Thank you, straight DUers--from a gay guy. [View All]

[David__77]

I have been worried about this anti-marriage rights amendment for months now. I was worried that the recent events would cause a very serious anti-gay backlash that would include acts of violence and a level of bigoted rhetoric that would make Fred "God Hates Fags" Phelps seem mainstream.

I'm proud that the large majority of posters on DU of all orientations have stood up for what's right and opposed this amendment in the most strong terms, seeing it for what it is. I'm so glad that this is the concern rather than worrying about pandering to bigotry. The LGBT community cannot do this alone--it's our straight friends that will help us gain equality.

I think some right-wingers are a little surprised that there's been so much opposition expressed to this amendment and that there's little apprarent political gain for the rightists so far. Progressive-minded people are not allowing this to be a defensive fight where we allow the right to frame the terms of the debate.

So, yes, this has taken an emotional toll of sorts--but the flip side is that I'm optimistic about the possibilities and the victories that will certainly lie ahead. That question is that we need them sooner rather than later.

Once again, thank you to all for keeping the pressure on the bigots and supporting equal rights.