April 3, 2009: Same-Sex Marriage shockingly became legal in the state of Iowa, before the more progressive state of California.
March 10, 2010: Constance McMillen, a senior at a high school in Mississippi, was denied access into her Senior Prom, because she and her girlfriend wanted to go together. She has become the face of a movement across the country, being invited to proms and fundraising events.
Our President and leaders of both Congress and the Pentagon continue to negotiate their ways through the turbulent waters of Don't Ask Don't Tell.
The NOH8 Campaign was organized by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley in a direct response to the passage of California's Prop 8. Subjects are photographed with duct tape over their mouths and the symbol "NoH8" painted on the face, symbolizing the silencing of voices because of ridiculous propaganda and laws against human rights. For more info: http://www.noh8campaign.com/.
I recently attended Grand March at the high school I am working at. I witnessed a few things that were different from when I went to high school and attended prom. There were still the corsages, the balloons, the beautiful dresses, the awkward fitting tuxes. I had heard through the rumor mill that there would be a male student who was going to attend in a dress. I applaud his strength and willingness to go against the grain. He did not walk in Grand March, however, I guess he did attend the actually dance itself in full drag only to remove it again for Post-Prom. Amongst all the couples being introduced were two girls escorting each other. A little while later, there came two young men also escorting each other. The crowd was a bustle already from the excitement of the evening.
However, when the two young men walked under the ROTC escort's swords, the intensity went up a few decibles. Groans. Commotion. Sadly, I had forgotten that I am now living on the belly button portion of the Bible Belt.
I have felt frustration at the fact that I have moved back to the closet doors after being out for so long and feeling so comfortable in my own skin. I live my life to the fullest, happy, full-filled, successful, and proud of who I am and what I do for a living. There is a new pressure I feel to live more "quietly" after being somewhat out loud for the last 15 years. I am struggling with this, trying to also figure out how my boyfriend fits into this whole picture of quietness, when neither of us live in that mode.
I know that our founding fathers gave each and every one of us the right to pursue our hopes and dreams...Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
That is all I want in my life... happiness, success, a joyful life, liberty and a damn good bridal registry...
Not asking much...
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