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.