Since coming out over a decade ago, I've celebrated, and also felt a lot of despair and frustration, for the LGBT rights movement. Change has ground slowly forward, and often for every step forward occurs an equal or greater step back. Even so, I've become more and more optimistic over the last several months.
That's not because of some political sea change (though some movement on LGBT issues in Congress and from the Obama administration is a pleasant surprise).
It's because of the generation behind me. It's because of young women and men like nationally-ranked (#3) U. of Maryland wrestler Hudson Taylor.
He's straight. He plays a testosterone-infused sport. And he thinks LGBT rights are a "pressing issue".
Hudson, a fifth year senior, is not just a champion wrestler. He's an academic all-American. I read that he's looking at law school, and maybe politics, down the line.
He just proposed marriage to his girlfriend, and they're progressive and feminist -- they'll choose their own last name, rather than a "perpetuate patrilineage".
He has sometimes worn a Human Rights Campaign equality sticker on his headgear when competing on the mat.
He addresses homophobic language among his wrestling peers -- something often heard in a sport seen as both masculine and homoerotic.
While Taylor spoke positively about his teammates, he will challenge them if he hears language demeaning of gays. "A common way to degrade a teammate is to call them a ‘fag,' " said Taylor, who hesitated even saying the word in our interview. "This is not unique to wrestling, but a common discourse for many male sports teams. It's important to address it publicly and say something in front of the team."
You can read more of the interview with him here. He's a devout Christian, too, which should be of interest to those who debate faith and sexuality.
I'm spending more time with younger generations than I once was, and finding that, as they say, "The kids are alright." There will still be homophobia, but kids who have grown up with openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender role models on television, in public office, at school, and in their families are starting to come of age. Equality won't come without a great deal of hard work, but new allies like Hudson are coming of voting age every day. Their enthusiasm for equality -- and their dismay that it isn't already in place -- is testament to the power of living and loving openly as who we are.
I know there are many things going wrong in this world, but at least in terms of equality for LGBT folks, I am beginning to believe that the future is brighter than I once did.