Who here can I count on to support my quest for equal rights as a gay citizen of the United States?

[swimboy]

Snickers issues aside. Here is my bottom line, DU GDers:

Can I count on you to support me if I seek equal rights?

[terrya]

1. You can count on me

I'm in the same fight as you.

[ronnykmarshall]

85. Same here!

[bicentennial_baby]

2. You know I've got your back

:hug:

But not your front, 'cause I'm a girl :P

:)

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LostinVA]

11. It's never worn off for me, though it should have by now

And, often quite anti-women, too.

[Horse with no Name]

44. Yep.

Shocks the shit out of me, although I know it shouldn't.

[swimboy]

25. Thanks! I hope I'm too 'sensitive' to let it wear off.

I'm not a single-issue guy either. Let's help each other fight!

:hug:

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sniffa]

79. be bLind aLL you Like

[Nickster]

56. Horse Hockey! n/t

[npincus]

4. I've got your back.

equal rights for all, marriage for all.

[wicket]

5. I support you 100%

As does my church.

[blonndee]

6. Me, absolutely!

And not only equal legal rights, but decent treatment in "everyday life" That means no accepting homophobia or letting it slide and caring enough about you as a person to learn about what is offensive instead of ridiculing you because I don't get it.

[flvegan]

7. Absolutely.

[demnan]

8. Yes, but unfortunately, I live in Virginia

where the Republican neanderthals recently passed a resolution against gay marriage that will have no effect except to send a nasty message to every gay person in the state.

I passed out Democratic sample ballots where the choice for this resolution was clearly no, but I live in Lt Colonel land and the Republicans got their way.

[swimboy]

23. I'm in Virginia too.

That was a bad day for Virginia when they passed that amendment.

[demnan]

62. Unfortunately the dishonest way it was worded

most people didn't get past the first paragraph. It's a shame we have such idiots here. They aren't stopping with gays either, look how they're undermining Choice.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

9. You know we're in the same fight.

And it is a FIGHT.

[annabanana]

10. 100%, A Citizen is a Citizen.. . . . . . . n/t

[babylonsister]

12. Me, absolutely!

:thumbsup: :hug:

[alfredo]

If I can fight for my sister in law's rights, I guess I can

pitch in an help someone else.

[Mabus]

13. I'm with you

You're rights are as important as mine. I will stand with you.

K&R

[gatorboy]

14. You can count on me! Fuck civil unions!

Any Democrat that panders to bigots just for votes is no Democrat of mine.

[AwakeAtLast]

15. I support ANYONE seeking equal rights

Just as I would expect DU to support me.

:hi:

[treestar]

16. Yes, count on me.

[MoonRiver]

17. This heterosexual, married with children,

supports you 100%! :hug:

[ProfessorGAC]

18. Sure

I don't want anybody rights subrogated unless they've been convicted of a crime. No crime, then all rights, all the time, for everyone. No exceptions. No limitations.
The Professor

[racaulk]

19. You can absolutely count on me!

I'm in the trenches fighting alongside you because it's my fight also. It's either marriages for everyone or civil unions for everyone. Nothing less is acceptable.

[KG]

20. me.

my support of human rights is above any kind of pragmatic partisan politics that so many here use as a moral compass.

[johnnie]

21. I support everyone's right of equality

Unfortunately, I am a single, straight, white male so I am starting to see that my voice doesn't mean much around here sometimes.

But, I have always been for equality.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

22. Absolutely!

Equal rights for my gay and lesbian friends is a must, and I will support all legislation that calls for that and demand that my representatives do the same. :hi:

[myrna minx]

24. You can count on me, my friend.

Gay rights are human rights and I will fight alongside you for your equality. :hug:

[porphyrian]

26. In general, absolutely. However, it really depends on what kind of support you're asking for.

I believe every citizen should have equal rights.

[swimboy]

29. With me, not against me.

That's what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

[JackBeck]

30. Delete

wrong place

[LaurenG]

27. Me!

:thumbsup: :hi:

[mmonk]

28. I support your quest.

[Left Is Write]

31. Yes, you can count on me.

[JackBeck]

32. We're in this together.

Hopefully, in our lifetime, we'll see full-equality as an American citizen.

[nebenaube]

33. I support your cause!

Now can someone legalize the medicine many americans need? Can we get some real science done?

[swimboy]

35. Thank you. And good god do I support your cause.

Let's be progressive and fight together!

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

36. I support that, too.

[JackBeck]

38. Sounds rather reasonable to me.

We should all be working with a unified voice.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

34. Of course!

[swimboy]

37. Thanks, smilin' man!

:7

[Lerkfish]

39. yup, you can count on this heterosexual in favor of gay rights.

always could.

[ThomCat]

40. You know I'm there.

x(
And I'm carrying my heavy stick.

[Kerrytravelers]

41. You know you can count on me.

Shouldn't there be some sort of group hug here?

[ceile]

42. Absolutely, Swimboy!

[kestrel91316]

45. I got your back.

[mainegreen]

46. Who the hell would say no?

People may agree over what is offensive as many of us have very differently set offendometers, but I can't imagine very many people here would say no, I don't think you should have the same rights as me.

[BoneDaddy]

47. Hell yeah

but what exactly does that mean?

Do I fully support your right to live as anyone else...Hell yeah.
Does it mean you have a right to the full rights of marriage...Hell yeah.
Does it mean you should not be sought out and violence done to you due to your orientation...Hell yeah.
Does it mean that you have a right to sue an employer for orientation discrimination...Hell yeah.

Does it mean your group, like any other group cannot be the butt of jokes, satire or any sort of criticism? No, no group is that special.

[swimboy]

92. Thanks,man.

I didn't really pose you that last query, but if you wanted to volunteer it, cool.

