Comments on: Why I Fight For Our Right To Marry

By: News Writer

News Writer — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:28:15 +0000

Or maybe, Gary, if the opponents of same-sex marriage actually told the truth about the legislation, it wouldn’t be so hard. The lesson we learn is that lying is OK if it gets you what you want. Fear mongering is a tactic of the weak, Gary. And the purpose of the courts — well, actually, the entire 3-part system of the government — is to prevent something called “the tyranny of the majority,” which happens just before real change, when far too many fearful people take stands against straw men and ghosts. It’s sad, really, when frightened people make decisions for the rest of us.

By: GaryS California health insurance

GaryS California health insurance — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:59:28 +0000

It’s funny that you can only move your agenda through the courts. If you put it through vote you won’t win. 32 states already rejected it. People do not want to legalize it even in such a liberal states as Maine or California. Should learn your lesson.

By: Velvet Blade

Velvet Blade — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:01:22 +0000

I love the fact that you summed it up so tightly here. Your voice is wonderful, loud and clear! Looking forward to reading more of you!

By: Leslie Basden

Leslie Basden — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:45:06 +0000

This is a generation gap kind of issue to be sure. When I was a child, there were no positive gay characters or gay-headed families in movies, TV, or books. No mention at all, actually. The media have done some of the hard work, but those of us who live openly and proudly also make a big difference every day. We courageously risk our safety and security for the cause.

There is no other possible outcome but our eventual success. It just doesn’t end any other way in this country. It’s a matter of raising consciousness and being persistent.

By: CP

CP — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:16:43 +0000

You’re right. We’re losing battles but we will win the war. It’s gone too far to turn back. We just have to wait for a lot of the idiots to die. Did that sound bitchy?

By: Leslie Basden

Leslie Basden — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:37:10 +0000

Thanks for the welcome! I’m happy to be here.

By: Lucia Olson

Lucia Olson — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:12:35 +0000

Thanks, Leslie, for outlining such important reasons for legalizing
gay marriage. I like how you broke it down into different areas.

I also like how you talked about health and marriage. People often
only focus on the financial and legal aspects of this issue, but
physical and mental health are the “forgotten” parts of discrimination.

The rates of depression are much higher in the gay and lesbian community,
which ties in with both health and suicide issues. For some, this
depression isn’t just due to discrimination but loss of family support,
being closeted at work, or losing friends when coming out.

Your statistics about GLBTQ youth suicide are heartbreaking–I didn’t
realize they were that high. I wonder if the teen homeless aren’t some
of this population as well.

Thanks so much!!!

Lucia

By: A Progressive Girl

A Progressive Girl — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:57:10 +0000

Greetings Leslie,

Well done. A very fine piece to begin your new “gig” at AWOP!

kim g.

By: Margo Moon

Margo Moon — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:48:37 +0000

Welcome, Leslie!

Thank you for laying out the case in such a reasonable fashion. And thanks for that final line! We gots to remember that.