March 15, 2004

A Strong Constitution

I couldn't make it to Sunday's rally to support Marriage Equality put together by Keith Boykin, et al due to my slow recovery from food poisoning. Earlier in the day there was a mean-spirited and ill-conceived gathering in the Bronx by Latino "Christians" led by hate-monger R---- D---. While I was at one time prepared to attend both -- to counter the hate at the Bronx rally and to show support at the City Hall gathering -- I just can't stomach the ignorance of D--- and like-minded fools. Maybe I was well enough to attend at least one, but the question of Marriage Equality (and really, it's not a question of if, but of when) just drains me. Donald is a better man because not only did he attend the Bronx hatefest, he provides a good dose of commentary with spare prose and some wonderful photos at the rally:

I didn't want to take any pictures until they raised their banner, but the faces in the crowd were compelling. I began to see how photographers can anesthesize themselves to their surroundings; you become a hunter for the picture that tells (and sells) the story. Understanding that made it easy for me to disassociate the anger and sadness I was feeling, walking back and forth surrounding myself with people who would deny my rights if it were their choice. What quelled my need for confrontation, for the most part, was the fact that I don't speak Spanish.

I will try to attend the next pro-active rally/event, but I can't make any promises. It's a continuation, in my opinion, of the Black Tax. Indeed, I'd describe it as a Black Fag Tax -- I'm discriminated against and most work thrice as hard to overcome the hate because I'm Black and Bi/Gay. Is it worth the energy to persuade others to drop the hate? Realistically, no; you're not preaching to the choir, but a determined bunch of idiots. With all due respect, for me it's just that simple. Those that don't want to be open to different people, ideas and ways are befitting of that word: idiot. This is especially so for People of Color, most notably African Americans. I don't care to debate the question of ownership of hurt. It's a futile dialogue. Discrimination is discrimination is discrimination. To have past champions of racial equality and inclusion join the hateful bunch in their drive to enshrine bigotry in the U.S. constitution does more harm to the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement than any fag ignorant of history and its meaning in that struggle.

One day we'll all be free, but it'll cost us all... dearly.

Posted by ronn at March 15, 2004 08:17 PM

Comments
I pity the people who feel they have to compare and judge one person's discrimination against another's. I look at it like we're all in this together, we're all fighting for the same things, really. Equality. Justice. Respect. For what it's worth, I've heard my share of racism coming from gay white people who should know better too. It's like people look for the things that divide them instead of what unites them. Keep the faith! Posted by: don on March 16, 2004 11:16 PM
I'm trying Don, I'm trying. Some of lovely brothers and sisters make it soooo hard sometimes. Posted by: ronn on March 17, 2004 12:58 AM