[BoneDaddy]

95. Sorry swim

I thought it was an offshoot of the multiple threads flying around about the superbowl commercial.

[swimboy]

102. OK

:thumbsup:

[bridgit]

48. but of course dear...

:hi: :hug:

[TheModernTerrorist]

49. You've got my support

but it's always been there, you just didn't know it :)

[TlalocW]

50. Sure, but only if you let me cut in front of you in movie lines

Oh, what the heck. Forget the movie lines. Sure.

TlalocW

[Warpy]

51. You can count on me if I can count on you.

I'm a woman, and I won't be thrown under the bus in the name of providing another group with rights, as some male DUers have suggested in their support of antichoice candidates.

That's my bottom line.

[swimboy]

94. You can count on me.

If I misunderstand some issue, I'll ask you cause I really want to know, not cause I want to bait you. I don't throw people under buses. I might cross the street to avoid somebody, but I won't put them under a bus.

[William Bloode]

52. I support gay rights.

Even though i am a homophobe.

[swimboy]

97. Thank you.

and I'll back you on the legalisation issue too. :thumbsup:

[smokey nj]

You have the support of the entire smokey nj household.....

:hug:

[Czolgosz]

53. I support you wholeheartedly, but the real issue seems to be what constitutes support.

I support you to the fullest extent of your goals, but some would say that support only includes a recognition that our society bundles over 1,000 rights and benefits along with the legal status of being married and that you are absolutely and unequivocally entitled to equal access to all of those rights via a civil union but they do not support calling such union a "marriage." Do you feel adequately supported by those people?

I am torn because I see no downside to fully recognizing gay marriage, but I hate to see people take issue with those who would recognize complete legal rights equality via a civil union but who would stop short of calling such a union a "marriage" because I hate to pass up the opportunity to achieve broader consensus on the short term goal of recognizing civil unions in order to hold out for the long term goal of recognizing gay marriage.

I support you either way, but the real question is will you accept the support of those who only want to recognize civil unions but not gay marriage?

[swimboy]

101. Thank you for your support.

Here's what I'd like to see--If you and others can only support my quest as far as Civil Unions, I would like you to agitate in full favour of civil unions and if the fight looks like it will result in full marriage recognition, don't agitate to halt the freedom train.

[Czolgosz]

114. I support full recognition of gay marriage. I am just aware of others whose support stops at civil

unions and does not include support for gay marriage, which I unreservedly support, and I hope our zeal for perfection does not result in our exclusion of those who agree with us only 90%.

I'm in Texas where we had a marriage inequality constitutional amendment pass, and one of our best state legislators, Senfronia Thompson, made a speech on the floor of the Texas House which sums up my view:

"I have been a member of this august body for three decades, and today is one of the all-time low points. We are going in the wrong direction, in the direction of hate and fear and discrimination.

Members, we all know what this is about; this is the politics of divisiveness at its worst, a wedge issue that is meant to divide.

Members, this issue is a distraction from the real things we need to be working on. At the end of this session, this Legislature, this Leadership will not be able to deliver the people of Texas, fundamental and fair answers to the pressing issues of our day.

Let's look at what this amendment does not do: It does not give one Texas citizen meaningful tax relief. It does not reform or fully fund our education system. It does not restore one child to CHIP who was cut from health insurance last session. It does not put one dime into raising Texas' Third World access to health care. It does not do one thing to care for or protect one elderly person or one child in this state. In fact, it does not even do anything to protect one marriage.

Members, this bill is about hate and fear and discrimination. I know something about hate and fear and discrimination. When I was a small girl, white folks used to talk about "protecting the institution of marriage" as well. What they meant was if people of my color tried to marry people of Mr. Chisum's color, you'd often find the people of my color hanging from a tree. That's what the white folks did back then to "protect marriage." Fifty years ago, white folks thought inter-racial marriages were a "threat to the institution of marriage."

Members, I'm a Christian and a proud Christian. I read the good book, and do my best to live by it. I have never read the verse where it says, "gay people can't marry." I have never read the verse where it says, "though shalt discriminate against those not like me." I have never read the verse where it says, "let's base our public policy on hate and fear and discrimination." Christianity to me is love and hope and faith and forgiveness-not hate and discrimination.

I have served in this body a lot of years-and I have seen a lot of promises broken. I should be up here demanding my 40 acres and a mule because that's another promise you broke. You used a wealthy white minister cloaked in the cloth to ease the stench of that form of discrimination. So, now that blacks and women can vote, and now
that blacks and women have equal rights-you turn your hatred to homosexuals- and you still use your misguided reading of the Bible to justify your hatred.

You want to pass this ridiculous amendment so you can go home and brag. Brag about what? Declare that you saved the people of Texas from what? Persons of the same sex cannot get married in this State now. Texas does not now recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, religious unions, domestic partnerships, contractual arrangements or Christian blessings entered into in this State -- or anywhere else on this planet Earth.

If you want to make your hateful political statements then that is one thing -- the Chisum amendment does real harm. It repeals the contracts that many single people have paid thousands of dollars to purchase to obtain medical powers of attorney, powers of attorney, hospital visitation, joint ownership and support agreements.

You have lost your way -- this is obscene. Today, you are playing to the lowest common denominator -- you are putting aside the real issues of substance that we need to address so that you can instead play on the public's fears and prejudices to deceive and manipulate voters into thinking that we have done something important.

I realize that gay rights are not the same as civil rights, but I can guarantee you we are going in the wrong direction. I can not hide my skin color. In fact, in most of the South, people as pink as Rep. Wayne Smith were still Black by law if they had a great grandparent who was African. I was unable to attend an integrated and equally funded school until I got my Master of Laws degree. There were separate and unequal facilities for nearly everything.

