I just don't understand how someone who would never DREAM of sitting at a segregated lunch counter, crossing a picket line, or any of dozens of other violations of solidarity with the disenfranchised, would participate in a discriminatory institution by choosing to get married at this time. Yesterday a wonderful woman who devotes her life to peace and justice told me she was getting married and wanted my address to invite me to the wedding. I was mute I was so hurt and shocked. She was oblivious to what she was doing.

jhyanmar

letiwolf

[	Tags	|	gay, library	]
[	If I wasn't apathetic, I'd be	|	thoughtful	]

My goal was to be as prepared as possible in meeting with this family and being able to offer the best information I possibly could. If their desire is to see books added to the collection on this topic, I wanted to be aware of possible titles, their availability and their appropriateness.

This challenge has taught me so many things about being a librarian and being a public servant. I want to serve my community to the best of my ability, despite my personal beliefs. My community includes both conservative parents and gay teens. I can not judge either set of patrons. And my voice needs to represent our library. Staying quiet, respectful, and diplomatic is very hard in light of personal attacks and misinformation. I need to remain very objective in my quest to protect and fight for American Freedoms.

[	Tags	|	gay	]
[	If I wasn't apathetic, I'd be	|	determined	]

The mantra that we have heard over the years, even as acceptance grew, was the sentiment that gay people are tolerable so long as we don't "shove it in their faces." With this hanging over our heads, it's been easy for our voice to grow quieter. The "two" communities could leave each other alone and be happy enough. It was easy to grow silent and complacent and keep pride confined to our own neighborhoods, even our own households.

The problem with this way of living is that it then kept us from opening up to the members of the community that might not know us so well. While the opponents of our marriages went door to door, speaking face to face with uncertain voters, we continued to stay quiet. Our efforts to reach out to strangers needed to not only equal but surpass those of our opponents. It is just these strangers who may have supported us if they had been given a true window in to our lives.

Instead, to many, we are enigmatic. It may be difficult for some people to imagine what our lives are like without knowing us, instead only drawing example from popular media and public opinion. It's much easier to write off the rights of people when you don't know them and easier still when you have no idea what their lives are like. When you don't know their faces or their children and have no examples to call to mind of the love that their partnerships are based upon.

...

The hope for this web site is that it will be a tool to help begin that conversation. We hope that this site will be the photo album of our community, including not only snapshots of the lives of gay families across the nation but also of our straight supporters. Just as important as our own voices are the voices of our supporting brothers and sisters. They have held us up through these changing times. They have spoken for us in places we have been unable to speak and have stood as proof to those who mistakenly believe that our happiness is a threat to their happiness. Their voice -- your voice -- will continue to be a great asset and blessing to our community and we thank you now for everything you have offered us and the kindness you continue to show us.