Get Yourself One Too...

This is Drew and Derek Riker. I consider them the best allies for the gay movement ever! Well, at least the best ones that I have encountered and consider close friends. Case in point, during the most recent national election Drew and Derek registered to vote in Florida (they live in New York) because they new that every vote here counted. Florida as you now know has been considered a swing state in the last couple of elections, and is considered part of the Bible Belt so pretty much Republican. I think the only precinct in Florida that voted majority Democrat would be Miami-Dade, and the twins did a great job campaigning and encouraging others to vote Democrat here, including their parents who in the past voted Republican. They were appalled that Bush ran on the campaign of hate, prejudice, and fear. They saw through the b.s. quicker than most. If anyone is an advocate for gays and lesbians to get the same benefits as straight couples in regards to marriage, it would be them. If anyone feels that gays and lesbians should be protected under federal hate crime statures, it would be them. They scoff at people who raise an eyebrow at their openness to protect and befriend us, not because they are "comfortable with their sexuality" but because they are humanists. They don't understand why people find the need to hate us just because we are genetically disposed to fall in love with someone of the same gender.

There are some gays and lesbians trying to decide "where" to become an activist in the gay movement because there is no definitive starting point. Our "community"(and I use that term loosely) is so disconnected and lost and it needs help all around. Yet, there are many who know we have to do something, and are doing their best to educate and validate us. I hear their frustrations in their words, vlogs, and podcasts. I think we need to start from scratch. Deconstruct the movement down to the barest essentials, the necessaries. The question is with whom do we do that? It is in my opinion that seeds of change will not occur unless we solidify the bridges to our future. The young gays and lesbians that will be our next voices and the straight allies that will do the fighting alongside us. We need to break down the ageism barriers that generate those horrible labels like "twink", "daddy", "butch", and "fem". We need to have some self respect in ourselves. We need to convince our straight friends to speak up louder for our rights, to inform the close minded that we are just as important, special, talented, caring, faithful, reasonable, rational, honest, sincere, and HUMAN. People like Drew and Derek. Maybe I am describing one of your friends. If not, go out and find one! Just remember to thank them when they win a battle. I cannot thank Drew and Derek enough. I want to thank more.