Dec 7 2009

With the defeats of Maine and New York, the LGBT community has had a difficult couple of months. In addition, our own government continues to remain silent in the face of Bill Number 18 in Uganda. The Democratic party invited people in Maine to call on behalf of Governor Corzine while we were fighting for our freedom in the very same state. Our Attorney General Eric Holder went to Maine the week before the election and stated clearly that the administration had no position.

It has been a rough time for a tough people.

March However, observers and decision makers would be making a horrible mistake if they believe this in any way has weakened our resolve to be a free people. That somehow with the onslaught of oppression that has been thrown our way has made us less determined to win. In fact, just the opposite is happening in America. Wherever I go and to whomever I speak in the community, I am finding a new toughness, a revitalized and united community that won't be turned back by hate, indifference or the political cowardice of our allies.

In fact because of a tough and unrelenting community in New Jersey, we will have our vote this week in the New Jersey legislature. We have forced them to stop their retreat and bring it to a vote. Who knows what the result will be but the sheer determination of our leadership in New Jersey speaks volumes of our desire to be free. My hat is off to them!

In New York, anger more than defeatism reigns in the community. If any of those four state senators in the Queens section of New York City think they will not hear from us again they are in for a rude surprise. We must defeat some of them so people know there is a price to be paid for voting for injustice and inequality. The Democratic state senators of Queens will soon learn in a real way never to betray a queen! We will be back better organized, less trusting, tougher and with new power and we will have marriage equality in New York. You can mark my words on this.

As our political arm of the community toughens up around the country, a new emerging civil rights arm is preparing for battle. In New York, there is a meeting on December 20th at 6PM to be held at the LGBT Center to plan civil disobedience. Rumor has it that a new national group is emerging over the next couple of months to do the same thing nationally. Initial planning meetings are tentatively set for the end of January.

Even our national leaders are starting to publicly stir with a new energized campaign to pass ENDA which suddenly has disappeared from the agenda of the United States Congress. Tragically, they most likely have missed the historic opportunity that this Congress presented us this year to repeal DADT and DOMA. Leaders in California and Oregon are preparing to take the offensive in establishing marriage equality through the ballot box, most likely in 2012.

Lawsuits, including the historic Olsen/ Bois lawsuit, are winding their ways through the courts. The stardust has been removed from our eyes concerning President Obama and he has a new tough community to deal with that is not a sure ally. Our drive for freedom cannot be left to his whim nor his political timetable.

So for those patting themselves on the back for their victories in California, Maine and New York: Watch out, you haven't seen anything yet. You have seriously underestimated this amazing community. We won't accept separate but equal nor will we indulge you in your fantasies of theocracy around sexuality. We are in it to win full equality - nothing more and certainly nothing less