"And that person who is going to vote "yes" knows a gay or lesbian and probably even likes them. We need to point out to these people that before they vote "yes," they need to tell that friend/family member exactly why they are going to vote to prevent them from marrying the person they love.
Don't let them hide behind anonymity. Make them face the people they would hurt. Introduce them to a gay person and let them explain their reasoning."
This is a variable on something Dan Savage has said. I'll paraphrase but the gist is that one of the most important things GLBT people can do for gay rights is to come out. The more people come out and are truly open about who they are, the more conservatives will be faced with the reality that people they already know and like (or love) are the same people they are discriminating against, be they family, friends or coworkers. The crazies at the extreme will still be crazy, but the moderate conservatives are going to be faced with the reality of those that are already a part of their lives.
I agree. The more gays/lesbians in Minnesota who come out to their friends family before next November, the more people faced with the recognition that their vote will directly impact someone they love.
I'm not saying that coming out is easy. I know it is extremely hard and I wouldn't pressure anyone into that step. At the same time, if the defeat of this amendment means something to them, that step can be a very powerful tool to help make it possible.
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Don't let them hide behind anonymity. Make them face the people they would hurt. Introduce them to a gay person and let them explain their reasoning."
This is a variable on something Dan Savage has said. I'll paraphrase but the gist is that one of the most important things GLBT people can do for gay rights is to come out. The more people come out and are truly open about who they are, the more conservatives will be faced with the reality that people they already know and like (or love) are the same people they are discriminating against, be they family, friends or coworkers. The crazies at the extreme will still be crazy, but the moderate conservatives are going to be faced with the reality of those that are already a part of their lives.
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I'm not saying that coming out is easy. I know it is extremely hard and I wouldn't pressure anyone into that step. At the same time, if the defeat of this amendment means something to them, that step can be a very powerful tool to help make it possible.
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