Stonewall: It's way past time

I don't usually do politics on this blog (except for the pink triangle on the sidebar), but today is the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. I myself have been out as a gay man since 1973.

It's way past time that people of sexual minorities had full civil rights in this country. As one approach to this issue, let me share something called the Dallas Principles.

Preamble: President Obama and Congress pledged to lead America in a new direction that included civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. We now sit at a great moment in our history that inspires the nation to return to its highest ideals and greatest promise. We face a historic opportunity to obtain our full civil rights; this is the moment for change. No delay. No excuses.

The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action. In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:

1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.

2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.

3.Separate is never equal.

4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.

5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.

6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.

7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.

8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.

I want all my readers to know how important this matter is and join the effort.

Thank you,

Mike