Last week was a significant week for LGBT rights.
First, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes bill into law. This was the first time gays, lesbians and bisexuals have been recognized in a major piece of federal legislation (other than to take rights away from us) and the first time transgenders have ever been included. (Two other laws that include sexual orientation are the Hate Crimes Statistics Act, which requires the FBI to track hate crimes and the Sentencing Enhancement Act, which enhances penalties for hate crimes committed on federal property).
Next the president signed an extension of Ryan White AIDS funding. During the previous administration, there were constant threats of ending that funding.
Finally, the president enacted legislation that President Bush had signed into law but had not put into effect. That law eliminates the discriminatory practice of excluding people who are HIV+ from the United States. The United States was the only western country with that practice.
On Nov. 4, the House will start debate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
Last week, Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, said that he could see ending Don’t ask, don’t tell.
But one this did spoil all of this good news. In court on Friday, the justice department defended the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Although the administration said it does not support the law, it said it was obliged to defend a law passed by Congress.
— David Taffet
The “Hate Crimes” Bill is an aspirin to the LGBT Equality headache. A little something for the symptom, but nothing for the problem. It does not create or contribute to our equality. It is not a “protection,” but rather just punishment for bad behavior.
The Hate Crimes Bill may have a placebo effect and lessen our pain and frustration for a moment – but, it should not be celebrated as a “victory.” It does not contribute to our equality – it only punishes bad behavior.
HRC and other professional LGBT advocacy groups operate with a mindset that seeks to delay equality for as long as possible. They have no incentive to do anything quickly. Because of this – most of our donations are wasted on salaries, not strategies.
We are not much closer to equality than we were 40 years ago and WE DO NOT HAVE A MOVEMENT. If we did, more than 10% of our Community would actually be involved.
Our equality relies on changing minds (like these young men were doing in Maine, door-to-door: https://www.queerty.com/2-minutes-of-your-time-a-maine-marriage-equality-canvassing-diary-20091030/) and not on changing laws. Laws do not create equality – people do.
Collectively we seem to keep obscuring the real goal – equality. “Equal Rights” are not equality. Making us a “special class,” “protected class” or a “minority” only perpetuate our differences – instead of confirming our “sameness.” As a gay white man I do not want to be “tolerated” or “protected.” I would rather not gain “minority” or “victim” status, either. I think that would be counterproductive. We will be equal when people believe we are. Unfortunately, the scattered efforts within the LGBT Community seem completely fixated on “equal rights” and not equality. They are very different.
I am not dismissing any efforts or their sincerity, but I am asking that we reconsider our goal. If we truly want equality we must have conversations with our fellow citizens – friends, family, neighbors and even strangers. Two thirds of our fellow citizens will support us, but we are not having those conversations. We need to. We need to ask for their help.
Perhaps, instead of spending all our resources on political and judicial solutions, we should focus on creating a viable strategy and plan for our equality. One that will unite our community and ignite a real, sustainable “movement.”
I have organized a series of meetings in Dallas and other cities to give full consideration to ideas, tactics and strategies that lead to LGBT Equality. These are very honest, objective discussions that have delivered many attractive proposals.
I have done this with an open invitation to everyone in our community – nobody needs permission or endorsement. This has lead to some very encouraging possibility and promise.
Please join us for these important meetings Thursday evenings at 7pm at the iLume Complex, 4123 Cedar Springs Rd. Dallas, TX (Enter on Knight Street). Or email me for Updates: HonestAmbition@gmail.com
I totally agree that laws do not create equality, people do. Honey you’re gonna be waiting a damn long time if you want acceptance from “the people”. African Americans have had full equality for over 40 years and are still suffering from discrimination, racism, and hate crimes. For now, I would rather have LGBT people protected fully under the law instead of holding my breath for “the people” to give a damn (or not give a damn) about my welfare.
Tisha,
Who said anything about “waiting?” Only 10% of our community even participates in the effort to obtain “equal rights,” perhaps they are waiting and trusting that “someone else” will do the work. Or, they don’t believe the current efforts will produce results in the near term.
This idea (you expressed) “having people protected under the law” is fools gold. The Hate Crimes bill is NOT about protection, it’s about prosecution. It can only punish bad behavior – and like you acknowledged the Civil Right Act of 1964 hasn’t stopped the bad behavior. Those laws didn’t change behavior – time did. Racists grow old and die. What they taught their children will die with them, unless they are enlightened. I bet in your lifetime you’ve change a few minds about racism. With a concerted effort we could change a lot of minds – instead of waiting generations.
The real truth is you cannot legislate equality. You can’t order people to behave. Equality is the result of changing minds and perceptions – two things we do not do.
LGBT persons are some of the most creative and compassionate people in the world. I wouldn’t suggest that they can’t figure out a way to change minds. Plus, there’s a lot of encouraging data about beliefs and perceptions, but our community doesn’t take advantage of that.
I do not want to be part of a “protected class” or “victim class.” Laws without an accompanying “security force” are merely suggestions. Nobody wants “protections,” they would rather live equal, not needing those protections. So, Equal Rights are actually the default goal for LGBT persons. Equality is what we should be creating. Laws don’t do that.
We live in a Country that is compassionate, fair and open-minded. This isn’t your Grandfather’s America – we’ve come a long way. While there is much to do – I believe in our ability to create a comprehensive and inspiring strategy to ignite a real movement for our full equality.
We will be equal when people believe we are.
Andrew,
I do not disagree with you at all. I just think you have more hope in humanity than myself. Of course, I never thought that this country would elect a President of color in my lifetime so my outlook on the future could be wrong again 🙂
Tisha,
Maybe it’s because i’ve seen the numbers.
Join us some time. It’s encouraging.