Queer Visalia - A local gay blog

So this caught my attention as it shot across my inbox today.  It’s a letter to one of those south Valley yahoos who thinks marriage is only for heteros.  The letter is well written so I thought I’d post it.  I have X’d out names and such to protect the “innocent”. 

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Dear Assemblyman Maze,

My name is Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx.  I am a XX year old gay man and one of your constituents from Xxxxxxxxxxxx.  I have been a member of this community all of my life.

I was reading recently on Yahoo! a quote where you said “heterosexual marriage was ‘God’s way.’”  I must admit that I am deeply disheartened by your stance on same-sex marriage.  I understand that you are 100% entitled to your belief system, however do not feel that it is fair to impose those personal beliefs on the rest of your constituency .  This country was founded by those seeking religious freedom and sought separation from church and state.  When those we have elected to represent us start inflicting their beliefs on the state, we have to wonder if the decision to have that person represent us was a correct one. 

You are certainly entitled to your beliefs, however, before making judgments it is always wise to put yourself in the shoes of the person to whom you are passing judgment.   I was, at one time, married to a woman.  I was trying to do what I had always been taught was “normal”.  During that time I was miserable because  I was not being true to myself.  It is easy for a heterosexual person to say “Homosexuality is a choice”.  Those people of never walked in my shoes, or the shoes of countless thousands of homosexual people. 

I read a blog once from a very wise woman.  Her name is Marica and she is also one of your constituents.  She was speaking with a heterosexual male co-worker and he was questioning her sexual orientation.  She asked him a very simple, yet deeply profound question.  She pointed to a man across the room and asked him if he would be able to fall in love with him.  She left it at that.  I ask you, Assemblyman, could you fall in love with me?  Of course your answer is no.  Just as you could not fall in love with me, I cannot fall in love with a woman.  It is not who I am, it is not how I was made regardless of what the religious right may think.  This is something I have known all of my life, yet denied until 6 years ago. 

I ask you to take these words and think on them.  We are normal, tax paying citizens who deserve the same rights you do.

I appreciate your time,

Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx