The two front-runners for the democratic nomination for president have a lot in common. Neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama support gay marriage, but both say they are for civil unions and repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Both support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate crimes laws and each back the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Yet, even though both are supportive of some gay and lesbian issues, neither seems to be a real champion of our causes. Kathy Belge, from About.com spoke with Anne Stockwell, editor of The Advocate magazine, which has a cover story on Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama this month. The Advocate is one of the most respected gay and lesbian publications and Anne is an expert on gay and lesbian political issues.
FE>>(She like probably most of us) wanted to know why both candidates are squeamish on gay and lesbian issues. “Let’s not say squeamish, let’s say cautious,” Anne replied. And they’re cautious with good reason. Look what happened to John Kerry when he mentioned Dick Cheney’s lesbian daughter Mary Cheney and that she probably thought being gay wasn’t a choice. The Cheney’s were pissed and so was most of America.
“Somehow or another Mary Cheney’s parents greeted that as an insult,” Anne says. “That’s insane. We all know what it’s like to deal with someone homophobic.”
Yes, we do. But do we lower our standard of living to ward off the homophobes? Do we not still fight for equal treatment, full rights, just because some televangelists and right wing politicians think we’re immoral?
As gays and lesbians, we need to ask ourselves. Do we give our votes to candidates who half-heartedly support us, or do we demand to be treated and accepted as the complete and whole human beings that we are?
Do We Deserve More?
Cruise here to read the rest of what imo was a really good interview. One that addressed some sure to come up uneasiness with many people in the very near future. Primarily the fact that neither candidate has said that they do not believe that homosexuality is immoral. Stockwell at this point believes it is necessary that we keep the fire on and respectively expect that they openly speak their positions. Personally, I do not know why they wouldn't unless of course, they do think it is immoral. Seems to me they'd extend their reach considerably by saying what they mean, and meaning what they say if they do not believe that being gay is immoral.Stay informed on the issues:
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