President Obama spoke at an HRC (Human Rights Campaign) dinner on Saturday, renewing his vow to allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military, but disappointed quite a number of critics who say he is not fighting aggressively enough for gay rights. What was their beef? He failed to offer a timetable for ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." It's been observed that he is simply "buying more time" until he needs our votes again.
If you've been watching the news, you know that Obama's relationship with the LGBT community has, at best, been a conflicted one. For one thing, he doesn't support same-sex marriage. And while I admit his stance bothers me, nothing pissed me off more than when he invited Rev. Rick Warren, who opposes same-sex unions, to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. It still makes the hairs on my arms stand on end just to think about it! Many gay rights supporters have accused Obama of dragging his feet. Why? Well...he's put forth a package of domestic partnership benefits for federal workers, but faced criticism that the effort did not include health benefits. He has said he would push to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages in other states, but it remains on the books.
But we can't ignore the divide within the LGBT community--the generational gap. The older generation of activists are the giants who have been through the trenches of the gay rights movement since Stonewall, who had to walk through blood, sweat, and tears and the spit of those who hated them. They bear the scars of that tumultuous journey, and for their sacrifice, I salute them. But then, there's the younger generation who is, among other things, impatient. Part of this, of course, is that young people are impatient. Also, they have no clue what it's like to be persecuted for being "different." So what do we do about this dilemma?
Social change movements always need groups....both voices...to get the work done. While we need the older generation to provide the experience, we also need the younger generation for it's energy and vigor. The younger generaton does not exude timidity and they don't embrace the claims about Obama "having a lot on his plate" or "wanting to focus all his political energy on health care." When you really think about it, it's not as if the president can't find the time to squeeze LGBT issues onto his to-do list. It's not like the political right will, all of a sudden, become enraged and critical of him. They already are enraged and critical. Therefore, these bullshit excuses are exactly that--bullshit!
While I am totally grateful for the great strides the older generation has made in terms of gay rights, now is the time for a different playbook. After all, the civil rights movement did not move forward because MLK played it "safe" and worked within the realities of prejudice. It worked because he challenged them. The women's suffrage movement did not move forward because women like Alice Paul played it "safe" and worked within the parameters of "reasonable compromise." It worked because they challenged them. Both MLK and Alice Paul were labeled as "radical." I say, "Thank goodness."
I am reminded of the trip Dora and I took to Little Rock, Arkansas in March 2009. I was studying the civil rights movement in grad school and wanted to travel to Little Rock to visit the Clinton Presidential Library, as well as the historical Little Rock Central High School, where desegregation made the news during the 1950s. We toured the Visitors' Center, which is located across the high school. For the most part, the Center was informative and compelling. The exhibits told the story of the Little Rock Nine and the violent protests of those who did not want desegregation. Towards the end of the tour, the Center included other social movements--the women's movement, the Chicano movement, and the Americans With Disabilities movement. They completely left out the gay rights movement and I was appalled, not to mention saddened and heartbroken. On the way home, I thought about it and literally had to keep myself from crying. When is this country going to get their head out of the sand and get with the program? Gay rights ARE civil rights! And if you believe that gay rights such as same-sex marriage goes against your religious beliefs, then that is your perogative. But this country was founded upon the idea of a seperation of church and state. Religion has no place in government and its legislative processes, and with good reason.
So what's the bottom line? Gay rights must be framed as an ethical, moral issue if it is to succeed politically. No more wheeling and dealing. It's an issue of liberty, equality, and fairness. Aren't these things American values we brag about to other non-democratic countries? It's about time this country live up to these ideals. And though I support Obama on most issues, I think it would behoove him to take the LGBT community more seriously. After all, we have a political voice, too.
BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday to my friend from Pampa, Texas...Tonya Barton. Happy birthday to my good friend, mentor, and former professor...Dr. Glenda Lindsey-Hicks of Midland College. Only great things are wished for you on this day and everyday!!!!!
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