New Social Security cards for LGBTQ Americans
On November 4th I was lucky enough to be on the East Coast during the most historic election of my generation. I got to experience pure bliss as the East Coast was painted blue and suddenly we had a new President: Barack Obama. I cried and screamed and cheered and cried some more. Our time had come. I was sure of it.
Soon, my joy became clouded by the news that Prop 8 was not doing well in CA. That it looked as though the rights of my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community had been taken away. That the countless hours and millions of dollars spent to protect families had been all for naught.
I have received calls and messages and texts from many since Tuesday asking me for my opinion on the situation. And I fear that I will be disrespected for what I am about to say- but here it goes.
I think there is a HUGE silver lining in the fact that Prop 8 passed. I’m almost happy it happened this way. I think it’s opened everyone’s eyes.
For the past four years I’ve worked in the LGBT community. I have sat across the table from extremely successful LGBT and Allied folk who time and time again surprised me when they’d ask “what do you mean we need help? Mission Accomplished! The gays have it great!” They were complacent. They were in denial. And as those who attempted to fundraise for Prop 8 can attest- they didn’t start kicking in their dollars and their voices until it was too late.
The passage of Prop 8 is a slap in the face. It’s a “well what the hell did you think would happen?!” from the world to all of us. Change doesn’t happen by being nice and expecting that other people will naturally and without prompting decide to fight FOR us. We have to fight for ourselves. And suddenly- EVERYONE is fighting. Suddenly, thousands are in the streets and signing petitions and lifting their voices and demanding to be heard. And it’s beautiful.
THIS is how change happens. This is the time when our generation will rise up and make this happen. How wonderful that the new President we’ve all elected is a man who stands in this position of power— literally on the backs of a generation of civil rights activists before him. Who better to lead us into an era of equality than a man who’s story is full of perseverance?
I’ve just come off a campaign that was literally run by 20 year olds. Young men and women gave up their lives for a man and a mission and a movement that they believed in. They pounded the pavement, picked up the phone, and placed a man in power that has the capacity to change the world. If our generation is capable of something so grand- why be disheartened?
We can do this. We can rise up and we can refuse to be treated as second class citizens. The passage of Prop 8 is NOT the end-all/be-all of our time. This is when things get moving. This is when battles are fought and step by step we get closer to our goal: EQUALITY. We do this united. We do this together.
Now we all know what it feels like to taste the sweet flavor of equality and have it ripped from our lips. Now we know what we are fighting for.
We can do this. Yes We Can.
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Janelle K. Eagle is infamous for always having her hands tied up in multiple projects simultaneously. She's directed a lot of theater, worked on some films, and raised lots of money for non-profits. She travels all the time and loves to share her videos, photography and writing via this blog. 
A moving and positive perspective, Janelle. You can always find the inspirational as well as practical side to a setback. And that’s exactly what’s needed to mobilize the love and educate those who aren’t yet able to see. The old expression is You gotta keep on keepin’ on.