I live in Maine.
Yesterday I was at a bar in Bangor with organizers from all over "northern" Maine as we debriefed and then watched the results come in. First we were optimistic - the numbers were in our favor. We watched as our lead shrunk, and then we fell behind.
I don't think I will ever understand how this can happen, much less how this could have happened 34 times at this point. I'm 22 and I have been fighting for equality since I was 12. Obviously I'm not going to stop fighting, but I just don't understand.
I cried long and hard last night as we drove back from Bangor to Ellsworth, and then as I drove myself back to Bar Harbor. And I know that, had we won, there wouldn't have been heartbroken people on our opposition's side crying. Their campaign was about fear and homophobia and lies. Ours was about love. I just don't understand, and I don't know I ever will.
I am so grateful for the amazing people I met during this campaign. Beth, Fran, Mkayla, Vince and Jeana are all amazing people and I feel so lucky to have them on my side. And I know we will win this. But, again, it hurts.
Even if you don't believe in marriage because it's a patriarchal institution, or it's not something you want for yourself or you don't believe that people should have to be coupled to get tax breaks or whatever you reasons - please be kind to your LGBT friends who do believe that marriage equality is important. I walked into the cafeteria today and a friend of mine took one look at me and just gave me a hug, and then her boyfriend did the same. It means so much to have supportive friends - let's all be kind for awhile here, and not play the blame game, yes?
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I wish more people would understand that love is the answer, not the problem.
Andy,
THANK YOU!
I also live in Maine, and stood in the ballroom of a hotel in Portland with nearly 1000 people, anxiously awaiting results. I was surrounded by my friends, their children, co workers, and just people I see around town. Never before have I seen so much love as I have in that room.
I am still reeling and trying to process today, but I know that we will continue the forward momentum. I know it's hard to think that way today, but it's the way that it has to be.
Love to you and yours.
happened 34 times
That's the key. We're at a much earlier stage of the fight for gay acceptance in America than people for some reason assume. Time (the younger generations) is on our side. The current tilt of the playing field is definitively not.
Expect one step forward and one step out so far as the baby boomers are in control. Expect another couple decades of this at least, but in the meantime keep up the good fight and don't forget all that has been accomplished up to now.
Gay marriage is a revolution in human affairs. It goes against thousands of years of assumptions about the nature of humanity, family, and society. Why would people think it was going to be easy?
Ugh I live in the other Portland and when I heard about the news today I was disappointed. My heart goes out to you, and all those affected by the fear mongering. Love is totally the answer, genitalia shouldn't matter.