The time is now

As a progressive Democrat, I am often disappointed by my party's lack of urgency and action on issues that are otherwise 'political suicide' to advocate for. So when President Obama was inaugurated, I thought, even if he isn't (publicly) in support of same sex marriage, he isn't going to advocate for the bans to be in place. Wrong.

A few weeks ago, the Obama Department of Justice heavily supported and backed the Defense of Marriage Act in court,(the full brief summary points can be read here . And while a hold over from the Bush administration, Scott Simpson, wrote the brief, it doesn't make the blow to the LGBT community any less painful.

So while, I support the Democrats efforts on real change on health care, climate change, securing women's rights, and a myriad of other issues which we (hopefully) can see in the next 4-8 years, I do not support this party's and administration lack of willingness to stand up for its Americans who are GLBT. I have to ask the President and his party, what do you not get?

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting the Democratic Party to change over night in favor of gay rights, it was President Clinton who signed the Defense of Marriage Act and instituted Don't Ask, Don't Tell. But it has become abundantly clear that these laws are archaic now as they were then. With over 200 people dishonorably discharged in the military under Obama because of their sexuality, and more people calling for equality under the law, its time to step up your game and leave the rhetoric at home President Obama.

I understand that rights aren't given like apple pie from your grandma's on a hot Sunday, so I don't look to Pres. Obama to be the leader of the gay community, that's hardly the truth. I call upon gay rights groups to keep Obama honest and push him. I call for LGBT Americans, young and old, to take action into through own hands, and straight allies to understand that injustices affect them too (and act as well).

Marriage and representation in the military aren't the only issues I care about. The Employment Discrimination Act, which would prohibit unlawful firing for many groups, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, needs to be passed. The Hate Crimes bill (Matthew Shepard Act) is long overdue, and needs to see its passage once and for all. When we become too politically safe, we sacrifice the tears of a community who has waited too long for justice, equality, and fairness. Its time for the transgender community to be recognized as people, and not as caricatures.

Now is the time. YOU have to be the change YOU wish to see.

The March on Washington is Oct 11th, 2009, which coincides with National Coming Out Day. Its time to demand the equality that we ALL deserve. I am going, are you? For more info, ask me.

Samantha Korb
sckorb@uncg.edu
PR Coordinator UNCG College Democrats