Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Fighting Against Global LGBT Oppression

Do As We Say, Not As We Do


As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton winds her way around the globe speaking of issues from public diplomacy, economic & energy to human rights, she speaks out comparing the struggle for gay equality to women's rights & racial equality, she said "cultural or religious traditions are no excuse for discrimination." & " Gay rights are human rights & human rights are gay rights. It should never be a crime to be gay."

I applaud her efforts & appeals to nations to end the criminalization of homosexuality & to stop the discrimination of LGBT citizens abroad. At the same time, I can't help but take notice of the injustices against us right here in her own back yard...

Stop the criminalization & discrimination of LGBT citizens???

While here at home, as an LGBT citizen in many parts of America...
* You can be fired.
* Denied housing.
* Denied marriage.
* Denied the same rights/privileges/responsibilities of marriage that heterosexual couples take for granted.
* Unfairly taxed.
* Lack of anti-bullying laws to protect our most vulnerable youth.
* Discrimination in healthcare.
* Face various abuses of power from law enforcement.
* Lack of other legal protections against those targeting us in a crime.

How can the Secretary of State speak out against other nations & their hatred of it's LGBT citizens when so much criminalization & discrimination goes on right in her own back yard?

If America is going to be the mouthpiece for equality, it needs to lead by example by doing more to end LGBT discrimination's right here at home...

Standing up (OK, sitting down) for our rights!