Gay Pride spans the summer months and this summer, we have some things to be proud about. In the words of President Obama, “I have certified and notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met,” Obama said in a statement. “‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will end, once and for all, in 60 days – on Sept. 20.” I will spare the “won the battle but lost the war: metaphor: we have come a long way baby, but there’s so long still to go.
In these politically correct days, most people will say the GLBT communities deserves equal rights when it comes to housing, employment, protection under the law ... and then we get to marriage and the good will gravy train goes right off the tracks.
In black and white: being gay isn’t just about who you want to fuck… it is also about who you are drawn to love.
Foes of gay marriage are vitriolic is the steadfast opposition, citing “marriage is for reproduction,” or “houses of worship would be mandated to marry gay people against their will” and of course, “Allowing gays to marry is a “special” right they do not deserve as it threatens the most sacred of institutions,” as their rallying cry but me think the lady doeth protest too much and the real truth is despite our real and hard won advances, being gay still a lot of people the “willies” as they continue to believe that homosexuality is about nothing but sex, not even approaching the salient truth that being gay is multifaceted as any society, and is much more about love and affection than it is about sex.
In black and white: being gay isn’t just about who you want to fuck… it is also about who you are drawn to love.
And while true, I will not be standing under the chupa (marriage canopy) with anyone in a white dress, I hold a pretty traditional view of what my commitment ceremony will look like complete with a Rabbi, chop liver and the last picture in the wedding album being the silhouette of three tantas (aunts) hobbling into the sunset-schlepping home centerpieces taller then they are.
While this began as a personal declaration, I realize this is also political statement, intended or not. It gives me hope when influential Conservative leaders such as Rabbis Bradley Artson and Elliot Dorff, openly challenge the status quo interpretation of Jewish law and call for support of civil and Jewish samesex marriage. It is not, however, religious, legal or societal “blessing” I am seeking.
I can think of nothing more powerful then standing in front of those friends and family you care for most of all, and declaring the love you are giving —and receiving in return. No two souls should ever be denied the chance to experience that, regardless of the genitalia attached.