I got second-hand textbooks even worse than the kind you're trying to pass off on every public school student next year. I had to ride to school on the back of the bus. I had to quench my thirst from filthy coloreds-only drinking fountains. I had to enter restaurants from the kitchen door. I was banned from entering most public accommodations, even from serving on a jury. I had to live with the fear that getting too uppity could get you killed -- or worse. I know what third-class citizenship feels like.

In my first term, one of my colleagues walked up and down this aisle muttering about how Nigras should be back in the field picking cotton instead of picking out committees.

So, I have to wonder about Rep. Chisum's 3/5 of a person amendment. Some of you folks hid behind your Bible then,too, to justify your cultural prejudices, your denial of liberty, and your gunpoint robbery of human dignity.

We have worked hard at putting our prejudices against homosexuals in law. We have denied them basic job protections. We have denied them and their children freedom from bullying and harassment at school. We have tried to criminalize their very existence. But, we have also absolved them of all family duties and responsibilities: to care for and support their spouses and children, to count their family's assets in determining public assistance, to obtain health insurance for dependents, to make end-of-life or necessary medical decisions for their life partners -- sometimes even to visit in the hospital, even to defend our own country. And then, we can stand on our two hind legs and proclaim, "See, I told you homosexual families are unstable."

And nearly every one of you on this Floor has a homosexual in their extended families. Some of you have shunned and isolated these family members. Some of you, even some of the joint coauthors, have embraced them within your own family for the essence of Christianity is love. Yet,you are now poised to constitutionalize discrimination against a particular class of people.

I thought we would be debating real issues:education, health care for kids, teacher's health insurance, health care for the elderly, protecting survivors of sexual assault, protecting the pensions of seniors in nursing homes. I thought we would be debating economic development, property tax relief, protecting seniors pensions and stem cell research, to save lives of Texans who are waiting for a more abundant life. Instead we are wasting this body's time with this political stunt that is nothing more than constitutionalizing discrimination.

The prejudices exhibited by members of this body disgust me. Last week, Republicans used a political wedge issue to pull kids-sweet little vulnerable kids -- out of the homes of loving parents and put them back in a state orphanage just because those parents are gay. That's disgusting. Today, we are telling homosexuals that just like people of my ilk, when I was a small child; they too are second class citizens. I have listened to all the arguments. I have listened to all of the crap. Mr. Chisum, is a person who I consider my good friend and revere. But, I want you to know that this amendment is blowing smoke to fuel the hell-fire flames of bigotry. You are trying to protect your constituents from danger. This amendment is a CYB amendment for you to go home and talk about."

[swimboy]

127. Whoa. That's incredibly powerful

We just had a very similar amendment pass here in Virginia :grr: and no-one here spoke with anything approaching the strength and power of Senfonia Thompson's words. Thank you for posting them here.

[Darkhawk32]

54. Of course. Equal rights for every man and woman. n/t

[JacksonWest]

55. Yup.

[smoogatz]

57. It should go without saying.

It should--but since you asked, of course I do. If your rights are abridged, mine are next. If they ship you off to a camp somewhere, they'll come for me next. It should go without saying. Just remember what Mae West said: marriage is a fine institution, but who wants to live in an institution?

[nam78_two]

58. Me.nt

[Ian David]

59. Absolutely! n/t

[JackRiddler]

60. Absolutely.

Snickers issues aside.

[leftofthedial]

61. we all are equal

and I believe and support that

[WindRavenX]

63. I got yer back!

:hug:

[JohnnyLib2]

64. Yes. and it is going to happen.

[Solly Mack]

65. I'll never ask you to wait or say now is not the right time

Equal rights for all. NOW

[swimboy]

103. Thanks!

:applause:

[NoSheep]

66. I'm with ya!

:hi:

[rockymountaindem]

67. Of course n/t

[ourbluenation]

68. count me in swimboy n/t

[Midlodemocrat]

69. You already know my answer.

:hug:

Full and complete equality.

[Madspirit]

70. Lesbian here...

So of course I support our rights. You better be careful with your wording though. The very insensitive are so damned sensitive when it's pointed out. Blech.
Madspirit

[nadinbrzezinski]

71. Me

I beleive this is idiotic to deny rights to a group of people on sexual preference. Not different at all from denying htem on gender or "race."

[Pathwalker]

72. No problem. Always have, always will.

Assuming I'm acceptable AS a supporter.

[swimboy]

107. Thank you!

and I DO assume that!

[racaulk]

73. All those Snickers threads.

I find it incredibly interesting that all those DUers that have been floating around in all of those Snickers threads (and starting their own threads) in the GD forum, the ones that are saying that we shouldn't take offense because it was "just a commercial," the ones that don't see what the big deal is, the ones that say that the problem will correct itself just by turning off the television, the ones that think the Snickers campaign was just harmless fun and don't understand why it was offensive...

...have absolutely no response to this thread.

I think that's says a little more about their stance on this issue and a little less about our sensitivities, wouldn't you agree?

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

74. 100% with you

straight but not narrow

I love my GBLT brothers and sisters of any color and nationality

[Dammit Ann]

75. Absolutely.

You have my support.

[City Lights]

76. Yup!

:hi:

[mentalsolstice]

77. We're all human, we're all entitled to equality! n/t

[Greybnk48]

78. Add me to the list.

I have, or have had, three gay relatives that I love dearly.

[SeattleGirl]

80. You bet!

:thumbsup:

[mnhtnbb]

81. Of course!

[Morgana LaFey]

82. Truthfully? It depends on what you're asking me to do

Gay men -- and some women -- often don't get it that homophobia is a subset of misogynism. If the Patriarchy didn't want to control the lives and especially the sexuality of all women, it wouldn't be such a big deal if some gays and lesbians happened to love the same gender, or if some men acted a bit effeminate, and some women acted somewhat mannish. It just wouldn't matter to strictly enforce gender roles to that extent.

