Why is it so hard to
see these are two sides of the same human rights coin?
I enjoyed the interview of Brendon Ayanbadejo by Anderson
Cooper about him being cut from the Ravens because of his LGBT advocacy (not
true!) and the four pro athletes who ‘may’ be coming out in the near
future. Brendon is heterosexual man
using his public and professional platform for LGBT advocacy. Anderson is
homosexual journalist and talk-show host who does the same thing in a very
different manner. I have such respect
for both of them in this regard.
However, the comparison Brendon made between the issue of race in
marriage and gender in marriage was so illuminating for me. He made an important
historical reference that many of us forget. In some ways, he is a physical
manifestation of that reference.
In 1967, the Supreme Court deemed the illegality of
interracial marriage unconstitutional in the case of Loving v. Virginia. Although both of my parents are African
American, it is hard to believe that in the year of my birth (1966), marriage and/or
procreation between black and white persons was against the law! Thankfully, those anti-miscegenation laws
were overturned. Brendon’s handsome face
is a reminder that love is love, irrespective of race or gender. I am glad he is an advocate. As he stated, someone else took the heat for racial
marriage equality in the 1960s. So his
shoulders are broad enough to take heat for LGBT marriage equality. Yes, Brendon, you definitely have a broad set
of shoulders! I’m glad they are strong
enough for the gridiron and the court of public opinion. Looking forward to following you next season
with your new team!
What do you think? Michael Donovan Writes...wants to know!
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