I'll get some time to spend with them (I imagine a small amount of time) to explain to them why these bills are important to me.
These bills would allow important human rights protections to my fellow Marylanders, and I cannot wait to spend time talking to the people who represent me about why I think they should support equality for all Marylanders. Although, it's honestly annoying to me that we're still having these conversations in 2011.
But I'm nervous. I feel very strongly about these issues, and I've already called the office of one of the legislators and they wouldn't tell me which way he is leaning. And in the past when I've called his office and they won't commit it means he's not on my side.
I'll need to be well spoken, convincing, eloquent, and heart felt. I hope I don't cry because for some reason when I think about the fact that in 1967 this same state finally did away with the anti-miscegenation law that would have barred Ash and I from being married it breaks my heart to think it's still okay for them to bar LGBT folks who love each other from the same rights. I know loving couples that aren't afforded the same rights as me because of who they are or who they love. It's not okay that folks are fired because they are transgender and it's not okay that folks can't visit loved ones in the hospital because they aren't heterosexual couples that are married. According to Equality Maryland, 1 in 5 transgender Marylanders has lost a job because they are transgender. It's not fair that people have to live in fear of using a public bathroom. I need to get my thoughts together. But I also need to go in with an open heart and mind so I can speak freely and full of love.
Please keep good thoughts for me, and I'll post on Monday night or Tuesday about how it goes.
If there is something you'd like me to mention while I'm there feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email.
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