But too many of the GLBT community don't get it and don't care. THEY want support for gay issues -- which they've gotten in abundance from feminists and feminist organizations like N.O.W., but aren't that quick to return the favor.

Again: THE underlying problem is misogyny.

So yeah, I definitely support you and all gay and lesbian and bi and transgendered people -- but my patience, esp. relative to DU where I see PRECIOUS LITTLE support for women's issues (and in fact, often enough absolute antagonism toward feminist issues), is wearing mighty thin.

[LostinVA]

100. Not truthfully -- it's a yes or a no, not a qualified answer

And, many, many gay males give time, money, and words to women's issues.

There's NO quid pro quo where civil rights are concerned.

[Morgana LaFey]

149. DU's feminists need to see more of those men right here at DU

fighting the good fight on our behalf as well.

I'll look for you on the next thread where some support is needed for women.

[Dean Martin]

195. I'll support your cause too Morgana

Women have been shit on by society for thousands and thousands of years. They've always been treated as property and they've always borne the brunt of the suffering.

Personally, I think it's time that women ran the world. We've (men) pretty much screwed everything up.

Right now I'm helping my fiance fight to get employed. She's 35 now and has been unable to get a steady job throughout her lifetime. Now she's working for her Masters and I am doing everything I can to help her get what she wants out of life. She deserves it as much as anyone.

[LostinVA]

251. Excuse me???

You're here for a few months, and are lecturing em about not being in women's issues thread? I've fought fucking BATTLES in them: the Duke rape threads, child support threads, etc. etc. etc. VelmaD and Lukasahero know that. Jesus. You don't need to condescend to "look for me" on those threads, because I'm always there, usually before people who mainly stick to the small forums. I have DU "street cred."

And, for your information, I'm female. Click on a profile, do some searches, educate yourself before you throw self-righteousness at a person for no reason.

THIS is the problem: all demographic minorities need to band together, and instead you're trying to act all quid pro quo.

Bah.

[VelmaD]

274. hey...someone said my name

:) :hi:

I'm really glad someone chimed in on this thread to remind everyone that all discrimination is of a piece. Sexism, homophobia, racism, you name it...it all serves to seperate the powerless from each other and their collective power.

We've all gotta fight this together and I get mightily pissed off when I see one out group not supporting another.

[swimboy]

277. Hi, VelmaD

:hi: It's great to see you.

I agree--together, not alone. :thumbsup:

[LostinVA]

280. I did -- but in a good way, I promise!

I completely agree with you, Velma. There's way too much sexism, racism, homophobia, etc. on here that is casually accepted.

[Bluebear]

276. This was one of my favorites >>>>>>>>>

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2468993

Oh my God, 3 years ago, when I was still "plastic_turkeys" lol!

Call me anytime you need help or support. I am there.

[swimboy]

110. Thank you, Morgana

I sure do try to live up to being a feminist. If I'm unable to understand some issue, my questions will be honest in pursuit of understanding to the extent that I can. I stand with you.

[Morgana LaFey]

148. Then I am more than proud to stand with you

And I look forward to your contributions on those threads where women are getting bashed and trying to fight it, and I pledge to step up for GLBT issues with renewed vigor, and racism as well because it's all of a piece. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

134. i somewhat agree wiht you. the problem is misogyny. that doesnt mean

just because i am against misogyny i cant support gay rights.

no oppressions is mutually exclusive.

[mondo joe]

83. I have my own quest for equality as a gay man - and where our quests

align I'll support you.

:-)

[swimboy]

112. I'll try to help you too.

Thanks, mondo joe.

[Zookeeper]

84. You have my support...

The Gay and Lesbian community has always been dear to my heart. :hi:

[LaraMN]

86. In a heartbeat, honey.

Without a second thought.

:hug:

[swimboy]

106. Thanks, Lara!

:loveya:

[LeftishBrit]

87. Insofar as a non-American is capable of helping the cause, yes!

I certainly believe in equal rights for everyone and am horrified by the way that the right have whipped up anti-gay prejudices.

[cosmik debris]

88. Lip service is cheap

You should be asking "How many of you will donate $100 to my legal defense fund?" Then call their bluff.

I say this because I have read repeatedly that people will fight or even die for my right to be an atheist, but when I filed a suit in Federal Court to preserve that right, nobody would pony up a nickle to help me out!

[magellan]

89. You betcha, count me among your army of supporters

But please don't say if you seek equal rights. You must seek equal rights, and hold out for nothing less.

It's time this country stops finding reasons to discriminate and starts finding reasons to include. We're better than this.

[swimboy]

115. Excellent point

I missed the edit deadline, but I sure do mean that I want support while I seek equal rights.

:smacksforehead:


Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Beelzebud]

90. You can count on me 100%. Equal rights for ALL citizens!

I know there are some people out there that probably hate me after some of today's insane candy bar threads, but that is a disagreement about bullshit that shouldn't even be an issue.

When it comes down to it, I support equal rights (including the right of marriage) for ALL citizens. Period.

I would die for a truly equal country.

So no matter what anyone may think of me, just know this. When the shit hits the fan, I'm there to back you up. On the issues that MATTER, I'm there 110%. I would die for you.

[swimboy]

116. Thank you.

I appreciate that.

[Cameron27]

91. Yep, 100% of my support

and 100% of my family's support.

[cool user name]

93. You got my support, swimboy.

Count on it.

[helderheid]

96. You can count on me. I hope I can count on DU for support for equal rights for women as well.

[swimboy]

117. As it turns out, I can't speak for everyone here

but you can count on my support for women's equal rights!

[helderheid]

129. :D

:hug: :pals: :hug:

[gratefultobelib]

98. You can count on me!

[laylah]

99. ..

