Ignorance is NOT Bliss

"Education is important because, first of all, people need to know that discrimination still exists. It is still real in the workplace, and we should not take that for granted."--Alexis Herman

Recently NC passed amendment one. Even from all the way in England people were outraged. Discrimination is a worldwide issue and I found myself having discussions over "equal" rights for all no matter what sexual orientation they had chosen. I'm going to step on my soap box. I'm just one voice, but it seems like people are reading my blog from all over the world so maybe I can make a small difference by just expressing my opinion.  With that said, I'm not pushing my opinion upon anyone just merely stating what I think is right and wrong. Feel free to debate with me in a mature manner.

I want to start out by saying that love is love. Love is hard to find, especially one that is true and loyal. How is that right to ban someone who loves another from getting married? The sanctity of marriage has been used and abused by celebrities, royalty, and government officials for centuries. Whether they are gay, bi, or lesbian these people are not flaunting their love in the public's face more than a straight person. It honestly disturbs me that people today can still be so discriminatory over something like marriage. This is our generation's version of discrimination against African Americans. I just hope one day we can look back from a time where the gay community has the same rights that I enjoy, such as the simple and meaningful act of marriage.

The following picture, that I do not own, sums up my thoughts quite nicely with a lovely use of sarcasm.

I grew up in a household that taught me to respect every person I met. Our country's supposed values teach us to treat people equally. There is separation of Church and State for a reason and I feel this amendment is in violation of this. After living for 4 years in North Carolina I wish I still lived there so I could have voted against. After seeing a map of the United States depicting which states allowed gay marriage I was appalled. It's legal to marry someone you're related to, yet someone you love you can't marry because they are of the same sex. I find this to be extremely backwards.

I also grew up with a strong influence from the theatre industry. I majored in theatre in college also. Yes it is stereotypical, but I met a number of gay, lesbian and bi people who I am now honored to call friends. I would not want someone to ban myself from being married, nor do I ever wish that upon someone else. I hope one day that the citizens of American and not just North Carolina will realize how ignorant and discriminatory these laws are and make a change. Everyone deserves the right to love and marriage.

Many people with a strong religious background may read this and think I have no justification for any of this. For that I give them this:

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."--Edmund Burke

"Equality, liberty and justice for all."

Just some food for thought. Stepping off of my soap box now.