tell to not be enforced, an action that would free up important personnel and time from ridiculous investigations into gay soldiers’ personal lives. This has something that the President promised but has not gotten around to it. Lt. Dan Choi’s recent visit to University of Puget Sound has magnified that particular issue in local news, but there is a huge list of things the President could do – and isn’t. This inaction has not played well in the gay community, and the administration has been on the defensive, mostly to secure funding for Democrats from its liberal base. The gay community has become the fundamentalist Christians of the left: we get pandered to, but the deliverables are scanty.

Therefore, in order to promote the advancement of legal rights for the GLBT community, I am writing this open letter to Malia Obama.

To:

Malia Obama

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC 20006

RE: Your Future Sexual Orientation*

Dear Ms. Obama,

At eleven years old, you will soon begin to experience certain…changes. Aside from growing hair in weird places, you will soon have uncontrollable and frequent sexual thoughts and fantasies. As you begin to develop an adult understanding of your sexuality, I urge you to consider going gay.

Women have a lot to offer as sexual partners. Aside from the capacity for multiple orgasms, the huge and interesting variability in tastes between women, and our generally more attractive bodies (though men are okay, I guess), women have better communication skills and are more likely to take care of you if you become sick. Thus women offer great advantages for short- and long-term relationships.

As you explore your sexuality, I urge you to share your thoughts on the desirability of women with your parents, particularly your father, the President. One advantage that men can offer you in all states is spousal rights – insurance coverage, equal custody of children, medical decision-making, burial rights, inheritance rights, financial rights and protections, and so forth. You can change this. One hint that one or both of his daughters have the hots for ladies and your father President Obama will suddenly take a huge interest in the status of lesbians and other sexual minorities in this fine nation. I am sure that your parents have instilled in you the values of equality and justice for all, but there is nothing like the possibility of injustice to a family member to motivate those in power to rethink the status quo. This is the benefit and purpose of coming out: to change the hearts and minds of those that love you.

But, Ms. Obama, you only have a short window in which to do this: before Inauguration Day 2013, on the off-chance that your father does not get re-elected. Many people choose to come out in college, but you would be joining a new wave of young people exploring and discussing their minority sexual preference with their parents and communities. Even, after a short period of contemplation, you conclude that men rather than women tingle your clitoris, the good you could do for the queer community may be substantial. In one day, you could accomplish what your father would not do for ten months. Think about it: your adolescent bi-curiosity could produce the same number of rights for American queers as every gay rights activist since Stonewall. Isn’t that a fine goal for any right-thinking American daughter of the President?

Sincerely,

Glynnis Kirchmeier

Queer Citizen

*Note: I am not, other than posting this on the internet, actually sending this to Malia Obama in any way. Because she is a child.

On November 15th, 2008 millions Joined the Impact, taking to the streets of most major cities in the US to protest the passing of Proposition 8.  Bringing out massive numbers, these protests remained completely peaceful except for strong exchanges of words between protesters and religious fanatics upset that their curbside turf was being marched on.  But California’s Prop 8 wasn’t the only bill to pass on election day which denied same-sex couples the right to marry. In Florida, the lesser-publicized Amendment 2 passed with a definitive 62.1% to 37.9%.

Now in Tallahassee, FL a pro-gay rights group called Impact-Florida is planning on another protest, this time against Amendment 2. While their decision to protest is commendable (if not meaningless), where they’re planning on protesting is somewhat questionable.

Love is in the air as Gov. Charlie Crist, a major proponent of Amendment 2, is slated to wed this month. Impact-Florida plans to crash the wedding, calling for its members to don pink shirts, and stand outside Crist’s church on the day of the wedding to sarcastically congratulate him for tying the knot. The protest intends to follow the Governor to his wedding reception and continue to gawk at him maybe with sad puppy faces or something.  Spokeswomen of Impact-Florida, Lorna Bracewell hopes that “it will inspire [Crist] and the many Floridians that voted for Amendment 2 to rethink their positions on the question of what constitutes a marriage.”

