Barack Obama just completed his inaugural address. As an educator, I have listened to inaugural addresses since the 90s. As I type this entry, I am still wiping away tears. This time, the inaugural address, in part, was about me and people I love.
This is the first time an inaugural address has set forth gay rights as important as other rights this country should protect. I wasn't expecting it. As President Obama mentioned protecting the rights of his "gay brothers and sisters," and mentioned the Stonewall Riots as one of the historic civil rights movements of our nation, I paused for reflection.
For years I didn't come out because I was so afraid of rejection from both my family and church. Now that I am out, due to marry an awesome man this next year and am aself-declared happy gay man, I still have fears.
I worry when Jason and I visit a state without gay rights of something happening to one of us and not being able to visit one another in the hospital.
I worry about our financial future, not able to take advantage of the same financial standards that heterosexual couples enjoy.
I worry about how long I can be kept from my children and have to hide the truth of my life simply because I am gay.
President Obama took a stand today, and tied gay rights to the standards our forefathers placed in the Constitution.
I was already close to tears by the end of his speech, but the tears flowed as, in the closing prayer, gay men and women were included in the prayer's words.
The President made it clear that debates of gay versus straight will be relegated to where they should be: in the church, but not U.S. society. He made it clear the Constitution of this country protects MY rights as a gay man, and that includes life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Thank you, Mr. Obama: you have paved the way to make my pursuit that much easier.
