While I am thrilled with Obama’s election, this week also saw some major hits to LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage was banned in California, Arizona and Florida and Arkansas passed a bill blocking the adoption or fostering of children by unmarried couples- a measure aimed at prohibiting same-sex couples from raising children. Amid the celebratory conversations with friends this week, it seemed I was the one contributing the “yeah, but…” to each conversation. I hate to be a downer, but I’m angry and I found myself disappointed with some of my friends and fellow students who seemed so high on the Obama win that they failed to notice or care about these setbacks.
So yes, let’s celebrate this historic election, but let’s also keep in mind the work that needs to be done if we are to live in a truly progressive country. I noticed that many people had the slogan “yes we did” posted on their Facebook pages and away messages- did- past tense. As Ethan pointed out in his entry this week, this is only the beginning and now we need to keep up the energy that’s been building and work in our local communities to bring about the change we seek.