OutFront Minnesota: Summer of Love

By Ann Swanson
Contributing Writer

Four out of five leading gubernatorial candidates have been unequivocal in their support for marriage-equality legislation. Following up on the successes in Duluth and St. Paul in 2009, the cities of Edina and Rochester this summer have implemented Minnesota’s fourth and fifth domestic-partner registry ordinances, and crowds have gathered in St. Paul and St. Cloud to stand up to the pro-discrimination rhetoric from the so- called “National Organization for Marriage.” As many as four other cities are all vying to be city number six.

While the Moorhead City Council voted against taking such a step, there was terrific organizing in the community that will lay the groundwork for more pro-equality efforts in the future. And the fact that the conversation even happened in Moorhead at all is a significant step forward! Our congratulations go out to the good folks behind that work.

Outside of Minnesota, a federal judge in Boston declared the core of the federal Defenseof Marriage Act unconstitutional, and a federal judge in San Francisco has heard concluding arguments in a case challenging Proposition 8. Marriage has come to the District of Columbia, Mexico City, Argentina, Portugal, and Iceland. It seems clear that the momentum is with those arguing in favor of love, equality, and inclusion.

That being said, it’s critical to remember that while marriage equality may well be the sexy political issue of the day, it is not the only one. OutFront Minnesota is committed to legislatively securing an end to discrimination in Minnesota as soon as possible, but we view this work as just one facet – albeit a very visible facet – of our efforts to make Minnesota a state where GLBT people have the freedom, power, and confidence to live their lives without facing arbitrary barriers due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

We envision a Minnesota where no child is demeaned or harassed in school because they’re perceived to be GLBT;  where no child is demeaned or harassed in school, period;

A Minnesota where a young person who comes out as GLBT to their friends or family does not face rejection, abuse, or homelessness; where no child faces rejection, abuse, or homelessness;

Where GLBT people can secure and maintain employment by being judged on their qualifications and performance, and not on their sexual orientation or gender identity; and that should hold true for all people;

Where GLBT people can walk down the street without fear of being the target of violence; this too should be true for all people;

No couple is prevented from undertaking the commitment of marriage because of the sex of the parties;

Services are available to GLBT senior citizens that allow them to remain as out as they wish regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity;

A Minnesota with a health-care system that takes care of all people, including respectful and effective treatment of GLBT people and, in particular, coverage for medically-necessary services related to gender transition;

Where no parent’s fitness to care for a child is questioned on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity;

Every person who finds him- or herself in court knows that they will be fairly heard, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity;

Communities of faith affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people, including GLBT people;

We envision a Minnesota whose culture includes positive and accurate representations of
GLBT people, among others.

This may not reflect the entire breadth of our vision for Minnesota, but it certainly gives you a flavor of it. Marriage is definitely part of that vision, but it is merely one component of something far greater.

A culture that treats same-sex relationships as inherently second-class, undeserving of recognition or protection, will inevitably treat the individuals who might be inclined to enter into such relationships as inherently second-class, too – regardless of whether they themselves are in a couple, or even care about marriage. Advocating for first-class citizenship in this area of life tends to help achieve first-class citizenship in other areas as well.

This Pride, OutFront Minnesota urges each of you to take the next step in the work of making Minnesota a truly welcoming place for GLBT people, whether that means committing to vote in November, contacting elected officials or candidates to discuss issues of concern, writing letters to the editor, speaking with your friends and family, or organizing a discussion at your workplace or place of worship. Whether your particular concern involves marriage, safe schools, or health care, there’s plenty to do, and plenty of people out there already working to do it.

Please join us. It’s work that will make you very proud indeed.

For more information, contact Ann Swanson, Chair, OutFront Minnesota Board of Directors at 952.926.9852 or Monica Meyer at 612.822.0127 x 7665. Or visit http://www.outfront.org