A Letter to the President-Elect

Dear President-Elect Obama:

I phone banked for your campaign. Three times. So did several of my friends, and my dad. My neighbor and his friends drove to Las Vegas and canvassed in 102 degree heat. I firmly believe it was the deftly organized grass-roots campaign that fueled your victory on November 4th. That, and your messages of Hope, of Change, of no more Politics-As-Usual in D.C. Unfortunately, your pick of Rick Warren to lead the Invocation at your Inauguration on January 20th, is the antithesis of your message.

As a gay man, it saddens and angers me that you would choose a man who believes that gay relationships are akin to pedophilia, incest, and polygamy. His church's website advertises that "unrepentant homosexuals" are not permitted to attend its services. (Not that any self-respecting gay person would attend anyway.) So where is the Change? Because from where I stand, this is tantamount to shoving gay rights back to the 1970's. Back to a time when the DSM classified homosexuality as an illness, when police routinely raided bars and arrested their patrons for lewd conduct. Anita Bryant declared herself to be "on a crusade to rid the world of homosexuals" and "wanted to save the children from homosexuals." In essence, Rick Warren's message is no different from Anita Bryant's because he equates gay people to pedophiles. So I can't help but ask the question, "How would you feel if your marriage to Michelle was compared to pedophilia, incest, and polygamy?"

In a bigger picture setting, his beliefs are just as unsettling. His rhetoric pierces the hearts and souls of young gay people everywhere. Whether it is one in his congregation or one who has access to the internet with endless clips of his antiquated ideologies, they are out there. And before they have a chance to discover that there is nothing wrong with them, they hear his message. They sense the muted tones of homophobia and they internalize it. Unfortunately, not all children grow up in liberal, nuturing, open-minded homes. Those who are raised in less desirable environments already have the deck stacked against them. And now, the new President of the United States introduces Rick Warren to bless his administration. And if the President of the United States cannot love and accept them, who can? Gay kids are three times more likely to commit suicide than their straight counterparts. And Pastor Warren's message does not help.

I'd like to believe that this is a shrewd political strategy to benefit all of your constituents. I'd love to believe that this is the beginning of the Change you talked about in your campaign. But I've got to tell you, it feels like the status quo. Unfortunately, we are the last minority group that's socially acceptable to vilify. I highly doubt that Warren would have been your choice had his inflammatory and ignorant comments been about immigrants, black people, or Muslims. You once said that you are "a fierce advocate for equality." I hope you were telling the truth. Because your choice of Pastor Warren sounds like more of the same.

The Absent Dialogue

I'm all about communication lately. About my feelings, my fears, and what I need. Which is why I've been having lots of dialogues with people. I think it's important to do so to foster understanding and compassion. And what about the most important dialogue of all? The one that's SORELY missing. The one between supporters of Prop 8 and gay people. Miserably underrepresented in the No on 8 ads, gay people are screaming back after having their voices silenced by the very campaign that was supposed to help.

I think the dialogue could go something like this:

PROP 8 SUPPORTER: My faith is really important to me. And according to my beliefs, marriage is between a man and a woman.

GAY PERSON: I can certainly understand that. Faith is important to me too. But what is also important to me are equal rights. And if you vote yes on Prop. 8, I won't have equal rights.

PROP 8 SUPPORTER: Well, what about civil unions?

GAY PERSON: I appreciate that, but they're not the same. See, you can go, right this minute--down to City Hall--and get a marriage license. No questions asked. I can't, simply because I am gay. Civil unions do not have the same tax benefits, adoption rights, and legal standing as a marriage. And of you think about it, your church doesn't issue a marriage license. They perform the service and are an integral part of the process, yes. But our state, to whom I pay my share of taxes to ever year, provides the doorway to the institution.

PROP 8 SUPPORTER: I see.

GAY PERSON: And by the way, if civil unions are so desirable, why not get yourself?

PROP 8 SUPPORTER: Well, I would but I'd like to get married. I'm so in love with my fiance(e) and it's been my dream to get married to the person I love since I was a little kid.

