icanhasgrace

(and you can too)

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What the New Hate-Crimes Law Means to Me

Conservative (and gay) blogger Andrew Sullivan has forever spoken out against the Human Rights Campaign, even to the point of visible anger. I don’t know what to think of the new hate-crimes law, the HRC, or Sullivan’s anger, but I do know that when I read the comments about gay rights that he scatters regularly throughout a blog that’s mainly about politics, I feel like I’m still in the closet.

I once thought (and still like to think) that I had a gift for passionate public speaking. I have a blog that’s basically dead except Sunday’s Shot of Grace. What am I afraid of? Why do I feel like I should remain silent? What’s missing within me, or so deeply a part of me, that keeps me from screaming to anyone who will listen (and some who won’t) that I have a right, a basic need, to marry the man I’ve loved for years?

Perhaps it’s time. icanhasgrace?

2 responses

  1. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    We could all be better about putting the truth of our lives out there, Doug, but it’s difficult sometimes. Lots of people, of all stripes, keep their hearts closed to the outside world, and for good reason. There are too many people who lack empathy, and are too willing to say or do hurtful things. I envy the thick-skinned among us sometimes, but the ability to feel deeply (and be hurt deeply) is really a blessing in the long run. With every passing day, being gay becomes less of a controversy & more widely accepted, but we still have a long way to go. I know it’s always best to be out & proud, but I still find myself being a little protective of my personal life in certain situations until people have a chance to know me. I want it to be, “Oh, that’s Mike, who happens to be gay,” instead of “Oh, that’s the gay guy, Mike.”

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    1. Doug Hagler Avatar
      Doug Hagler

      Mike!

      Thank you for your words Well said, sir.

      I’ve been much the same–protective of my life and especially my children’s lives. But for me, it’s a fine line between being protective and being afraid. I think you said that as well, so I’m just repeating.

      I’m glad you found your way to the blog. Don’t be a stranger 😉

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