the dot connection in new mexico

We took the Rapid Ride to Pridefest on Saturday, then caught the 66 bus back down Central. More examples of how using public transporation can move us away from insulation and towards connection--and not just with those who are very like us--which is who most of us tend to connect with in our social affiliations, but with whoever happens to be there in the very public space that is the city bus.

Waiting for the bus on the way back, a man who was also waiting spoke with us. He told us he'd been living on the streets for three days. He identified himself as Navajo, and showed us his ID from Shiprock. He asked, "Wasn't there some kind of parade here today, a gay parade?" When we told him yes, and that we'd been there, he told us that he has a cousin who is gay, told us his name, as if we might know him.

there is no one "sane" voice on gay marriage. a year ago i would have said -- ick -- marriage for gay people. who wants it? who cares? when all of a sudden on feb 20, 2004 our whacky, republican, sandoval county clerk started issuing marriage licenses to same gender couples. 64 same-gender couples got married and as you can imagine it threw a kink into our already nicely running campaign to protect the human rights act from being repealed (which added lgbt protections and was passed in 2003).

there was a quick emergency meeting to figure it all out, and at that meeting two of my friends (and fellow activists) decided to have their ceremony right there. it was that wedding that galvanized my commitment toward working for marriage equality. i was fortunate enough to film their ceremony and i still cry every time i watch it. everyone should have the choice to marry and get the same rights, responsibilities and protections that the state and federal marriage laws provide for. and it's clear that there are a number of other view points out there. that's why when i see libertarians say things like "both sides" it boggles my mind a bit.