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I am writing on behalf of the Maryland Black Family Alliance (MBFA) to speak of the disappointing loss we and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community suffered in the repeal of the Maine marriage equity law. Even though the law was rejected by a narrow majority, it shows the work we must continue to protection LGBT people from anti-gay forces which are determined to weaken our community and all families.
Yes, we had some wins in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Washington state that provide a greater degree of protections for LGBT individuals and families, but the loss in Maine still hurts committed and loving couples who now must delay their dream of equality and acceptance.
Closer to home, these forces are at work to restrict funding and programs to properly address the AIDS epidemic in Baltimore City and across the state. They continue to deny equal treatment and protection in housing, employment and health care, and we are no closer in passing statewide anti-discrimination legislation to protect transgender people.
The MBFA is an advocacy organization of straight African-American allies in Maryland seeking to frame the discussion among black Marylanders about civil marriage for same-sex couples, LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS and issues of poverty and discrimination that affect all our communities.
Elbridge James, Rockville
The writer is director of the Maryland Black Family Alliance.
Send your comments to talkback@baltimoresun.com.
Yes, we had some wins in Kalamazoo, Mich., and Washington state that provide a greater degree of protections for LGBT individuals and families, but the loss in Maine still hurts committed and loving couples who now must delay their dream of equality and acceptance.
Closer to home, these forces are at work to restrict funding and programs to properly address the AIDS epidemic in Baltimore City and across the state. They continue to deny equal treatment and protection in housing, employment and health care, and we are no closer in passing statewide anti-discrimination legislation to protect transgender people.
The MBFA is an advocacy organization of straight African-American allies in Maryland seeking to frame the discussion among black Marylanders about civil marriage for same-sex couples, LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS and issues of poverty and discrimination that affect all our communities.
Elbridge James, Rockville
The writer is director of the Maryland Black Family Alliance.
Send your comments to talkback@baltimoresun.com.
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... and believe me kitty6868, I have and do live life to the fullest but can do it while staying in the boundaries of morality. I'm sorry that you are so unhappy that you have to go outside of the bounds of society to find even the smallest sliver of joy.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but we are not unhappy, uptight, scared, narrow minded, uneducated people (or whatever other names you people call us) who don't know how to have fun in life. I know it makes you feel better about yourself to think that way. But it's simply not true. I feel very sorry for you and your ilk that think the way you do.
david1117 (11/08/2009, 5:26 PM )