Alright readers, today we are going to do something a little different. Today, you will have an opportunity to read an open letter to Democratic leaders. Please keep in mind, this is not aimed at well mean Democrats, many of whom support our rights. This is for the leadership who hasn't done shit for us.
Dear Democratic Leadership,
Earlier today I was riding my bicycle past the former home of the United Democratic Headquarters of Hollywood/West Hollywood/Beverly Hills. I spent the better part of 2 months of 2008 in the office supporting the party as its office manager. I had complete faith, that despite our loss in Prop. 8 that night, better days for our community were in store, because the party I had been both a member and loyal supporter of and activist for has taken control of the White House. The pieces had fallen into place, CHANGE had come to Washington in the form of donkeys, or so I thought.
I have been active since the re-election of President Bill Clinton. Since then, every time I would fight for our rights I was told to wait until we had control. Well, instead of gaining control of congress, we lost the White House (or had it stolen, but I don't want to start that argument up again.) So when three years ago, we took control of Congress back, I was told, wait until we have a Dem President again.
Well look around Democrats - You are in control - SUPPOSEDLY. Despite the fact that you were given a mandate a year ago to do what you campaigned to do, you are still letting the Republicans have their way. Lets look at some things that have happened since January. We passed a "Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights" that had some great protections, but also had a pro gun measure in it. We chalked that one up to the power of the NRA, and the eagerness of a fresh President to get this promised bill past.
The health care debate started with "all options on the table" but universal health care was never really considered. The "public option" is not far reaching, but hey, we got a bunch of Democrats to pass an anti-abortion amendment to the bill. Aren't we FUCKING PROUD? The greatest limit on a woman's right in decades, and it comes during a time when Democrats control the entire game, and a woman is Speaker of the House... WOW.
So, now the President and his party tell us they are supportive of LGBT issues? Well support is just talk, and action speaks louder. I am happy for the passage of the Matthew Sheppard act, but that barely scratches the surface.
The President spoke at the HRC Dinner and never uttered the word "marriage" and stumbled every time he talked about gender identity. You could see he would rather say gay than LGBT, but LGBT meant he didn't have to say "transgendered". which if he did, I sure didn't hear, and I was listening intently. Did any member of the leadership come out against Question 1 in Maine? And our soldiers are still being discharged, our love is unequal, and our jobs are not protected in all states.
Why has Nancy Pelosi not spoken out against these hateful ballot propositions? Why hasn't Harry Reid forced the issue?
So Democratic leadership, I promise you this, I will not support, give money to, actively work, or speak kindly about any Democrat who claims to support LGBT issues but doesn't work for full equality.
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