But is this really the right avenue for protest? It seems that by attacking those in a way that ruins their “special day” because they ruined yours (or your ability to have one) walks the line of violence promoting violence, hate promoting hate, or wedding crashers promoting wedding crashers.  What sort of message does this actually send? That gay activists can be as obnoxious and those religious fanatics who crash funerals of veterans or is this a what goes around comes around sort of moment?

Before I go too far into banalities, what do you think? Are these protests warranted, or a bit off message?

photo credit to http://flickr.com/photos/danthewebmaster/

“Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” – Dr. M. L. King

Make no mistake, I’m a believer. A believer in what, you ask? Why, a higher power of course. But I’m not talking about your typical run-of-the-mill God-fearing Bible-belt-thumpin’ type of believer. That’s not really my style. I’m more of a dabbler in the religions of the world. I like elements of many religions – Christianity, Buddhism, Native American, even Islamic. Why? Because I certainly don’t agree with all aspects of any of them. And I have extreme distaste for anyone who uses their religion to persecute others. I prefer to see things from the perspective of human rights and equality, and that all men and women are created equal no matter what their sexual orientation, race, color, creed, country of origin, or age (among others.) It’s about justice. It’s about being tolerant of others and their opinions. It’s about natural rights. I prefer to envision Jesus as a man who taught us that everyone is loved equally (prostitutes and lepers ain’t no thang!) And yeah, I agree with Buddha that the purpose of life is to end suffering. I even agree with the Mormons about sharing resources for the betterment of the community (but that’s about it.)

So why of all this talk of religion? Because it’s a never-ending topic that arises whenever anyone speaks of equal rights – especially gay equal rights. Last weekend, Seattle held an equal rights march against the recently passed California Proposition 8. It was one of many equal rights marches across the state and across the country in response to gay marriage bans. More than 6,000 people marched in protest of Prop 8 in Seattle and I can proudly say, as a believer, I was one of them.

The rally began around 11:30am at Volunteer Park and lasted until about 1:00pm. Speakers included openly gay Senator Ed Murray (who was recently appointed as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair – a step in the right direction for gay rights), Senator Joe McDermott, King County Executive Ron Sims (who gave the most powerful speech of the day), and Mayor Greg Nickels. As the crowd listened and cheered during the speeches, I couldn’t help but notice the clever signs folks made and the way that everyone was so supportive of each other.

At the stroke of 1:00pm the march began. At first, it was slow going. But no one seemed to mind. There was no road rage present on this path, only laughter and the knowledge that so many people across the nation were marching with us. (300 cities participated, including New York City, San Francisco, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas). As we came down Broadway, we saw folks standing alongside the road and cars parked in the middle of side streets. I have to admit that at first I thought they were anti-protest religious-right. Turns out they were supporters – many of them waving signs and some honking their car horns.

We ended at Westlake Center around 3:00pm. Once there, Representative Jamie Pedersen, City Councilwoman Sally Clark, Executive Director of Equal Rights Washington Connie Watts, and Pastor David Strong all spoke. While Pastor Strong was speaking to the zealous crowd about acceptance, I noticed another Pastor was perched across the way and oh-so-eloquently screaming “burn in hell!” while holding a Bible. Sure, that man has a first amendment right to be there as much as the next guy, but when I went to give him a hug – he really needed one! – I was nearly killed by a Bible swatting the air furiously and the police force that surrounded him. Really? Really?

I know some people will say “so what?” But you’d be surprised how many people refuse to recognize gay civil rights as equal to other civil rights causes. People are allowed to have their own personal opinions – even the Mormons, who financed more than 70% of the Prop 8 campaign – but when they affect others’ rights and lives, they have gone too far. And to those who say that protesting is something that just gives a warm fuzzy feeling without accomplishing anything, I say to them: Roe v. Wade didn’t just happen because a majority of Supreme Court justices decided women have the right to choose. The Civil Rights Movement didn’t happen because a few people decided that blacks and whites should be equal. No, it was after a mass movement worked hard for many years to make those movements politically possible. And to those religious believers who say that I’m a sinner for supporting gay marriage, I say to them: Jesus, God, Mohammed, Buddha, and Coyote are all different, and all the same. But what is most important is that if any of these higher powers truly exist, and they are as judgmental as their religious peons on earth, then I’m buying a first class ticket to hell.

