Ireland Wins Marriage; Let the #VoteYes Party Begin!

June 26th, the day the Supreme Court ruled on marriage equality, is a complex day for the queer community. On one hand, we managed to overpower a deeply bigoted infrastructure that fought till the bitter end to deny us our rights. But on the other hand, in the present, the nation has yet to see a movement as powerful and organized as the one for marriage equality for issues that are more relevant to other members of the queer community. I’m not angry, nor am I pretentious enough to muddy the hard work and activism done by folks who won me the right to marry my partner (someday). However, I am critical and inclusive, which inevitably leads me to question where the powers that changed the country last year are now when we need them desperately to fight for the rights of the most marginalized in the larger queer community.

I'm not trying to attack or accuse anyone, because clearly battling the homonormative aspects of our movement and community in a very forward manner has done little in the way of inspiring change. But what I am trying to do is be more thoughtful and compassionate, and trying (desperately) not to assume worst intentions. The reality is that the victory of marriage equality is a BIG DEAL. This is an anniversary worth celebrating, particularly for those who did not live to see the day. And what better way can we celebrate than by getting behind some causes and becoming the movement, once again, which made bigots hide behind weapons of anger and ignorance, in lieu of any genuine heart or logic?