:hug: :hi: You betcha'!

Jenn

[ScreamingMeemie]

104. I'd do anything for you,dear, anything...

Well, except perhaps post a picture of me in the nude, dancing or something similarly disturbing. :hug:

[swimboy]

118. You mean

there are other things that disturbing! :scared:

Seriously, I know it! and thanks! :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

125. Probably not

but I figured I leave it open.

:loveya:

[Behind the Aegis]

105. right there with ya!

It's amazing that some of us are capable of doing more than one thing at once. (:sarcasm: is not directed at the OP but to all of those 'scolding' gay and gay-supportive DU'ers for giving a (bull)shit about homophobia, in all its forms!)

[5thGenDemocrat]

108. Fuckin' A, Bubba

I got your back.
If there's something that irritates the hell out of me, it's people who shit on other people just because they know they can get away with it. In the absence of a crime, I don't believe the government (or the KKKristian KKKrispies, for that matter) can recognize the rights of one group (marriage for straights -- like Annie and I) while denying them to another (you and your SO). So we're here for you.
John
As, I suspect, are nearly all DUers.

[swimboy]

120. Thanks, man!

We're much stronger when we fight for each other!

[Critters2]

109. Yes!!! I'll even marry you--that is, officiate at your wedding! nt

[swimboy]

121. Woohoo!!!

Thank you!!!

[Critters2]

124. I have my first gay wedding scheduled for August, then another for September

So, let me know when you have a date in mind.

[truedelphi]

111. Please add me to the list of those you can count on

[redqueen]

113. You can count on me, swimboy. n/t

[swimboy]

139. I know it.

Thanks. :hug:

[redqueen]

161. My pleasure, of course.

Doing the right thing is its own reward!

:hug:

[zonkers]

119. Who is anyone to deny anyone else the right to be? I love my gay brothers and sisters!!!!!

[Karmageddon]

122. I support your quest for equal rights as an American citizen, period, everything else is irrelevant

gay, straight, man, woman, whatever shade of skin or color of hair or religious belief or social status or income or age or size or career or address or party affiliation or... anything. The adjectives shouldn't matter. You have inalienable rights as a citizen and a human. I do not need to know anything more about you to be willing to stand up to defend them.

Once you say "support my quest for equal rights...." that's all any of us should need to hear.

So, yes, you can count on me.

[Laurab]

123. Hell, yes n/t

[Goblinmonger]

126. Clearly

I would expect the same from anyone on DU in my regard, too. Though I know, as cosmik identifies above, that support wanes for some groups--I have seen it happen with atheists and gays alike.

[RoseMead]

128. Absolutely!

And I support marriage for gay couples, not just civil unions. The 'civil unions but not marriage' thing smacks too much of 'separate but equal,' imho. That was a bullshit concept when applied to black schoolkids 50 years ago, and it's still bullshit today.

[jpgray]

130. Absolutely

:thumbsup:

[swimboy]

141. Thanks!

:D

[Greyhound]

131. Equal is equal and rights are rights, count me in. n/t

[we can do it]

132. Absolutely Equal Rights Should Be Equal For All

[bullwinkle428]

133. Of course I will!

I've always thought of myself as someone who was sensitive to recognizing the rights of everyone as guaranteed by our Constitution, but my experience here at DU has helped me even more to realize how important this issue has become!

[Red_Viking]

135. I'm in!

When I went through a nasty divorce years ago, my straight friends all abandoned me. Who was there by my side, no matter what? The gay couple I knew. They visited, called, and made sure I got my ass out of the house so I wasn't moping. They split up, but I'm still best best best friends with one of them. I love him without hesitation. And, I support his right as well as everyone's right to be treated equally.

Let's all get behind the idea that people are all just people. Radical, I know. :P

Peace

RV

[ArbustoBuster]

136. I support you.

Anyone who is against equal rights is an imbecile. People who are against gay rights should be put into the same social category as racists: they are outcasts, pariahs, unacceptable.

[Marnieworld]

137. Me!

:hi:

And none of this "civil unions" bullshit. Separate is not equal. Marriage is not just a word, but a legal term codified in law.

I stand with you! :patriot:

[swimboy]

142. Thank you!

:patriot:

[EFerrari]

138. Who loves you, swimboy?

:)

[swimboy]

143. Thanks!

swimboy love back at ya!
:loveya:

[Catherine Vincent]

140. Of course.

Equal rights for all. Except maybe republicans. :)

[swimboy]

144. Even for republicans

no one said it would be easy!

[Catherine Vincent]

146. Yeah, I know.

If we must include them, so be it.

[verse18]

145. Count on me.

Homophobia as government and social policy is sickening.

[Oeditpus Rex]

147. Of course

[Withywindle]

150. Yup!

It's a shame you even have to ask.

[Name removed]

151. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[uppityperson]

152. Me

[NoPasaran]

153. Me!

[roguevalley]

154. me. my family and me.

[Subdivisions]

155. Go for it. I will support you!

[Jonathan50]

156. Gays are human and I support human rights

So the answer is YES.

[ulysses]

157. hi there.

:thumbsup:

"if" you seek equal rights? :)

[swimboy]

176. I was too excited when I first wrote it

I really mean "as I seek" or "while I seek"! It was too late to edit the OP.

Thanks!

[LeftyMom]

158. You know it.

[swimboy]

179. Thanks, LeftyMom!

:hug:

[troubleinwinter]

159. ALL the way!

[PreacherCasey]

160. yes

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

162. Absolutely. As Would I For Anyone Seeking Equal Rights.

[swimboy]

183. Thank you!

:hi:

[AnnieBW]

163. I've Got Your Back!

Another straight for gay rights!

