It's a powerful feeling (one that will turn your stomach to molten metal) to know that, without ever knowing who I really am, without ever seeing my face, millions of people hate me and would even kill me for what they think I am.
Today I went to work, but my heavy heart was in Salem, where HB2007 (gay domestic partners) and SB2 (bans gay discrimination) are being put to a House vote.** Last night on the news, after the last of the Virginia Tech shooting coverage, our news teams turned to local issues here in Oregon. The networks showed footage of an anti-gay rally on the capitol steps, people holding signs of hatred, people looking so angry. The tears came as I looked into their faces-- their pain, their fears exacerbated by the religious "right." It just escapes me. I mean, who does this? And I thought, face me, damnit. Face us. Talk to us. Let down your guard. Practice that "godly" philosophy of acceptance and KNOW US. Are you so afraid you'll quit objectifying the issue that you'll see and feel us as like yourselves-- deserving of giving and receiving love? To love whomever we love. You'd think your "God" would condone such things, not forbid them. Where does it tell you to hate other people? We don't hate you....
**THEY PASSED THE HOUSE. Now, on to the Senate. Keep your fingers crossed for Oregon.