From Dante Atkins post yesterday....
www.dailykos.com
Governor McDonnell (R-VA) eliminates non-discrimination for LGBT state workers
Some people may have been taken in by McDonnell's assertions that his viciously misogynist and homophobic screed (or "thesis" as he called it) was a youthful indiscretion at the tender age of 34, and that he has mitigated his views since then. But consciously stripping protections for LGBT people who just want to serve their Commonwealth exposes that lie.
I came out in the early 1970's when the gay rights movement was just beginning. Back then, I think all I hoped for as a result of this new found unity (more or less) was that I wouldn't get fired from a job or be turned down for an apartment. Oh, yeah, and that the police wouldn't look the other way when one of us was beaten up for being a queer. But what has happened over these many years defies my wildest imaginings. Same-sex marriage which wasn't on anybody's to-do list is now a reality in four states as well as civil unions in a number of others. Health benefits, inheritance rights, joint adoptions, etc. are a reality in many places across the country. But....But....
We all cheer the latest polls showing how our fellow citizens are so much more "accepting" of us. We are heartened when the president of the United States includes us in the litany of those minorities who are still discriminated against. We are encouraged when the last bastion of open hostility and bigotry against gays and lesbians, the United States military, finally seems to be moving to correct those wrongs. But...But....
The truth of the matter is that we are still second-class citizens. We all still the target of open hatred and anger. We are still mocked in punchlines told by comics both professional and amateur. We still get stared at when we enter a restaurant as a couple. We get those glancing looks from people on the streets and in the malls. We must still fear for our physical safety in many places. And as long as political extremists like Governor Bob McDonnell can get away with such subtle bigotry and pettiness nothing is ever really going to change. Not in my lifetime.
I remember talking to my oldest brother a few years ago in an effort to give him some insight into what my life was like. Mind you, he was accepting of me from the gitgo when I came out. But like most straight people, he was oblivious to the way many others saw me. I have been lucky enough to have had a successful and financially rewarding career. My partner of thirty years and I live in a very affluent suburb of New York city. We have a beautiful house, three wonderful dogs, and do not want for much. But...But....
I said to my brother back then as a way to explain his status in America apropos mine that he was free to travel anywhere in this country without giving a second thought to his being treated with equanimity and acceptance. And without fear of being attacked verbally or physically. I told him that most of this country is off-limits to me.
It still is.