[Duncan Grant]

164. Solidarity!

:hi:

[swimboy]

180. Thanks!

:*

[Cobalt Violet]

165. You sure can.

I'll support your quest for equal rights as a gay citizen of the United States unconditionally.

[MaggieSwanson]

166. Always. n/t

[distantearlywarning]

167. You can count on me. n/t

[sugar magnolia]

168. Absolutely.

:thumbsup:

[salin]

169. Natch

as in "naturally, you can count on me."

[More Than A Feeling]

170. Totally. Its always the right time for equality.

No matter what anyone says.

[RetroLounge]

171. Of course you can...

Just tell me what I can do for you...

:hi:

RL

[swimboy]

181. Thanks, man!

You're the best! (I would have said you're tops, but it may have been misinterpreted.)

:loveya:

[RetroLounge]

188. Top, bottom, as long as I'm in there somewhere!

:rofl:

:loveya:

RL

[bridgit]

172. i'm so glad i didn't watch that dumb-ass game with what-the-hell-ever 'the Snickers...

issue' was all about :rofl:

[lies and propaganda]

173. I take so much shit for being a straight woman

who will knock your dickin teh dirt as soon as i hear a shred of homophobia. I also will flip out on any Katrina shittalkers.

So if youre a gay, Katrina victim, I have your back more then anyone ;)

[JerseygirlCT]

174. Of course

[mzteris]

175. Yes. n/t

[riderinthestorm]

177. Yes! My entire family has your back! nt

[Rex]

178. Yes.

There is no compromise on this basic right IMO.

[Bluebear]

182. Of course.

your rights are my rights :hug:

[me b zola]

184. Me!

:grouphug:

[swimboy]

185. I want to thank every single one of you!

We are a strong force for what's right when we pull together.

:grouphug:

I really appreciate it.

[bridgit]

186. even me!!

:bounce: :hi:

[swimboy]

198. You! Of course!

:yourock:

[bridgit]

200. yay!

:loveya:

[intheflow]

187. 24/7/365, swimboy!

I've been off tv and the internets for three days, I have no idea what the Snickers issue is, but I will always support your human right to marry who you want, have children if you want, work where you want, and live where you want.

So no "if" about it, swimboy: I will be by your side when you seek equal rights. :thumbsup:

[swimboy]

197. Thanks, intheflow

I appreciate it. And I AM seeking equal rights. :hug:

[Name removed]

189. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Trillo]

190. As a citizen, I support equal rights for gays,

in fact pretty much for everyone. It seems more a matter of humanity than much else.

[and-justice-for-all]

191. Yes, speaking as a fellow Gay Citizen...

...The Gay Community is NOT sub-human.

[Roland99]

192. By all means! There should be ZERO restrictions on anyone receiving any benefit based upon....

race
sex
age
sexual preference
physical deformity
physical incapacity
hair color
eye color
or if your 2nd toe is longer than your big toe!

[Lars39]

193. Me.

Long ago here I made stupid,thoughtless remarks concerning gay marriage because I didn't "get it".
I don't remember what thread or what angle of argument "clicked" with me, but it was like a lightbulb...so some of these frustrating threads really do some good after all.
Dookus, if you're reading this, I apologize. I miss your voice here at DU. :(

[Dean Martin]

194. Definitely

Every human being deserves the same rights.

[lonestarnot]

196. Absodamnlutely!

[proud patriot]

199. you can count on me

:patriot:

[MasonJar]

201. I support you. I think we all at DU do...and many elsewhere.

[barbtries]

202. yes

[il_lilac]

203. I've always had your back

and will stand proudly with my brothers and sisters for equality!

[likesmountains 52]

204. 100%

[The Doctor.]

205. With whatever resources I have at my disposal.

As society evolves, the acceptance of that which can cause no significant harm will prevail.
Gay marriage will be just as ordinary as any marriage.

Until then, though I can't promise anything, feel free to call on me.

[Jed Dilligan]

206. Count on me.

Your civil rights are my civil rights. I know they're coming after me next so I'll never hop on their homophobic bandwagon!

[lavenderdiva]

207. you have my full and unconditional support, swimboy-

:hi:

[femmedem]

208. Straight gal here, boycotting marriage until you can have yours.

Sometimes you'll hear me refer to my husband in a post. But that's just because we've been living together so long we're common-law.:hi:

[SallyMander]

209. my bf and i will only ever get married in MA...

his idea -- he's a keeper!

[femmedem]

247. Sweet! And Welcome to DU. n/t

[Nicole]

210. You can count on me

:)

[TankLV]

211. Me - and my partner...

[hwmnbn]

212. I'm in.....

until EVERYONE has equal rights!!

[Unvanguard]

213. You can - absolutely, categorically, unconditionally.

To the finish.

[wickedcity]

214. Well...

Do you mean actual equal rights, or "no one can offend me" equal rights?

Yes to the first, no to the latter.

[LostinVA]

270. Get some common sense and some education about civil rights and institutionalized bigotry

Kinda really twisted and not nice, sullying SWimboy's nice thread.

[Bluebear]

271. Talk about throwing dung on an otherwise supportive thread. nt

[salib]

215. Yep.

[Q3JR4]

216. As a gay man,

you know you can count on me.

Hatred and discrimination have reared their ugly heads again. Even if I wasn't gay, I'd support your right to marry whomever you wanted to. In my eyes the fundamental question isn't about religious freedom, it's about civil equality for all persons regardless of arbitrary differences.

[Warren DeMontague]

217. Absolutely. nt

[robinlynne]

218. damn straight you can.

[donheld]

219. Your equal rights are my equal rights

Of course I'll support you.

[Dastard Stepchild]

220. But of course...

As a woman that loves the ladies and the men, I have a fair stake in this myself.

Solidarity. It's a good thing.

