Borias:Dog for Equality

The state of CA has been undergoing some turbulence of late, with the recent upholding of Prop 8, the ban on gay marriage. It's no secret that I feel quite strongly that ALL people are created equal, and that the majority should not take away rights of a minority in a vote. I mean, if parts of the ADA were put up to a vote, I'm pretty darn sure the majority of business owners would strike it down. Thankfully, I'm protected under the law. But my gay brothers and sisters have yet to gain the freedom to be equal under the law. To not be treated as a second class citizen. 

So, I feel a duty to lend my support in this civil rights struggle of our time. It's the right thing to do. I'm so grateful to have my wonderful dog as my "back up". As everyone's. Here's a breed that was once used to instill terror in certain oppressed people, and now one is lending his voice against oppressors! How cool is that? He barked like crazy in the rally the Day of Decision, almost in unison with the chants. He sat beside me for five hours at a sit-in at the County Clerk's office, where some gay couples attempted to get marriage licenses. We were practicing civil disobedience, and stayed past hours, until the police escorted us off. 

I think Borias has a calming influence, when emotions run high at these things. That's a good thing. Kind of a therapy dog for activists. I also think it's cool how he can be a catalyst to communicating with those on the opposing side. Today we were at a party that fundamentalist Christians put on to, well frankly, gloat over this decision. It's Pentecost Sunday, and they chose to go down the the Administration building, and rally. This pastor who has been in the news locally ran the show. 

I went among everyone, with my camera, and shot photos. I'll be honest, I had a very difficult time listening to what was being said. From my viewpoint, there was an awful lot of fear and ignorance, and downright intolerance being spread around. They certainly don't think so, and even claimed they are putting this forth out of love and compassion. Where they get that, I just don't know. And my goodness, did they bandy the word "natural" more times than I could even begin to count! They are "natural" marriages, "natural" relationships. 

Wow. 

Folks, I am not "natural", or "normal", a freak of nature. I can't walk. I didn't choose this, and neither does anyone choose their gender identity. It's who they are. Diversity is a wonderful thing!

So I'm proud that my dog was by my side..all our sides...when we were faced with arrest while politely demanding our rights. By our sides while we marched to the Hall of Justice. (Where I was denied justice same time last year, in my case against Service dog discrimination, ironically). By our sides, and barking loudly while PA systems projected the self-righteous gloating of religious folks. And together, we will continue to fight for justice and equality. We will persist until right wins. 

And it always does in the end.