If you weren’t able to make this momentous event and you’re just itching for more images, no worries, you can also see a video montage of it here on the Melon.

Following the Prop 8 legislation that banned same-sex marriages in California, people from all fifty states turned out to march for equal rights this Saturday in their respective cities. Seattle and Olympia were both on the march. One of my friends, Melissa, went to Seattle and brought some pictures back for show-and-tell.

Me: Even thought Prop 8 was California’s bad deal, why were people marching for equal rights in Seattle?

Melissa: Although the majority of the states have motioned to define marriage as “a union between a man and a woman”, Prop 8 was unique in that it took away same-sex marriage rights that had already been granted by the California Constitution. Just because it happened in a different state doesn’t mean we can’t process a thought and take action.

Me: You snapped a photo of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels speaking at the rally on Capitol Hill. What did he say and what does it mean that the Mayor, Senator Ed Murray, King County Executive Ron Sims, and several others in government positions are supporting the cause?

Melissa: Nickels denounced Prop 8 as a hateful measure and said it should have never made it onto the ballot. He also declared November 15th Marriage Equality Day in Seattle. We have support from politically influential people; it means a lot to have that kind of support, especially when the viewpoint you’re fighting from isn’t necessarily the popular one.

Me: How did you meet Fabulous K.J.?

Melissa: Fabulous K.J. and his two friend were the only other people I saw at City Hall that morning, the original meeting place. I didn’t get the memo about the rally being moved to Volunteer Park and obviously neither did they, but I suppose it was an organized venue change because it was pretty much just the four of us. We tripped around together for a bit, confused, and then split up. My friend Leo looked things up online and messaged me that the happenings were at Volunteer Park. I don’t think I would have made it if it weren’t for him. I forwarded the message to K.J. and we reunited during the march.

Me: Who is the saxophone guy in this picture?

Melissa: Oh, Kevin – he wasn’t associated with the Prop 8 happenings. I just recognized him as one of my brother’s classmates and decided to be oddly extroverted. He invited me to join his band. I guess that’s flattering.

Me: Who is the naked lady on the balcony?

Melissa: I wouldn’t have a clue, but everyone on the street loved her. I don’t think the guys in the next balcony over realized that the sudden surge of whoo hoo was due to naked-support, rather than the usual clothed-support, but, well, you know. We’ll take any support we can get, nude or otherwise.

Me: When you got to Westlake Center you were met with anti-anti-Prop 8 protesters. What was their deal?

Melissa: Oh, the typical burn-in-hellers. They were citing Bible verses and saying we should repent or else. I know the big “or else” thing is a common thread amongst Bible-affiliated religion, but I really don’t think there is any choice associated with being gay, lesbian, or otherwise.

I’ve heard about ex-gay programs… they’re really unhealthy; the American Psychiatric Association (APA) doesn’t approve at all. Doesn’t that mean anything to the people advising gays to repent?

I met a Christian woman on the bus ride home and we talked pretty much the whole time. She said if people want to get married they should get married, and we’ve got bigger things to spend our time on than fighting over that.

Me: Beautiful picture! Last question: the Washington State Supreme Court upheld in 2006 the definition of marriage as “a union between a man and a woman”, and in 2007 Governor Christine Gregoire passed the Domestic Partners Registry which explicitly bans same-sex couples from marriage. What’s it going to take to wine same-sex marriages in Washington State?

Melissa: What the exact logistics of getting same-sex marriage legal in Washington State are, I don’t know. I think the organization and the peacefulness of the event this past Saturday speaks volumes about our community. There were tables to write to legislators and such about how people in attendance disagreed with ban on same-sex marriage. Domestic partnerships and civil unions just aren’t enough.

Me: Thanks, Melissa!

This Saturday, some of us from The Melon and friends, drove up to Seattle to march in an Anti-Proposition 8 Rally. Here’s some of the footage we captured: