Gay Rights?

I've never been politically correct. Nor have I been one to go with the popular choice, just because. But, on the flipside, I don't shout my beliefs on every street corner either. Why should gay rights issues be any different?!

I was born & raised in the South, surrounded by racism of all kinds both from strangers AND family. From 1st grade on, and before I even knew that I was taking a stand for a belief, all I really knew was that I'd get upset when someone spoke badly about people or told me I couldn't be friends with someone due to the color of their skin! Absurd!!! In fact, my earliest memories of my 1st buddies in elementary school...all little black kids! 5th grade, I fought horribly with Daddy about being able to talk to Cicely on the phone! I was never a popular kid. I felt that early on. I was different. I was picked on. I wasn't perfect. Maybe that's why I felt more at ease with others who were picked on?

When I was 12, I figured out that I was pro-choice. I went through the typical brainwashing of viewing the gross & disturbing videos of abortions & fetuses. But, still, I believe in the choice but not to be used as birth control.

In junior high, there was this kid...they called him Jerry the Fairy. *sighs* Yeah, he was obvious. So that gave everyone the right to torture him?! No, I never stood up for him. I regret that. I always watched him & felt sorry for him though. I couldn't stand up to those kids. I'm not strong enough for that.

Not long after graduation, my best black girlfriend had a baby girl with a white guy. I had that baby with me almost 24/7 for the 1st 4 years of her life. When I took this beautiful little innocent baby into Wal-Mart or Smitty's...I could physically *feel* the stares & whispers directed towards me. It was all I could do not to react to those ignorant, red neck, backwards morons.

So how do I view gay rights? I agree in the ability to marry whomever you fall in love with, regardless of sex. I believe those spouses are entitled to the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts in regards to children, homes, insurance, etc. Does any of it apply to me? No. I'll never get married & I'll never have children or be in that situation with a partner. But I still believe in those basic human rights for those who can benefit from them. I believe in the right to love whoever you want & be loved in return. I believe in the right to be happy, secure & safe. Again, whether it directly applies to me or not...I still believe in that right for those who can benefit from it....