In The Fight For Equality, Awareness Is Not Just A Challenge For the Straight World But It Essential For the Gay Community As Well
As we approach the Sixth Anniversary of Legalized Same-Sex Marriages in Massachusetts and the first in the nation on May 17th, I find myself in a bit of an ethical dilemma. For 5 Years, my husband, Alexander Westerhoff and I have stood on the steps of the Massachusetts State House with an 8 foot sign which reads, "Thank You Massachusetts For (fill in) Years of Equality." We have publicly committed to do this for the rest of our lives as a commemoration of not only our own marriage (May 17, 2004 officiated by Rev. Peter J. Gomes in Manchester-by-the-Sea) but as a Thank You to our Commonwealth including our Legislators. And I can tell you, we usually stand for at least 10 hours, once in the pouring rain.
But today, one day before our Anniversary, I woke up. Yes, marriage equality is a very important aspect of what the gay community is fighting for--by virtue of our relationships, we will be recognized as human beings and given the protections of American citizenship (which is our birthright). And yes, Massachusetts was the leader in terms of organization, groundwork, strategies, court challenges, national groups, religious groups, legislators, and most of all, the people of our Commonwealth, gay and straight who came together to make this happen.
But can there be Equality (of course on a state level) when Transgender People are still not protected in Massachusetts? When they still can be fired, thrown out of their rental housing or worse...And lately all this "Bathroom Bill" rhetoric. The LGBT Leadership calls that reference derogatory and unacceptable, the Anti-Gays such as Kris Mineau and NOM who are whispering in the GOP's Charlie Baker's ear calling it "a threat to public restroom safety." KnowThyNeighbor embraces this bill and language and asks the GOP, "Where do you expect transgender people to pee?" and asks the Democrat Super Majority in the MA Legislature, "What the heck is your problem in getting this bill passed?" Three years STILL no result.
I felt so sure of my yearly statement, my yearly commitment to stand all day on May 17th Thanking Massachusetts for Equality...but now I feel a bit elitist, a bit "non-inclusive," and a whole lot incomplete. Becoming more aware however, which is a good thing. And to answer that question earlier posed, "Can we have Equality in Massachusetts without Transgender People?" Of course not.
This is what I will reflect on tomorrow when I celebrate my anniversary...
Tom Lang
Director of KnowThyNeighbor