I'm reposting this today (a day late, go figure) and submitting it for Blogging for LGBT Families Day. If you're not familiar, check out Mombian's website for more information.
This was originally posted on May 19th as an emotional appeal to Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker. Governor Walker is participating in this beautiful state's attack against same-sex families by refusing to defend or fight to uphold the domestic partnership registry that was passed in 2009. My partner Katie and I were the first registered couple in Milwaukee County, and with the birth of our first child just a few short weeks away, we are very much indebted to the [limited] benefits that the registry provides.
A background, for those who haven't heard the stories coming out of Wisconsin: Governor Walker was elected in 2010. Since his inauguration, he has not stopped his attack against families in our state. Starting with an unprecedented attack against the working class, Walker implemented a "budget plan" that included the stripping of collective bargaining rights for state employees. The bill stripped funding for social programs, education, and senior programs in our state. The GOP in our state, with the help of Governor Walker, have avoided, evaded, and outwardly defied various laws and regulations, caring little about the democratic process and more about gaining a republican stronghold in our state. Under the guise of election fraud, they have attacked voting rights by passing a law that gives Wisconsin one of the most restrictive Voter ID laws in the country... conveniently making it more difficult for POC, college students, and other minority groups to vote in our country. In the meantime, it is very likely that one of their own committed election fraud by "losing" just the exact number of votes needed to change the outcome of a Supreme Court Judge race in their favor.
And now, on cue, the GOP has turned their attack to us... the LGBT community. I wrote the following, an open letter to Governor Walker... in response to his recent decisions regarding the domestic partnership registry. Enjoy.
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I don't want to leave room for any misunderstandings, so let me state clearly from the beginning that you and I disagree on our political philosophies. I am, if you were to label me, a leftist democratic lesbian. On the political spectrum, you and I would represent day and night- complete and total opposites. I say that not to start us off on poor footing, as enemies, but in hopes that this information will allow you to understand the significance of the statements I am about to make.
Since you were elected the leader of our great state, I've gotten into many arguments with people on 'my side of the fence'. I've stuck my neck out on the line, actually... to defend you.
When people started correlating you to Hitler, I spoke fervently against that claim. I reiterated my opinion repeatedly- that the leadership you were displaying was nothing like the damage that Hitler had done... that the condition of our state was nothing compared to the anguish of Nazi Germany. To make such a comparison is not only insulting to history, but also to your administration.
When a group started on Facebook encouraging people to follow you... everywhere you went... as a sort of intimidation tactic, I took to your defense as well. I pleaded with those who were leading the group, asking that they remember your humanity and allow peace and a feeling of safety. I argued that you, as a human being, deserve the basic protection of knowing that you are safe... that you can go home and sit in your bedroom, without fear. I argued for your family... who do not deserve to have their world turned upside down over political disagreements. I frequently called on the Golden Rule, asking people to treat you the way that we would want you to treat us. I don't know that I won that battle, but I tried.
When the death threats started, I saw people on my 'side of the fence' who were responding enthusiastically. I heard people say things like "better sleep with one eye open, Scotty". And again... I came to your defense. I argued- sometimes against even my closest friends- that their behavior was reprehensible. To support the idea of violence, I argued, was disgusting. I again supported your humanity. Not because I felt like I needed to do so, but because you are a human being. Despite the fact that you and I disagree about most everything political... you are more than just a politician. You are a father, a husband, a son. You have family who love you. You have dreams and passions. You are more than just a politician. And death threats against you were a personal offense to me... because I would never wish any harm against you. I don't know you, I've never met you. But I respect you enough to recognize that you are more than just a politician.
...
In 8 short weeks, my partner and I will welcome the birth of our first child. We've been together just shy of 4 years, and we were the first couple to declare a domestic partnership on August 3rd of 2009, when it became legal for us to do so. We live average lives. We both work, we pay taxes, we do the best we can. You don't know us, and I understand that...
But, at the same time that we will be joyfully celebrating our baby's arrival into this world, I will have to be asking myself... what kind of world is she being born into? Because the protections... however limited they may be... that were promised to my partner and I, not even 2 years ago, are now being challenged. And you, as the Governor of our state, have made the decision to act against us.
People advocate against same-sex equality for a lot of reasons. They draw correlations between our loving relationships and other horrible acts... like incest, bestiality, and rape. And just like you look nothing like Hitler... my relationship with her looks nothing like those things. Our relationship is based on love, trust, compassion, and faith. We do not harm, manipulate, or abuse anyone or anything. This comparison is both unfair and offensive.
Our legal protections, already limited, are vital for us. When I go into labor, I can be confident that my partner... with whom I have created this unbelievable gift... will be able to join me in the hospital. We have the safety and security of knowing that she cannot be turned away. Whether or not you approve of our relationship, these protections are ones that we deserve. Just like you deserve to be able to sleep safely at night, without worry... I deserve to sleep at night knowing that my relationship will not be challenged in the times when it is most important.
It's difficult to understand, and I realize that. But our livelihoods rely on these basic protections. My daughter deserves a life where she does not have to watch her non-biological mother be told that she cannot pick her up from daycare. She is an innocent baby. She does not deserve to have her life made more difficult. In a world like ours, she will definitely have enough troubles to keep her planted- without watching her mothers struggle for basic human protection.
We are more than just lesbians. We are workers. We are taxpayers. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, granddaughters. We have families who are worried for us... who are concerned about what it will mean if our rights are taken away. These people do not need to have their lives turned upside-down... simply because of a political difference.
I encourage you to reconsider your position about this matter. I am asking you no small favor- this is my life I am speaking about. This is a huge issue, and it means a great deal to me. I'm sure you can imagine... if you sit down and think about it. I ask for you to consider the reverse of the Golden Rule... that you would treat me the way that I have treated you. That, despite our political and personal differences, you respect and acknowledge my humanity... and that you stop fighting to hurt me.
And I want to leave you with one assurance. If you do not change your opinion... if you continue to act against my family... if you continue to reject my humanity... I will continue to stand up for yours. Because you deserve that.
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