GAY PERSON: Wow, I'm so glad your dream is coming true. And you know what, I have the same dream. But because of a lousy campaign by our side, and a lot of lies perpetrated by the other side, my dream is on hold. So you'll have to excuse the slight hint of sarcasm and passive aggressiveness in the din of my voice. I'm trying really hard to be civil and be tolerant to those who want to take away my rights, which is why I'm having this very uncomfortable conversation.

PROP 8 SUPPORTER: I guess I can understand why you would be upset. I don't know what I'd do if I could marry the person I love.

GAY PERSON: Well, let me tell you... it is a wholly painful and demoralizing experience.

Another One Bites the Dust...

I think folks are finally starting to get the message. They're finally waking up to the smell of that proverbial french roast. Snapping out of their pathologically self-centered fog to the fact that the gays are pissed. Are we fuming over the fact that 52% of Californians voted against same-sex marriage for some esoteric reason that I still don't get? Are we unhinged by the unemotional, flaccid No on 8 campaign? Absolutely! Amen! But I think the crux of this unbridled fury is aimed at a new trajectory. In the cross hairs of our rifle: Hypocrisy. That funny feeling you get when someone says one thing, and does another. Or when someone says, after an off-color reference, "Hey, some of my best friends are _____!" Like America on Black Friday this year, we're not buying it. I don't buy your sham. I'm not swallowing your hate-the-sin-not-the-sinner justification anymore. I pulled your covers, sucka!

An article in the LA Times was published recapping more fallout over supporters of Proposition 8. Specifically, those in the arts that donated their money to the cause. Citing their religious beliefs, many donors are shocked at the public outcry for boycotts against them. They are using the ol' my-religion-told-me-to-do-it-so-it's-okay excuse to justify intolerance and bigotry. How convenient. And how 1967. Are you kidding me!? If the pope told you to play on the 405, would you do that too? I mean, is there no thought process that goes through your head? Hypothetically, say... 'Gosh, my pastor says that we should donate money to support Prop. 8. I need to protect the sanctity of marriage. I'm not sure how I feel about that. My neighbors are gay, they've been together for 20 years, and they really love each other. My cousin in Atlanta is a lesbian; we were best friends growing up, so I'm conflicted.' I've often wondered if this self-dialogue goes on, or if like scores of cute little rodents, they join the herd? Do they drown out the small, still voice of reason--of God (gasp!)--with centuries-old rhetorical nonsense or do they stop to think how this will affect their colleagues?

The director of the LA Film Festival, Richard Raddon quit his job after his $1500 contribution to the Yes on 8 campaign surfaced. This is what he had to say about his resignation: "I have always held the belief that all people, no matter race, religion or sexual orientation, are entitled to equal rights. As many know, I consider myself a devout and faithful Mormon. I prefer to keep the details around my contribution through my church a private matter. But I am profoundly sorry for the negative attention that my actions have drawn to Film Independent and for the hurt and pain that is being experienced in the GLBT [gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender] community." You believe in equal rights, Mr. Raddon? Did you read the text of Proposition 8? You said you believe in equal rights and yet you donated money to a cause that took them away from a minority group. What's worse, you decided that it might make you a bit more comfortable to take the marriages of 18,000 couples, and put them up for discussion in a court of law. Did it not occur to you for a moment that this was a bad move? Not just politically, but morally?

In November, Artistic Director Scott Eckern of the California Musical Theater in Sacramento resigned because of pressure from playwrights who were stunned by his donation to Yes on 8, according to the NY Times. Not because he's a Mormon. But because he supported a constitutional amendment to take away rights from a minority group. (Let me be crystal clear about this.) Let's recap: a man who makes a living off of musical theatre donated money to a cause that took rights away from gay people. Musical Theatre. He's the Artistic Director of a huge theatre. That performs musicals. Written by gay people. Isn't musical theatre the gayest thing on Earth?! Come on, man! Of course, he too issued a statement: “I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal. It was not my intent. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction.”

