I've always felt a little uncomfortable when I've seen babies and young children plastered with slogans and hoisted up at political rallies, the cutest of campaign propaganda. They are clearly not able to make a judgment on the issue at hand, they are brought there by their parents, cherubic faces forced to tag along, possibly even explicitly meant to pull at your heartstrings. I never wanted to "use" you that way.
But your Dad and I also strongly believe in standing up for what we believe in. So we didn't put you in a rainbow flag T-shirt or plaster you with buttons or stickers. But you came with us today to Pasadena's anti-Prop 8 rally at city hall. You saw your parents stand up with many others and chant "Yes we can!" (you really liked that). You fussed loudly through the moment of silence at 11 am. You ran hysterical, giggly circles around me with your little friend L.
L is a girl. If you grow up and want to marry a girl, we want to be there to kiss you, celebrate you, and greet our new daughter-in-law knowing you will have all the rights and privileges your father and I enjoy.
We had to go today because of you.
Because we love you and will support you in finding a partner to love.
Because we believe in civil rights for gay people and we are willing to fight for it (or at least give up a few hours on a Saturday to show our support).
Because the minister who married us, the one who officially made us a family, now can't get married in this state. How messed up is that?
Love,
your Clueless But Hopeful Mama
6 comments:
This makes Zoe a fifth generation protester. Quite a tradition!
You rock! And thank-you!
Awesome!!!!
WOOT WOOT WOOT WOOT WOOT!
Great post :) Having kids makes activism all the more important and fulfilling. I recently discovered your blog through another blog and I am enjoying your posts! I also have a young daughter and am due with another child in March.
This is a beautiful letter.
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