A Proud Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 1:58PM
488 years ago, in Plymouth, MA, Pilgrims invited Wampanoag Indians to the dinner table, to celebrate the harvest. Two completely different cultures, often at odds over land and life. But they joined together in unity, to hunt, cook, and dine. It was 1621 -- the "First Thanksgiving."
Tomorrow, some of you will go home to a family that doesn't accept you. Many of you will go home to a town that has voted against you. Maybe to one of the 31 states that have told us we can't get married.
We've already been invited to the table. What will you talk about?
If you're out to your family, talk about equality. Open their eyes to the issues that still exist. Tell them when you've faced discrimination, and what they can do to fight it.
If you're a straight ally, talk about your gay friends. Has your family heard about Steven Mercado, the 19 year old in Puerto Rico who was brutally murdered for being gay? Would they be willing to make a call to their representatives/senators in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act? Or to demand a repeal of DOMA, or Don't Ask Don't Tell? Tell them what that would mean to your friends, and to you.
If you're not out, you are not alone. Everyone's timeline is different. Come out when you can. If it's tomorrow -- great. If it's at Christmas -- great. If it's not for another year -- that's fine. But be proud of who you are. Try not to lie. Don't hide your opinions about same-sex marriage, hate crimes, or discrimination. Imagine the difference you alone can make if everyone at Thanksgiving dinner started voting only for pro-gay candidates.
Over turkey and mashed potatoes -- PLEASE talk about equality. If you need backup, the big gay list of laws and history is a few posts back.
Have a safe and happy holiday... whether it's with given, or chosen family... and thank you for doing your part. I'm thankful for your advocacy, your activism, and your pride. Pass it along.
Love. Pride. Equality.
Blake