I just received a thank-you note from Joe Solmonese

[irish1]

from the Human Rights Campaign.

I am a financial contributor (modest), and try to support this voice for equality.

I hadn't expected it. His letter went on to remind me that marriage equality now exists in Vermont and New Hampshire, and a hate crimes bill was signed into law by the president.

It made me so thankful to live in a time (finally) when being gay is seen for what it truly is: a natural form of sexuality for millions of people.

I am also thankful for my family and friends. This year my niece was married. She is a beautiful young woman, and her father (my brother) wrote me a short, pithy note about six weeks before the wedding asking me not to come with my partner. He said he didn't want a man bringing another man to his daughter's wedding.

I talked to my pastor (a gay Christian man in a committed relationship), and he said that this would continue to happen and I needed to stand up for myself and my partner.

My family rallied around us, after I responded that we wouldn't attend (no drama here).

In the end, my father (a true loving dad) told my brother that he would have to learn to accept things, that times were changing. He is 81.

My partner was included in the family photos, as my step-mother tells everyone that he is a part of the family now (and has been for about three years). Everyone, including my brother, had a wonderful time.

This Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for Joe Solmonese, the Human Rights Campaign, and my family. To live a life as a man in a committed gay relationship, and to be accepted by society and my family is a dream I hope you all realize.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

You mean this letter?

Dear Jasun,

Before we all sit down tomorrow with family and friends, I just wanted to let you know what I'll be thankful for this year.

It's you, Jasun.

I want to thank you for your activism, your generosity, and your spirit. For your courage, which is the fuel of change.

Passing the hate crimes act. Winning marriage equality in New Hampshire and Vermont. Making progress towards an inclusive ENDA and an end to DOMA and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", with more support than ever before. You played a role in each and every one of these victories in 2009, and I thank you.

Just a year ago, they were dreams. Now, they are our history.

You helped make them possible, Jasun.

Thank you for everything you do, and Happy Thanksgiving.

All my best,
Joe

Joe Solmonese
President
Human Rights Campaign
www.hrc.org

I really hate those "this is a personal letter" emails that are sent to all 500,000 people on their email list.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

Sorry to piss in your oatmeal. I'll tell you.. I'm Canadian and Thanksgiving was 5 weeks ago. But I'm thankful for all my close friends and family and my career that I love.

Oh, and my dogs.

 

[irish1]

Sorry to piss in your oatmeal. I'll tell you.. I'm Canadian and Thanksgiving was 5 weeks ago. But I'm thankful for all my close friends and family and my career that I love.

Oh, and my dogs.

You didn't piss in my oatmeal, and I knew you were Canadian. Thanksgiving makes more sense in October, really.

I just thought I would share my thanks this year.

You have a lot to be thankful for this year, as well. I am truly happy for you.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

I think that we as gay men can sometimes forget just how far we've come. Our gay uncles never could have imagined a place where support for gay marriage was in the high 40% range and that we'd be able to live open and free, for the most part.

We do have to appreciate what we've got. I still remember that feeling of "what now?" when in Canada we won full equality right across the board.

It was... odd.

 

[irish1]

I think that we as gay men can sometimes forget just how far we've come. Our gay uncles never could have imagined a place where support for gay marriage was in the high 40% range and that we'd be able to live open and free, for the most part.

We do have to appreciate what we've got. I still remember that feeling of "what now?" when in Canada we won full equality right across the board.

It was... odd.

I don't know what we are waiting for in the US.

Instead of "what now", I keep asking myself: "Where next".

We have politicians with big egos who want to be stroked before they come on board with equal rights. I do not beleive this is a state's issue, I believe it is a federal concern.

It sometimes makes me ashamed to be a citizen of the US, but you're right, it's important that we don't loose sight of the support we do have across the board (and with our families and friends).

 

[frankfrank]

You mean this letter?



I really hate those "this is a personal letter" emails that are sent to all 500,000 people on their email list.

HOORAY, I JUST GOT MINE TOO!!

Dear frank,

Before we all sit down tomorrow with family and friends, I just wanted to let you know what I'll be thankful for this year.

It's you, frank.

I want to thank you for your activism, your generosity, and your spirit. For your courage, which is the fuel of change.

Passing the hate crimes act. Winning marriage equality in New Hampshire and Vermont. Making progress towards an inclusive ENDA and an end to DOMA and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", with more support than ever before. You played a role in each and every one of these victories in 2009, and I thank you.

Just a year ago, they were dreams. Now, they are our history.

You helped make them possible, frank.

Thank you for everything you do, and Happy Thanksgiving.

All my best,
Joe

Joe Solmonese
President
Human Rights Campaign
www.hrc.org

 

[irish1]

Joe's hand must be really sore........................from writing all those letters, of course................................................

 

[TickTockMan]

I don't even bother opening mail from them anymore. Its always the same. "Thanks for what you did, but do you got anymore?"

 

[irish1]

I don't even bother opening mail from them anymore. Its always the same. "Thanks for what you did, but do you got anymore?"

Yup. It's like the song "What have you done for me lately?"

It's difficult sometimes not to become jaded by our march to full rights.

 

[TickTockMan]

It's not so much the march to full rights, in my opinion. HRC has gotten too comfy with their position in D.C. They aren't pushing for much of anything. Instead it's all, "things are going to happen, just give it a little more time....just a little more time...no, it's okay. They promised us and you know they wouldn't lie!"

Bullshit.

For one thing, HRC provided almost no help when Florida was trying to fight against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage (or anything approaching it) here. They spent a god awful amount on a long term lease (if I recall correctly) for their headquarters and Joe Solmonese's compensation package last year was almost $340,000.

Needless to say, I canceled my membership some time ago.

I agree. They have got too big. They're in it for the money anymore. I canceled my membership as well awhile back.