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 orn
in Queens, raised on Long Island, schooled in the Bronx, summered in
Saratoga, working in Manhattan and living in White Plains with my
partner of 30 years.
A reading from the decision of
disrespect…
“We therefore
express our hope that the participants in the controversy
over same-sex marriage will address their arguments to the
Legislature; that the Legislature will listen and decide as
wisely as it can; and that those unhappy with the
result---as many undoubtedly will be—will respect it as
people in a democratic state should respect choices
democratically made.”
My friends- discrimination in any form- and in this
instance, codified discrimination- be it a court decision,
legislative action, or federal constitution amendment- never
deserves respect. |
Karen Carr (r) with her partner Yvette
Christofilis (l) |
WE as New Yorkers who see the value
of all its citizens and respect differences will not tolerate anything
less than full equality.
Today’s decision puts us all at
risk.
Today we have seen discrimination
under the guise of sexual preferences- Note- NOT orientation- as if this
is all a choice. Plus the other standard excuse- the guise of the
protection of children.
It is a bold face lie. It is
discrimination.
This decision deserves no respect
for it disrespects citizens of the Great State of New York.
It codifies second class love,
second class relationships and second class citizens of this state.
So today we must re- “gird up our
loins” to take a line from “The Devil Wears Prada”.
Gird up our loins to protect our
relationships and our families.
To paraphrase another proud New
Yorker, the late great LGBT leader Harvey Milk, from Hewlett, Long
Island, New York, we must join “the fight to preserve our democracy from
the John Briggs and the Anita Bryants” (or as I say, fill in the name of
the discriminator of your choice) “who are trying to constitutionalize
bigotry. We are not going to allow that to happen”.
So my sisters and brothers, take
care of yourselves and each other. The battle will be long and hard.
But remember, we will be victorious.
And Respect will win and reign in
the State of New York.
Thank you.
Karen Carr
Quote from Harvey Milk’s “That’s
What America Is” speech.
Gay Freedom Day Parade of June 25, 1978
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