theriehlone:

I am in love. I am in love with someone who happens to be of the same gender that I am. And for a lot of people, in today’s world, this isn’t such a big deal. However to some, it is. I am lucky enough to live in Canada, where same-sex marriage is legal across the board, however legal does not mean accepted. Stephen (my loving boyfriend of 2.5 years or so) and I will go out somewhere, whether it be on a date or just out somewhere as simple as grocery shopping, and in the back of my mind is always the fear of what others will say, what they will do, how they will act towards something as simple as the two of us being in love. I am someone who is fine with who I am, and isn’t afraid to tell the world that I am gay, however it still scares me because I have seen and personally had to deal with those people who so ignorant and hateful that they don’t realize who they’re hurting.

Like I said, here in Canada we’re lucky enough to be able to marry the person we love and be recognized as a legitimate couple, same rights as heterosexual couples, etc. etc. There are still some bumps to work out, but we are much better off than many people in the United States. Many argue that this election is a battle for equality, and it’s true. Not just for gay couples, but for the rest of the LGBT community, for women, for anyone who isn’t a rich white man name who’s name is something you wear on you hands to keep warm in the winter. This election is about making the right steps towards equality for those people who have always had to fight to be heard, for those people like myself who have dealt with physical and emotional abuse from the world around them just because they are “different”. It’s an election about allowing women to have rights and choices involving their own bodies. About letting people who love each-other celebrate with the people around them, and to have that loving commitment they are willing to make acknowledged.

Clearly, my “vote” (which is non-existent in this election being a Canadian) would be for Obama. And honestly, I hope those who have the chance to vote DO vote, and I hope they make the right decision. Stephen and I are watching the election results as they come in, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I know that Mitt Romney becoming president isn’t something that should happen, and would be a step in the wrong direction towards the fight for equality.

I am in love. I believe in equality for everyone, no matter what “difference” the world has thrown at them.

If you can and you haven’t and you still have time to, GO VOTE.

“I’ll put one foot in front of the other.I don’t need a new love, or a new life.” -Fun.

I love you chris. Everyone should read this because its amazingly written and so true.