[Maat]

221. You can count on me (proud member and monthly financial supporter of PFLAG)!

And thanks for the post!

[efhmc]

222. Your rights are my rights so lets bring it on.

No matter what ones gender or ethnicity or love, all our rights are one.

[OneBlueSky]

223. your rights, my rights, our rights . . . it's all the same . . . n/t

.

[eridani]

224. Not just yes, but HELL YES!!! n/t

[Breeze54]

225. Absolutely! K & R'd

:hug:

:kick:

[nofurylike]

226. absolutely. past, present, future, yes. eom

[Tennesee Jed]

227. No one is free as long as others remain oppressed

Can't remember whether it was Ghandi or MLK who said that first, but it's just as true today. I think both of those guys would be horribly disappointed to see that these silly, yet horrible forms of prejudice still exist in the 21st century.

There's a lot of things going on in this country that are intolerable. Homophobia's merely one of them, but it might be one of the easiest to change, if you can just get people to THINK.

[EFerrari]

228. Kick

[Stephanie]

229. 100%

as always

[hfojvt]

230. What do you mean by equal rights?

And how do you expect me to support it?

If I support civil unions for pragmatic reasons (because the voting public has overwhelmingly rejected gay marriage in most states) does that make me a) a homophobe, b) a sell out, c) a gutless wonder, or d) all of the above?

In my younger days, I might have gone tilting at windmills, but now I would prefer battles we can win, baby steps forward, rather than trying to jump the Snake river only to make a spectacular failure. Failure means more Republicans in legislative power, more conservative judges, and now more conservative civil servants. How does that help anything?

[Bluebear]

231. 'What do you mean by equal rights?'

Equal rights.

[Skittles]

235. tough concept for a lot of people, PT

I prefer "human rights" myself :hi:

[Bluebear]

238. Man did we need you her the last 2 days

A lot of asses needed to be kicked! XOXOXOX

[Skittles]

239. yeah, I seem to miss a lot

night worker, you know, so I sleep when most of y'all are honking up a storm....I tell ya though, in trying to catch up I am shocked at the homophobia I see right here in the DU - people who don't even seem to realize they are homophobic - very disconcerting indeed

[hfojvt]

240. that's a non answer

and in that, only to the first part. I guess I am expected to know how your rights are unequal somehow. Or how a civil union differs from a marriage except in name. One of those things they were supposed to teach me in college. Or maybe it is explained five times a day on DU, if I read more than .1% of the threads.

[Bluebear]

242. "Who here can I count on to support my quest for equal rights"

That was the topic of this thread. Look above your post. Look how many people signed on without caveats and questions and depends ons. Does that tell you anything?

[hfojvt]

243. All my friends are jumping off a bridge?

Geronimo!!!

Or is that anti-Native American?

I could have signed on too, without questions, caveats, and depend ons, but it would have been empty and insincere. Would you prefer that?

Or I could have ignored the whole thread/issue and posted my own thread about budget issues, which is what I care about and which, if past history is any guide, would be widely ignored. Would you prefer that? (other than the widely ignored part, that is.)

This thread has, approximately 2500 views and 300 or so replies. Tells me there might be 2200 'no' or 'it depends' votes of people less foolhardy than me to dare the wrath. Perhaps more could be persuaded if a case was made similar to what MrsGrumpy wrote.

[LostinVA]

252. Yup -- there should be no qualifiers or caveats

[swimboy]

268. Here's what I mean

If you and some others can only support my quest as far as Civil Unions, I would like you to agitate in full favour of civil unions and if the freedom train barrels on past your station, you are welcome to stay on the train! All I ask is if you feel you really must get off the train at that staion, stand out of the way of the train! I don't want you holding up the train once it's on its way to full marriage recognition.

Thanks!

[bluedawg12]

232. Of course- it's the fair and right thing to do.

Anything less would be inconsistent when it comes to human rights in general.

[Prophet 451]

233. Depends

(For the record, bisexual, in a long-term monogamous relationship with a woman and English where we already have gay marriage in all but name).

Really, it comes down to the question of whether you're a reasonable person or part of the lunatic fringe. That's no judgement on you but I don't know you from Adam. If you're asking for the reasonable, that any two consenting, mentally competant adults should be able to marry and have all the legal rights and responsibilities that come with that, I'm right on side for that one. While we have domestic partnerships here, the US doesn't have a stellar record on "seperate but equal" legislation so no to civil unions except as a stop-gap.

My position on this has always been the same: I believe the link between legal and religious marriage should be severed: Any two people who want the legal rights and responsibilities currently attached to marriage should have to register as a civil union to get those rights and churches can marry whomever they see fit as a religious ceremoney which confers no rights. Oh, and to be fair, anyone currently in a legally recognised marriage automatically gets civil union status. Here, we have a strict divide between legal and religious marriage. Getting married in a church might be important to you but it confers no legal rights unless and until you register. I know quite a few people who do the legal part and don't bother with the religious and even one or two who do the religious but not the legal. The distinction that gay couples get "domestic partnerships" but not marriage is pretty much meaningless here since everyone has called it marriage from day one, there is legally no difference (excepting a couple of obscure bits of legislation that no-one's got around to ammending yet) and even the same registration form is used.

However, as I said earlier, there is also a lunatic fringe (and in fairness, I've only ever met a couple) who believe that churches should be forced to marry gay couples. I won't support that. I'll go to the wall for full legal rights but not for the ability to mess around with someone else's faith.

What else? Oh yes, gay people should be allowed to openly serve in the military (although looking at the current situation, I have to ask why you'd want to), should be allowed to adopt/foster children, subject to the usual competancy tests (both rights gay couples already have here), should be protected by hate-crime legislation (again, already got it here). I'd also suggest what are called "community liason officers" here, police officers assigned specifically to advise and be advised by the gay community. Here, most cities have community liasons for the gay community, the travelling community, schoolchildren and most ethnic groups with a presence in the area.

