Wow! Today President Obama announced publically that he supports gay marriage. Many of my friends were happy to hear this, though there were a few that were rather miffed. Those who expressed their displeasure seemed to be the Republicans who were more concerned about what this meant for Mitt Romney's chances at the presidency than anything else. I know I have a number of friends who support "traditional marriage" and oppose "marriage equality" - I didn't hear much from them.
For those who honestly believe that marriage between two people of the same gender is wrong for religious reasons, I completely understand. If I was under the impression that a change to a certain policy would result in the moral corruption of my children, hey - I'd be a bit concerned too. There's not really much arguing with that. You gotta do what you gotta do, and these individuals will either have an experience that changes their opinions - whether that be a change in church policy or a personal revelation, or they'll go on for the rest of their lives just as they always have - as decent human beings who follow their beliefs as they understand them. I certainly don't agree with them, but I respect their convictions.
On the other hand, I kind of feel sorry for my friends who happen to be gay Republicans and are determined to not enjoy today's news. It reflects poorly on the current state of our political system when individuals can't even be happy that they're a small step closer to equality. On my 18th birthday - my senior year in highschool - Ellen DeGeneres' character came out in her sitcom. I had just come home from sushi with my parents and was watching the show with my mom. I nearly crapped my pants. It didn't spark a conversation, but it definitely signaled to me that homosexuality was beginning to be more accepted by society. I was a happy, albeit mildly freaked out, camper.
Imagine how much more inspired a young gay person is today knowing that their president is beyond "evolving" and has finally come around publically to support gay marriage. I would think there are more than a few out there who feel much more validated. Most of them could probably care less about the fact that he's minced words on the subject before, or that he happens to be liberal, or a Democrat.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. For the first time in history, the President of the United States of America told me - yes, I think we should treat you the same as everyone else. Enjoy it for what it is. :)
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