To all my New York state neighbors: do not to miss the opportunity, even responsibility, to actually contribute to tangible social progress. We don’t get it enough. But now we are very close – some say just a single vote – away from our state’s recognition of same sex marriage.
If we don’t speak up to our elected officials now while there’s still time, they could mistakenly stereotype us, too. Would they look at my profile – a middle-aged (ugh) white, middle-class, traditionally-married (17 years!), and suburban mother of two – and know what I believe? Would they assume based on my zip code (10543) that that I consider the freedom to marry a fundamental human right?
From awareness to the generous-by-half “tolerance,” I’m nonetheless thrilled at how far LGBT rights have moved in such a relatively short amount of time. It started in my parent’s generation with individuals they knew who could (and did) defy negative stereotypes. It escalated through the 70’s and 80s with more people coming out and more formally fearful people opening their hearts.
I now look at my own children born just a few years before and after the turn of our century who ask me “Mommy, what’s gay again?” and “Why would the government care who someone wants to marry?” respectively.
So call, email and write to state senators. Really do it. Whether you live in the district of a possible swing vote or if you live elsewhere. Your state legislator considers every voice to represent more behind it. Take a step for equality. For supportive families. For full recognition of commitment. Speak up today for full equality in our state.