So sick of being the political football...

[Anonymous]

I always know when it is election season, because the attacks on gays become all the more bitter, ugly, and virulent. I also know that I should grow thicker skin and get used to it. I truly feel like "the gays" are thought of like subhuman because it is so hard for me to imagine someone who knows me, knows my life, my values, my family could ever say such horrible things.

My family is not the boogeyman. My partner and I have been together for a decade. Our children are smart, beautiful, and kind. We live modestly because my spouse and I both work at non-profits (not focused on gay issues but on broader societal ills). We live in Virginia because it afforded us the best home in the best school districts we could afford, though of course we would rather live where our marriage was valid. For us the kids came first.

We simply seek fairness. The laws that protect you should protect my family. The benefits you receive by virtue of your marriage should apply to me by virtue of my marriage. The tax breaks that you receive... Well you get the picture. I truly believe that one day my children will look back at this time the same way I look at the time before Loving vs. VA.

Until that day I can't help but get depressed at all the hatred and just flat ignorance. I can't wait for this election cycle to end.

[Anonymous]

Sorry that you get treated this way. Hell, I'm even sorry that you have to explain your non profit work. It is sad that other people imagine that your whole world must revolve around your sexual orientation. God forbid you have individual interests and ambitions.

My BIL and his partner moved out of Arizona after Prop 102, only to land in California where they had to relive it all over again. It seems like there is no safe haven.

Well anyway, we may never cross paths. But if we did, I would be interested to hear about your non-profit work or what you think of the schools your children attend. I don't imagine that we have to spend any time on your interest in dudes. After all, you have a husband already.

[Anonymous]

Wife actually, but thanks, the kind words are appreciated. And I am also sure we have more in common than there are differences.

[Anonymous]

Oops, I saw "the gays" and took it literally. Shoulda known better.

[Anonymous]

I always know when it is election season, because the attacks on gays become all the more bitter, ugly, and virulent. I also know that I should grow thicker skin and get used to it. I truly feel like "the gays" are thought of like subhuman because it is so hard for me to imagine someone who knows me, knows my life, my values, my family could ever say such horrible things.

Other than the fact that Virginia's marriage related laws are stuck in the 1860's which is nothing new, how are attacks on gays becoming more bitter, ugly an virulent to the point that you feel sub-human? Who are saying such horrible things?

If anyone seems to be getting dumped on lately, I'd say it is Obama and the democratic party in general mostly about the economy. Is someone saying that gays are taking jobs from straight people... Gay rights hardly seems like much of a wedge issue this election cycle. If anything it will just be completely ignored. Poll after poll say that acceptance of gay and trans-gendered rights and life style are slowly improving, not a lot but a little bit each year...