I became more aware of the importance of politics, especially as Americans, the more I traveled around this grand world of ours. I saw the grandeur of what was once an incredible and world powerful political country when I was in Paris, I saw the ancient politics when I was in Jerusalem, I saw what truly corrupt politics was when I was in Nairobi and the more that I travel in the States, I saw the beauty and more than anything, the uniqueness of American Democracy. It was when I saw the way these other countries had been and were run that I saw the difference and saw the importance of the way this great Nation is run. When I was in College, I wasn't political. When I was in Graduate School, I wasn't political. When I was working on my career, I wasn't political. It took me nearly 28 years to get political.
When I came out to my parents two years ago, I remember telling them that I wouldn't "March on Washington" or "Burn my bra" or "Shave my head." I didn't want them to associate me, the daughter that they've always known was "that" kind of lesbian. When the horrific massacre at Pulse Night Club in Florida happened over six months ago, for the first time in my life, I felt the pain and personal attack on myself and so many that I loved. I had never truly felt associated with a minority group, until that event. The constant and now building momentum of hate in our country and the recent elections of 2016, has stirred a fire in me that hits me personally. First off, as a Woman and additionally as a Lesbian. Even though I will not be one of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who will be Marching on Washington on January 21st, I have donated to the cause, even though I have not burned my bra, I have become more vocal and more outspoken for women's rights, and have joined the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) DFW branch and even though I will never shave my head, I am aware and sensitive to other LGBT individuals and see the beauty and the power in self-identification and self-liberation.
Life has made me political.
I am beyond blessed and still in utter amazement that I am falling head over heels for this incredible woman that fate threw in my path. E fought the fight for LGBT and Women's rights nearly 15 years ago, and what seemed to be so much progress in this great country of ours since then. Marriage equality and a closing gap in the gender pay scale, these are incredible, civil and human rights that we have achieved, but now with the threat to Same Sex Marriages and a President and staff who openly speak out against women's rights and all minorities, E and I are now having to fight for our rights, but this time we are fighting together.
Love has made me brave.
Now, I no longer skate through life, unaware of what is going on around me, unsure and unknowing because I thought the goings on in Washington were too far beyond the life of this small-town Texan, I stand bravely, I fight fiercely, I speak wisely, I dream hopefully. I look for the silver-linings in every situation. I am finding my voice. Now, is the time that we must be strong and courageous. Now is the time that we all come together and look past our differences, not just for what is going on in our own lives, but for the millions and millions of Americans that we share this great country with. Do not be downhearted friends. Do not loose hope reader. This is not just for the Queer Americans, the African Americans, the Muslim Americans, the Mexican Americans or any other minority, but for ALL Americans. We are all in this together. Find your voice. Volunteer. Give courage. Speak hope. I am not alone. You are not alone. You are beautiful and you are loved. Now is the time to brave!
"Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it though no matter what." - Harper Lee
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