The New Civil Rights Movement ...
I'm here to talk about an issue that I hold very dear to me. As you all know, the elections were held last Tuesday and Barack Obama is now President Elect of the United States of America. I was so happy that change was going to come to America and that he would lead the country out of this horrible mess that we're in right now. Driving to dance practice, I was so excited because this was history in the making. However by the end of practice, my delight turned into disappointment. I was keeping random updates on the Proposition 8 initiative against Same-Sex marriage and it wasn't going all that well. I knew there was still a chance but it was becoming slim to none by the end of the night. So I drove home angry and upset, in disbelief of what just happened (my carpool can attest to this).
Because of what happened, it just made me realize how unchanged of a society America continues to be. Of course there have been valiant strides for gay and lesbian rights the past few years. But I don't think it's enough. Why is the majority of California electorate proponents of discrimination? I honestly feel like I'm a second-class citizen. Like many people have said recently, they gave chickens more rights than they gave the gay and lesbian community. Albeit, both issues are not one and the same but in essence my rights were taken away from me.
I have started a Facebook Cause that directly relates to my views and opinions on this matter. It is called "REPEAL PROP 8!!" and its mission is to promote equality and non-discrimination by re-opening and repealing California's Proposition 8. You can find it at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/144289?m=febcd8fb. My cause is in direct correlation with the online petition going on to re-open Proposition 8. You may find that online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/seg5130/petition.html. I plan on working with Stephanie Geffeller (creator of the petition) to coordinate how we can promote awareness for this issue. I also am starting a fundraiser to generate at least $500 by the end of the year to the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that works diligently for the progress of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality.
I am doing what I can to fight for my inherent rights as a Californian, an American, and ultimately as a human being. I do need help from as much people as possible. Please join the Facebook Cause, sign the petition, raise awareness, or donate money. Every little bit helps. Together, we can undo the legislation that just transpired and promote equality for everyone. I would deeply appreciate anything that you can do to help.
Sincerely,
Benjie Perez
Creator of REPEAL PROP 8!!