What California Upheld
Regarding recent events in California: I want to summon the energy to say something on this issue, to say anything, but what more can I say that hasn't already been said? The Supreme Court's ruling is, unfortunately, not an aberration; it is yet another example of the kind of bullshit I and every other queer-identified American have to go through every day. It is yet another reminder that I am considered an inherently lesser person because of who I love. It is yet another iteration of cultural institutions that prefer to ignore or marginalize my existence -- and these institutions are everywhere. And I am sick of it, and I am sick of the idea that I have to prove that I am worthy of respect, that I deserve a measure of human dignity. I shouldn't have to, but I do, and I am sick of it, and I am sick of citing studies and articles and reports and statistics to show people truths that should already be fucking evident.
I should also note that within the queer community, I am privileged. I'm one of the lucky ones. And I am glad that I have a loving and supporting family, and that I live and work and attend school in places where I can be open about my sexuality without fearing for my job or my safety, and that I have managed to integrate myself into a community of queer-identified people and their allies. But that isn't enough. Better is better, and yes, things are certainly better now than they were twenty or even ten years ago, but better still isn't good enough. Better does not remove the need for further progress. I am sick and tired of having to explain why it isn't enough, and explaining to well-meaning people within my own family that yes, I deserve the right to marry a fellow consenting adult if I so choose, and I deserve the right to call that a marriage if I so choose. And I don't give a rat's ass if that makes some people uncomfortable. It isn't about them, and quite frankly, it isn't their business in the first place.
I'm angry, and I'm brokenhearted. My heart breaks not only for queer Californians, but for all queer Americans living in states where the law refuses to treat them with the dignity they are owed, not because they have earned it, but because they -- because we -- are human. And humanity is not awarded on the basis of merit.
I suggest checking out sailorptah's post on this at Dreamwidth, because she articulated what I wanted to, and did a better job at it.
There was going to be more to this post -- fannish ramblings, maybe a meme -- but I don't really feel inclined to include them right now. I'm letting this one stand as-is.
I should also note that within the queer community, I am privileged. I'm one of the lucky ones. And I am glad that I have a loving and supporting family, and that I live and work and attend school in places where I can be open about my sexuality without fearing for my job or my safety, and that I have managed to integrate myself into a community of queer-identified people and their allies. But that isn't enough. Better is better, and yes, things are certainly better now than they were twenty or even ten years ago, but better still isn't good enough. Better does not remove the need for further progress. I am sick and tired of having to explain why it isn't enough, and explaining to well-meaning people within my own family that yes, I deserve the right to marry a fellow consenting adult if I so choose, and I deserve the right to call that a marriage if I so choose. And I don't give a rat's ass if that makes some people uncomfortable. It isn't about them, and quite frankly, it isn't their business in the first place.
I'm angry, and I'm brokenhearted. My heart breaks not only for queer Californians, but for all queer Americans living in states where the law refuses to treat them with the dignity they are owed, not because they have earned it, but because they -- because we -- are human. And humanity is not awarded on the basis of merit.
I suggest checking out sailorptah's post on this at Dreamwidth, because she articulated what I wanted to, and did a better job at it.
There was going to be more to this post -- fannish ramblings, maybe a meme -- but I don't really feel inclined to include them right now. I'm letting this one stand as-is.