One Fell Out of the Lemon Tree...

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Fairness

As most of you probably already knew, earlier this week we learned that SB262 (work place and housing discrimination bill) didn't pass. There is no question how I feel about the matter so I'm trying to approach it how the LGBT community handled it today at the rally. The speakers were so hopeful and respectful. Although the progression is slow and I get impatient with people and their ignorance we are moving forward. I am excited for the future and the changes that are going to happen. As stated today at the rally, the right thing always happens, it just sometimes takes time. And before I share one of my favorite songs I must give a shout out to my landlord who didn't hesitate in letting lesbians pay him rent. Money is money.

Watch this and listen to every word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Modern Pioneers

I'm sitting here, avoiding homework, as I too often do. I decided to re-watch the video of my wedding day, which brought unexpected tears within the first ten seconds. I remember it perfectly -- the gorgeous sunny day, our friends and family gathered in one spot, all there to show us love and support. How amazing every single moment of that day was.
We had the privilege of having Carol Lynn Pearson conduct our wedding. For those who don't know who she is -- she's an LDS author, poet, and lyricist who is an advocate for gay rights and for bridging the unfortunate gap between the LDS and gay communities. She said many beautiful things during our ceremony, but my favorite line by far was at the end, after our vows. I had mentioned that I wanted to stop fearing how people would react to our holding hands because I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of. She closed with a simple but powerful statement that I had never thought of before: "You are pioneers...on a very important frontier. And there will be less and less fear...of people seeing you holding hands."

Elise and me? Pioneers? The dictionary defines Pioneer as "a person who is among those who first enter or settle a region, thus opening it for occupation and development by others." I can relate that definition to what she meant by us being pioneers for younger generations (or just other people) who are gay. Many, many gay individuals long before me have paved the way to equality; and although we still have quite a ways to go, we are so much closer because of those driven, brave people. I guess Elise and I really are among those who are paving the way, just by having our ceremony in a state where our commitment isn't legal. We showed that our love means just as much as everyone else's and that we were going to celebrate and honor it even without the state's support. When we planned this wedding, we had no intention of being pioneers; we simply wanted to celebrate our love and relationship with the people we loved. How cool though, to find out that we were a source of inspiration.
More and more eyes will continue to be opened to the truth and beauty of love between two women or two men. More and more people will see a gay couple holding hands and feel happiness for two people in love, rather than feeling disgust for something different than them. Stereotypes can be broken, judgement can be lessened, and comfort zones can be broadened. All because of pioneers. Pioneers aren't just people with bonnets and covered wagons....they are those who start journeys with the intent of others being allowed to follow to the same ultimate goal. Freedom. Equality. Love.
I am grateful that Carol Lynn Pearson brought to our attention that my beautiful wife and I are pioneers, because I never would have thought that otherwise. We are. You are.
Be respectful and kind, but be brave. Push away your own fear of what others will think or how they'll react to "those two girls holding hands," or "those two boys hugging for too long." Get rid of your fear - to in turn erase their fear of us....their fear of different.
Thank you to the people in my life who have been open and able to change their views of myself and of other gay people. It means a lot to me to know that you now embrace what you once shunned. I wish that same loving change of view for every person who has experienced or is experiencing a loved one coming out of the closet.
To my wife -- thank you for helping me break free from many of my own fears; and thank you for sticking with me as I continue to fight against the remaining ones.
-Sam

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Merry...Me.

Can't even believe it's now been over a year since I proposed to you last Christmas Eve.

2012 brought us months and months of wedding planning, which turned into the best day of my life so far.

It also brought us an amazing honeymoon to the place we've always talked about going to together. Hawaii was just as beautiful as I imagined and I had a blast with you. Snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, beach days, and more. Followed by an amazing trip with two of our best friends, it was a perfect trip. (Too bad my sweet nose ring got infected though.) :(

Another element 2012 has given us is the wonderful opportunity to work together every day at a job we both adore.

I cannot get enough of you, and you were made for working with our kids. It always makes me chuckle to myself every time people say we're going to get sick of each other because I don't believe that's possible. I cherish every minute I can spend with you.

Merry late Christmas, babe. I love you more than I can say. Always.
-Sam