Search

Slog

News & Arts

Line Out

Music & Nightlife

« First Indian on the Moon | Mormons Are Protesting... »

Friday, November 14, 2008

2008 Protest Letter from Seattle

Posted by Eli Sanders on Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 11:40 AM

Hi,

My name is Tina and I am a long time reader of The Stranger and Slog (moved to Seattle at 18 and am now 28 so I guess this is my ten year anniversary with The Stranger) but this is this first time I have ever been tempted to write back.

I just sent an email out to all of my friends, many of whom are people I graduated from Seattle U with or know from my work, which is in a rather conservative doctors office. Needless to say, not many of them read The Stranger, or talk about their religious/political beliefs publicly. And a part of me was certain that I was going to offend some people along the way, but I felt like I had been quiet long enough about what I believe and why.

Here's what I wrote: "This is where the husband and I are going to be tomorrow. Anyone who wants to join us can. If you don’t want to that’s fine too. If you want to know why I am marching it is because I remember being six years old and having to sit in a hospital waiting room with my parents and my Uncle RJ while his partner of 19 years (a man I knew as Uncle Ron who taught me how to braid my hair and wear pinks and reds because they highlighted my coloring) died alone in a hospital room that only "family" was allowed into… Then, as a child, I couldn’t understand why we weren't allowed to say goodbye to him… Now, as an adult, I still don’t get it. People are people and frankly I figure we could all use a little more love and equality in the world."

I sent that only an hour ago and already 8 of them have responded saying that they will join us, and all of you… I guess what I want to say is don't be afraid to ask people to come out and make their voices heard, even those people who you think are too conservative or too religious, the compassion they are capable of may surprise you. I know it pleasantly surprised me. See you all tomorrow.

Love,
Tina
(And a growing list of friends)

More, please.

Share via

Comments (16) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment

Protest Yes!

Golob Post Now!
Levelheaded of bunch needs to post!
Hell No! We Won't Go!

Posted by gry mklsk on November 14, 2008 at 11:45 AM

This outpouring is really touching.

Posted by Carollani on November 14, 2008 at 11:55 AM

wow...I'm as callous and unemotional as they come and that had me tearing up.

Posted by Frank Rizzo on November 14, 2008 at 11:56 AM

That letter was simultaneously depressing and heartening.

Dammit. There's no crying in Slog!

Posted by Julie in Chicago on November 14, 2008 at 11:58 AM

That's a beautiful letter.

Posted by balmont on November 14, 2008 at 11:58 AM

Thanks...I guess this means I can't just lurk in the shadows here anymore. You are an occasionally frighteningly witty bunch so it took me a while to get up the nerve to post.
Oh and Uncle RJ will be protesting in NYC too!

Posted by Tina on November 14, 2008 at 12:07 PM

A lot of religious people can be reached with this kind of simple appeal to compassion. Religious institutions with aspirations to political power, maybe not so much. But their followers, who actually believe in that whole loving your neighbor thing...

Posted by flamingbanjo on November 14, 2008 at 12:10 PM

i'm starting to see the passing of prop 8 in a positive light. it feels like the pendulum is swinging back the other way hard core. i don't know if people would be as galvanized if prop 8 had been defeated.

Posted by douglas on November 14, 2008 at 12:16 PM

Tina - this is beautiful. I know this sounds a bit snarky, but it's really really not... How can you tell your story in a few words on a sign-board? Because it needs to be told at tomorrow's rally.

Posted by L on November 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Absolutely beautiful.

Posted by Sikes on November 14, 2008 at 1:01 PM

I just got back from the craft store with all the gear to make two signs - one for me and one for my two children to take turns carrying. Last night I had a big talk with them (ages 8 and 9) about what we will be doing tomorrow and why it's important and they're really excited about it.

Now if I could only think of something clever to write on them ......

Posted by STR8 against H8 on November 14, 2008 at 1:28 PM

More tears...
And I had just finished with the Obama tears of joy.

Posted by Callie on November 14, 2008 at 1:56 PM

Thank you Tina. Very well written.

I have had the great fortune to live in Los Angeles and when my partner had a minor stroke the hospital (and our gay doctor) were amazingly inclusive of both of us. As was his family.

Our very good friend lost his partner to AIDS a few years prior and his partner's family came in and took everything that wasn't nailed down from their apartment. He wasn't informed of when or where the funeral was to be held and when he found out he was told he was not allowed to come.

And your letter did indeed make me cry. Thank you.

Posted by jimk on November 14, 2008 at 2:07 PM

@7: I wish it didn't take somebody dying a lonely death to provoke straight sympathy for gay people.

Posted by anon on November 14, 2008 at 2:41 PM

Your bravery to confront homophobia in a conservative environment is to be commended and serves as a great example for everyone to follow. This is how we will achieve equal rights for EVERYBODY, on a person to person level. It aint easy to get people to pull their heads out of their dogma, but it will happen.

Posted by venuseros on November 14, 2008 at 2:59 PM

Remember, Christ died for your Wallet.

Posted by Church of Latter Day Pastafarians on November 14, 2008 at 4:06 PM