Nadine Smith of Equality Florida has some wonderful and hard words to ponder. What I have here is a summary.
Imagine a world in which prejudice has not touched your life. No bullying, no work place discrimination. No closet because you didn't know you needed one. Don't think about the laws that would make it happen because some people flaunt laws. Think about a world in which people simply aren't prejudiced. It sounds like a wonderful place.
How about living as if that place existed?
Rosa Parks did so. She refused to give up her seat, knowing the great personal cost it would exact. She did it to force the nation to examine Jim Crow laws.
Can we gay people do the same -- take actions, no matter the personal cost, that would force the nation to examine the laws that discriminate against us? Especially with laws that specifically declare their inequality and disobeying them will guarantee that discrimination will show up? Can we refuse to collaborate in our own discrimination?
Here are two examples: Coming out while in the military. Refusing to check the "single" box on a federal income tax form while holding a marriage license.
Many gay soldiers are using their discharge to tell the country about discrimination. They get a speakers platform because they refused to be silent, though it cost them their job.
What would happen if all those gay married couples risked an IRS audit and penalties checked the "married" box, forcing the IRS to confront them? That should be enough for the nation to examine the tax laws.
Yes, it is risky. Are we willing to take those risks? A new gay rallying cry is "No excuses, no delays" in getting our rights. It was meant to prod politicians. It can also mean we must have no excuses, no delays in refusing to collaborate in our own discrimination.
Equality Florida is starting to consider putting together a pamphlet on the ramifications of a gay couple checking the "married" box on federal tax forms. This is not to sidestep the consequences, only to make sure those who take such actions do so with a clear understanding of what those consequences will be.
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Thanks for posting the link to my essay and thanks even more for writing such a spot on summary. I could have said everything in a fraction of the time.
ReplyDeleteDo you mind if I use your summary in the pamphlet?
Best,
Nadine Smith
nadine@eqfl.org
Nadine, you may use my summary in your pamphlet. You (or another member of EQFL) may want to go over my words to make them the best possible -- I was writing for a small audience, not for something so official as a pamphlet.
ReplyDeleteYour original longer form also has its place (though maybe not in a pamphlet). There are times when we need the full discussion, not just the summary. You said it so well I found it worth summarizing and directing my family and friends to your original words.