Charles On... Marriage Inequality in NY
Charles On...
Marriage Inequality in NY
By Charles Winters
They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. I wonder if the opposite is true of gay marriage.
On Wednesday, the New York State Senate voted decisively against a bill that would bring marriage equality to the Empire State. New York could be the gayest state in the Union, but that evidently doesn't mean homosexuals are treated equally there. By a vote of 24 to 38, the senators sent out a loud message that gays should continue to be treated as second-class citizens.
Do gays get a break on their taxes because we aren't entitled to the same right? I don't think so. We're basically paying to marry straight couples, but we aren't allowed to use our own tax dollars for the same service. What's next, segregated water fountains, bathrooms and entrances? Maybe we could all wear big scarlet F's on our lapels too! This way the straights can identify the faggots more easily and stand clear.
We, the gay community, often forget how much power we have. Various LGBTQ organizations pumped over a million dollars into races across the state to ensure this bill's passage. That may have been unsuccessful, but it proves what we are capable of doing. We're often told that we're the trend-setters and the big spenders. Maybe we should tighten our purses and stop spending in New York for a day. Imagine if every gay person in New York refused to spend a penny for a day. You can guarantee that would put a blow to the economy and prove how powerful we are.
Or maybe we should stage another "day without a gay" right in the middle of Fashion Week, an event that generates millions for the local economy.
One thing is sure: We should all keep abreast of local demonstrations and get involved. The whole gay movement started right here in Manhattan's West Village with the Stonewall Riots. We have to keep that dream alive and make sure our voices are heard.
I also encourage you to get involved in your local elections. Maybe you could even consider running yourself. One way to get marriage equality in our state is to pack the Senate full of gays.
The options are endless, and we have to explore them all! We must make a difference and make sure our voices are heard.
“Charles On…” is a syndicated column of rants and raves by homo-journalist Charles Winters. Winters is currently the Editorial Director at GaySocialites.com. To contact him, e-mail charles@gaysocialites.com.
