A moment to give a heart felt THANK YOU to our non-GLBT friends who support us with enthusiasm!

[Amimnoch]

Of course we all appreciate our brothers and sisters within the community who go to the line for our quest for equal civil rights in the country, but with all of the highly sensitized posts going around as of late, I thought now would be a good time to dedicate at least one thread for the sole purpose of giving real thanks to those who aren't even a part of our community who have been really going to bat for us, and our rights.

In the heated, and passionate debates going on, it can become easy to forget that not everyone who isn't numbered in our community is against us, and make blanket comments that might be insensitive to those who do support us.

I just wanted to take a second to really thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of us!

For some of us this is an issue about civil rights, and the possibility of being able to choose a partner to be legally recognised someday.

For some of us it's a matter of principle.

For others it's a matter of being recognised.

All are good reasons!

For me, it's a matter of protecting my partner of 10 years.

We have in place last wills, medical power of attorneys, power of attorneys, and living wills in place in an attempt to protect each other should unfortunate things happen to either of us.

While we've gone through all of the expense, and time to get all of these documents in order, the sad truth is it doesn't even offer a fraction of the protection that an actual marriage certificate would offer.

My partners family loves me, and neither of us has much to worry about with regard to his family. However, my mother is, sadly, a completely different issue. What's really ironic is she has no problem with my homosexuality, her problem is that my partner isn't white. She has never accepted him, and my contact with her over the last 10 years has been infrequent and strained. She has the money, and ability to make my partners life a legal living hell should something happen to me, even with all of the documentation we have on hand. The difference being, as advised by our attorney, that all of the documentation we have can be challenged in court and face a long and drawn out legal process. A marriage on the other hand, while it still can be challenged, is almost always trown out of court long before it actually gets to court.

To those who support our equality, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[WillParkinson]

1. Oh you one issue voter you!

How dare you vote on your life and that of your partner. Don't you know that there are far more important things to deal with now?

:sarcasm:

Excellent letter. Thank you.

(Edit: Oh, not on.)

[Tangerine LaBamba]

2. You're very welcome, my friend, and

now can you run to the drugstore and get me a new box of Band-Aids for all the thumping I've taken here these past few days?

Thank you.

While you're at it, you might pick up some crutches for those who tried to thump me......................


:toast:

[Jack Bone]

3. No thank you! I will always support two people who...

love each other. We need to encourage more love in this world, not constrict it.

Peace & good vibes 2 you and yours..

K&R!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

4. You're welcome, friend. I'd have done the same for blacks and civil rights

Also, it involves women and women's rights. This man is also against the right of women to have control over their very own body.

My friend, what's wrong is wrong no matter how people try to justify it. People who deny civil rights is wrong, and people who applaud them are wrong, no matter how, when, where, why, and for what they applaud them. (And people have sure twisted themselves into some very interesting pretzel shapes to justify Obama having picked this man and REFUSING to replace him).

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. K & R ! nt

[Not Me]

6. K&R; thanks to all who have stood by us

I value your support tremendously.

[hendo]

7. No Problem. Just let me know when I'm needed

and I will be there to support you.

[foxfeet]

8. I'll echo those thanks.

Your support is very much welcome and appreciated.:toast:

[marylanddem]

9. You're so welcome

My daughter, a lesbian, has been my soul and inspiration through the years. A brilliant & loving young woman. This has really sensitized me to all of these issues & I truly appreciate your letter of thanks. We've got your backs.

[jgraz]

10. Whaddya mean "non-GLBT"?

Gay-Loving, Broadminded and Tolerant. :D

[Stinky The Clown]

11. It is so much easier to support what is right than to try to defend the indefensible

That has always been the case.

It is simply the right thing to do. We simply take our lead from you.

:hug:

[jonnyblitz]

19. I was a jerk to you in regards to the Colin Powell issue awhile

back but i have noticed your support on this issue and I am grateful for it. I get excitable at times. :hi:

[Hydra]

12. Thank you for your recognition

I've dealt with oppression myself, and I find being or watching others be devalued abhorrent. I think of America as a work in progress, and I'm happy to help all of you fight to further the cause of civilization.

[RobertDevereaux]

13. Supporting my LGBT friends on this...

...feels as natural as breathing!

[racaulk]

14. Hear here!!!

K&R

[LeftCoast]

15. Great suggestion!

Sometimes their voices get drowned out in the storm of rhetoric that takes over around here.

[enigmatic]

16. you don't need to thank me

This should be a no-brainer of a position, one that shouldn't even be debated. That it is says more about DU as a Liberal/Progressive forum than anything else.

I'll always stand on the side of human right w/o prompting.

I'll always stand w/ you.

[Phredicles]

17. I just like marriage. And civil rights.

And, you know, basic human dignity; that's cool, too.

[jonnyblitz]

18. let me add my profound gratitude also.

I am fully aware of who you all are and i will try to make a point to thank you indivually here and there as I take notice. i am forever indebted to you all. :loveya:

[ruggerson]

20. recommended

[ronnykmarshall]

21. We have some great friends in here.

And some that shocked me.

[roguevalley]

22. when justice and equality aren't just words but actions applied to EVERYONE,

I will be able to sleep better at night. I can suffer fools and have all my life but I can't suffer hypocrites. My heart is with the underdog. Always. Hugs back at you, honey, for speaking up FOR ME! Even if I might not be in your boat, you are SPEAKING FOR ME!