Really? Well Mr. Eckern, you did betray us. Indeed, you hurt us deeply. But not only did you hurt me, and my friends who are married, but you hurt progress. You, in fact, poisoned the zeitgeist. It wanted to move forward. It ached to flourish. Your desire to protect marriage stripped it from those who wanted it. Chose it. Isn't that what this is about, anyway? Freedom of choice? You have the luxury of belonging to whatever religious denomination you wish. And it's protected in The Constitution. In fact, wars have been waged over it. Men and women have perished, and continue to perish for it. And hello? That's how we all got to this continent! Sheesh. I do not wish to repeal your freedom of speech. I am not saying you cannot practice the religion of your choice. I'm just saying you made a really bad decision. Because gay people made it possible for you to have a job. And feed your family. We wrote the plays that echoed in your house and composed the lyrics that got stuck in your head. We bought the tickets that filled your seats. And most devastatingly, we helped put the money in your bank account to write that fateful check. And then, you sucker punched us. Right in the kidney. When we weren't even paying attention.

Rumor Mill or Spin Cycle?

I got an email back from Public Relations at Urban Outfitters after I sent them the email from my last post. Hey, I give them credit--first thing Monday morning.

Ian,

Thank you for contacting us about the rumor that our company supported Proposition 8.

The accusation is totally baseless and without merit. Neither the founder, Dick Hayne, or CEO, Glen Senk made any contributions. Moreover, as a company we do not pursue political agendas. As a side note our CEO Glen Senk is openly gay and has been in a committed relationship for three decades.

We were never contacted by the blog authors who posted stories that sparked the rumor. They’re either using unreliable sources or not doing research before running negative stories.

Best Regards,

Sara Goodstein

Public Relations Director

Anti-Establishment and Anti-Gay: Is This An Oxymoron? Or Just Moronic?

An open letter to Urban Outfitters and Anthropology:

Hello,

I heard today that Anthopologie and Urban Outfitters strongly supported and contributed to the Yes on Prop 8 campaign in California. If this is true I will no longer shop at your stores and will instruct my like-minded friends and neighbors to do the same. Please advise.

For over a decade, Urban Outfitters has been a staple in my shopping habits. Though after reading about your CEO's support of virulently homophobic Senator Rick Santorum, who likened gay marriage to incest and bestiality, I will not set foot in your stores. I will take my money elsewhere. I have copied this email to many of my friends and family. (To protect their privacy, I have blind copied them.)

This is not just a boycott. This is a movement of millions of Americans who are sick and tired of ignorant and divisive attitudes against the LGBT community. To support that kind of a sinister agenda is thoroughly reprehensible.

We will not linger sit in silence. It is my hope that you will hear us loud and clear--through your company's bottom line.


Sincerely,

Ian Jensen

Photos from The March

Here's a slideshow of last weekend's Rally:

No on Prop. 8 Rally

No Roger, No Rerun, No Rent! No Roger, No Rerun, No Rent! Part 2

A quick recap:

After taking the train crammed with gay sardines down to City Hall, I bumped into my friend Gene. A few anti-gay marriage protesters were flanked by the yellow-shirted volunteers attempting to keep the peace. This is us in mid-"boo!"

From No on Prop. 8 Rally

Then, I stumbled upon the guy with the misspelled sign and caught up with my friends Antonio and Robert. They were in matching fuchsia t-shirts. Too adorable.

From No on Prop. 8 Rally

If I hadn't mentioned this before, it was hot. Like, sweltering. I mean, of course it's hot, being November in Los Angeles and all, hello?! Luckily, Antonio and Robert (along with hundreds of other people) found the shade of a skyscraper on the corner of 1st and Spring Streets.

From No on Prop. 8 Rally

Alec Mapa emceed the rally and introduced the likes of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. Both men opposed Proposition 8 and were there to show their support in spite of the devastating wild fires burning across California. Practically the only person missing was Governor Schwarzenegger. And even he has come out supporting gay marriage.

Here's Mayor Villaraigosa:



After over an hour of speeches--most of which were too long--the crowd began chanting, "March, march, march!" (Not to mention, it was freaking hot! And the sun changed position in the sky, so the building's shadow began to betray us.) Let's remember, this is not just about celebrities and politicians giving predictable, practiced speeches about equality. This is about peaceful, passionate people rallying in the streets. Our First Amendment rights guarantee us the right of Free Assembly. Something, by the way, I had taken for granted, until now.