November 17, 2004
 Letter to the Editor

The Daily Star, Oneonta, NY

"2004 Presidential Election"

Dear Editor, The Daily Star:

The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender — GLBT — community lost a battle on Election Day. Equal treatment of all citizens was the loser. The broader war for equal protection will continue but will not be won without a price. It will require bold, controversial action.

The gay and lesbian community has largely relied on others to further our cause. It is time members of the GLBT community exercise individual responsibility for ensuring equal protection. We can no longer sit by and hope someone else will take the action necessary to battle bigotry and hate directed at the GLBT community. A grass-roots campaign must be mobilized to change the opinions of those easily swayed by the rhetoric of hate and prejudice.

The best way to change attitudes is to reveal who we really are; hard-working people dedicated to the same American ideals to which the straight community has laid exclusive claim. A change in attitude will be fostered by coming out, being proud of who we are, to stand up and say, "I am mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore!"

We cannot rely on our elected leaders to do what is right. The will of the people at the ballot box will not necessarily guarantee the right thing either. The GLBT community must rely on the court system to do what our elected officials are not willing to do. Court challenges will assist in the battle to stop bigotry and religious rhetoric from denying our rights. History has taught us the judiciary is sympathetic to the constitutional rights of all citizens, despite the admonitions of the bigots.

With a renewed effort by the GLBT community, combined with sympathetic elected officials and the judiciary, equality will be won. The United States will be a better place because of it.