urn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:bienchen1bienchen1bienchen1bienchen12007-12-09T00:56:38Zurn:lj:livejournal.com:atom1:bienchen1:492bienchen1 @ 2007-12-09T01:55:002007-12-09T00:56:38Z2007-12-09T00:56:38ZI am the guy who came out to the entire school in his senior speech and got a standing ovation for his courage.<br /><br />I am the girl who kisses her girlfriend on the sidewalk and laughs at those who glare.<br /><br />We are the couple who planned and studied and got a damn good lawyer and BEAT the state that wanted to take our child away.<br /><br />We are the ones who took martial arts classes and carry pepper spray and are just too dangerous to gay bash.<br /><br />I am the transgender person who uses the bathroom that suits me, and demands that any complaining staff explain their complaint to my face in front of the entire restaurant--and shares with my other trans friends which restaurants don't raise a stink.<br /><br />I am the mother who told her lesbian daughter to invite her girlfriend over for dinner.<br /><br />I am the father who punished his son for calling you a fag.<br /><br />I am the preacher who told my congregation that love, not hate, is the definition of a true follower of God.<br /><br />I am the girl who did not learn the meaning of "homosexual" until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing.<br /><br />I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.<br /><br />We are the high school class who agrees, unanimously, along with our teacher, that love should be all that matters.<br /><br />If you agree, repost this. Do it. You don't have to be afraid. You can handle it. You're stronger than you think.<br /><br />I am making a difference. Hate will not win.