Y'know, I start to wonder if this lack of respect for basic rights is actually the fault of the gay community. No, not for pushing too hard for their rights, for being too civilised about things. Gay people are trying to win their rights through lawsuits and the ballot box and that's very laudable but since it seems like a right is only respected when it's torn from the bloodied fist of the oppressor, let's have a few riots, let's march up Pensylvania Avenue and spray a pink triangle on the wall of the Whitehouse, let's get Ellen DeGeneres reading the news, let's get RuPaul doing play-by-play on monday night football, let's bring Quintin Crisp back from the fucking dead to teach Literature to the kids of every right-wing bigot in the country.

Yes, I'm being absurd but I'm also making a point: Deal with people (in this case, gay people) while they're being civilised or they will eventually stop being civilised. 8-12% of the population makes for one hell of a civil rights movement.

[LostinVA]

253. What point are you mailing -- equal rights for all, no caveats, period

And, if you've only meant a couple "lunatic fringe" people, why bring them up? And, blaming gays for their discrimination has never, ever set well with me.

*sigh*

[Prophet 451]

278. OK, two points

1. Yes, I've only met a couple of the lunatic fringe but the loudest people tend to get the most attention. The fanatical Religious Reich are actually a pretty small percentage but look how much attention they get.
2. The stuff about blaming gay people for discrimination was (mainly) sarcasm to illustrate a point. I actually admire the gay community's ability to remain civil in the face of their persecution, I just wonder if they would have gotten further by being aggressive.

[swimboy]

256. Thanks for your support and your thoughtful reply.

I'm impressed with the idea that we have not been pushy enough, too well-behaved. Stonewall was not a petition for a referendum, after all, and it has had perhaps the most immediate and lasting impact.

The idea that churches could be forced to marry people they don't want to is a red herring put forth by the religious right. I don't think people are eager to get married in a church where they are hated, and our religious freedoms here would never brook that course of action, even if it were desired.

I'm glad things have evolved so much further where you are. The U.S. today seems not so enlightened as benighted.

Thanks again.

[Skittles]

234. ME, ME

lifelong defender of the underdog - homobphobia OUTRAGES me

[Bonobo]

236. Yes, Swimboy, yes. You have my support (and a kick)

No equivocation at all. Anything less than 100% is unacceptable.

The type of sex one engages in is completely irrelevant to issues of civil rights.

[swimboy]

267. Thanks, bonobo!

:applause:

[Broken_Hero]

237. To quote Army of Darkness...

"You can count on my steel"....

Which means, hell yes....:D

[The_Warmth]

241. Of course...

everyone should know the answer to this question before asking it, and that's why i can count on DU. Once you violate the rights of one, you violate the rights of all.

[zippy890]

244. Absolutely

I've supported gay marriage here in Mass and will continue
to do so.

[Norrin Radd]

245. Yes. n/t

[blondie58]

246. absolutely!

I find it so sad how much further we need to go.

In Colorados last election, we had referendum I on the ballot, which basically gave same sex couples the same rights as married couples. If I remember, the pro yard signs said something along the line of "it's not marriage".

Sadly, it lost 66% against, 33% for.


Is this because of the religious right and their influence? If I remember, from my church teachings, everyone should be loved.

[rosesaylavee]

248. Yes.

[mikeytherat]

249. You know I'm with ya, swim!

See ya tonight.

mikey-the_rat

[swimboy]

257. Thanks, mikey!

:thumbsup:

And yes, I'll see you tonight!

[motocicleta]

250. Absolutely - I and mine got your back

K n R

[Brazenly Liberal]

254. yes, always

[Pacifist Patriot]

255. I'm not only supporting you, I'm actively working with you!

[swimboy]

258. That's great news! Thanks!

:hug:

[raggedcompany]

259. you've been counting on me whether you know it or not

it's a civil rights issue, just as it was for blacks. and there are a lot of us who support "you." see..we're supporting everyone by supporting you. the writing is on the wall. we'll win this one eventually

/straight
//cute tho

[Bluebear]

260. What a great post!

(And you're not only cute, you're beautiful. Inside. :)

[swimboy]

269. Thanks, man!

I really appreciate your support. I love your signature line quote as well!

Commerce in America: Remember to buy things you don't need to impress people you don't like! Consume, consume, consume.

We'll win the war by collection the full set offered now by the Franklin Mint!

(Sorry, you got me distracted there!)

[bluescribbler]

261. I will stand with you.

Your rights are my rights. Denial of your rights is denial of my rights.

[DrunkenMaster]

262. sign me up

I'm with you.

[wryter2000]

263. You betcha

And the fact that a major candy maker would push anti-gay hate as humor is disgusting.

[cedahlia]

264. I'm with you all the way!

I don't see how one can call oneself a progressive/liberal and not support your cause. This is what it's all about, and what I'm all about. I will always fight for you and for all of us...you can count on me! :hug:

[area51]

265. "Can I count on you to support me if I seek equal rights?"

Yes.

[TorchTheWitch]

266. Damn straight you can!

Equal rights for ALL!

[mongo]

272. I stand proudly with you! N/T

[Dora]

273. IF you seek?

Your quest is not unnoticed, neither are you alone on the path. We are all together.

[MsMagnificent]

275. Absolutely!

Universal human rights. No qualifiers -- if you're human, you deserve the same rights as any other.

Just an aside... so many positive replies, yet so few rec's.

[orleans]

279. the gay community has had my support since i was in 8th grade

where my best friend was gay and i first became aware of gay issues, including the damage homophobes inflict on others. equal rights are not special rights.

we are a three generational household in support of gay rights.