(great letter to the Corcord Monitor in NH)

I have read for quite some time now how gays are a danger to the core of our families and that, although we may not be affected by it now, the marriage of those of the same sex will bring down our families and our values. No one ever mentions that divorce might be the cause of our losing our core values as families.

I am offended every time I hear someone speak against the families of those with gay children. My family has strong religious beliefs and is as strong and sound as any others. Members of my political party and others know me to be a conservative who believes in God, liberty and family values. What most of you do not know is that I have a gay son.

When I found out he was gay 19 years ago when he was 15, I struggled and asked God to help me. I asked, Why me?

God’s plan was to make me a more tolerant person and a more understanding human being.

If you knew your child was gay would you disown him or her? If you have a strong, loving family, you would accept your child for who he or she is: your child.

I ask those who represent us in the Legislature to think about this when they are ready to vote for the bill repealing same-sex marriage. One out of every three teenage suicides is related to being gay and the discrimination that they face every day. They come from sound, strong and (in many cases) Christian families with the same values as your families. They are here legally, have jobs, pay taxes and, yes, even serve in our military and have made the ultimate sacrifice as soldiers by dying for freedom and liberty.

I am a defender of the values of families, country, freedom and liberty, but I am also the father of a gay son who contributes not only to our country but also to our family. He is just like your son. And like your family, we want to leave him a better country and life, and that includes the same rights as married couples. I believe in freedom for everyone. We are blessed to live in a state where we can all be free to pursue our own happiness.

I’m opposed to using the government to tear apart loving families, and I encourage my fellow Republicans to stand up with me to oppose this harmful piece of legislation.

(JP Marzullo of Deering is Area 3 vice chairman of the state Republican Party.)

3 November 26 Permalink

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and his partner Marlon Reis are expecting a baby in September, reports the Denver Post. That will make him the first out LGBT parent in Congress.

Polis has refused to tell the press how he and Reis will be creating their family—and I give him a lot of credit for that. Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with discussing how we create our families, should we choose to do so—and it can even be an educational opportunity. At the same time, much mainstream media coverage of LGBT parents seems to focus too much on the mechanics of family creation. Unless a journalist is making a point related to how the family was created—say, to discuss the particular concerns of families with children adopted from another country, or the role of a surrogate or donor in the child’s life—there’s really no need. It’s like mentioning a person’s race or religion when it has no bearing on the story.

If Polis and Reis choose to keep it a personal matter, to protect their child’s privacy or for any other reason, I admire their resolve. Let’s hope they continue to find a good balance between privacy for their child and the visibility that LGBT families need to move closer to acceptance and equality.

(via Mombian)

29 June 5 Permalink