The big LGBT event today was the luncheon for delegates, hosted by Rep. Barney Frank, Rep. Tammy Baldwin and the Human Rights Commission. Le tout LGBT world was there. Close to 1,000 people, I’d guess, for a fancy sit-down lunch at the Sheraton Hotel.
But the big surprise was the visit by Michelle Obama, who was received with a powerful standing ovation.
We were so grateful that Michelle had come. Her visit was a statement that Barack is aware and concerned about our problems, and she made that clear in a thoughtful speech.
This was different than the speech the night before at the Convention, where Michelle focused on family and general values. In this speech of over 20 minutes, Michelle showed the good lawyer she is. She discussed the legal issues that affect the LGBT community, and showed her sincere concern and desire to help.
She pointed out that Barack has:
- voted to overturn the so-called Defense of Marriage Act which bars the Federal government from acknowledging any same-sex relationship,
- voted against the Federal (anti-)Marriage Amendment to the Constitution
- opposes the don’t ask/don’t tell rule in the military
- opposes discrimination in the workplace
Some of her remarks brought tears to my eyes. I was so very moved to see our possible future first lady standing strong and clear for LGBT rights. Michelle rightly said that, “discrimination has no place in a nation founded on equality” and encouraged us to work for the world “as it should be”. Alluding to the political issues surrounding LGBT rights, she said “We can win if we can move people away from fear and toward hope.” How true.
I was lucky enough to shake her hand as she left the hall. I thanked her for visiting our community, and told her how much it meant to us. I also asked her to think of us Americans who must live abroad because we have a foreign partner we cannot get a US visa for, and she looked me in the eye, and said, “We have to get you back home!”
That ended it for me. My eyes got moist.
Michelle is terrific.
Bob
Where on earth will you vote? See www.votefromabroad.org
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2 comments:
One of the things that most impresses me about you, Bob, is your relentlessness in standing up for your rights--even with the powerful, even with the celebrated. Your cause--that of the Love Exile--does not have a huge constituency. But it has one hell of an advocate in you. Michelle Obama is right--you--and your fellow Exiles will be coming home soon, even if only to experience your long-overdue welcome.
Love from an American straight boy,
Mike Klein
Dear Bob, my partner Lawson and I read your article ..... crying. If only this could be true "to bring us home". We had such high hopes when Bill Clinton was elected President but felt so betrayed when he signed the DOMA.
Lawson and Rudy
Voorburg
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