Make a Vow: Never Be Silent

Yesterday, a move towards justice was made when Judge Walker informed us of what every kindergartner is taught the first day of school: play nice and share. At long last, California law no longer legitimizes the discrimination of gays and lesbians in regards to marriage. This is a victory.

But, this fight is not over. The minds that brought this about still exist. The people who challenged the right to love and to have that love recognized, will not stop. And while it is well and good to make your fight big, it is more important to make it deep.

So talk. Talk about equality. Make them uncomfortable. Drag the bigotry out into the sunshine, where it can die. Talk at work, at school, at home. Talk about it with your friends, your family, with a total stranger. Wear your views where they can be seen. We will drag people, kicking and screaming if we have to, into the 21st century.

Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not the time, the place, or that’s it’s inappropriate. Equality is NEVER inappropriate. Don’t let them tell you that this is a political issue and that we can “agree to disagree.” I will never agree to disagree. I will never concede that anyone has the right to tell another how to live their life and I will never allow that it is just a political issue. These are people’s LIVES they are playing with here and they cannot be allowed to “agree to disagree.”

Make a vow: Never be silent.
Where there is injustice, speak out.
When a wrong is done to another, defend them.
When you see bigotry, squelch it with truth.
Never be afraid of defending what is right and teach your children the same.
Teach them closets are for clothes, bigotry belongs firmly in the past, and that they are our future.
Tell them that if they don't speak out, no one else will.
Teach them: never be silent.