In my opinion

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The following is an editorial by Paul Bashline
(Posted 1-12-01)

    The work we do to turn back the tide of prejudice can be thankless and overwhelming. The ignorance is so vast, hatred so deep, discrimination so entrenched, that our efforts can feel insignificant as grains of sand on the beach. Unless we're up against a crisis in our own lives, we may fail to see the point. Day to day, things aren't so bad and after all, how much of this stuff is really life or death?

    Unfortunately, a lot of it is. Gay men, lesbians, and transgender individuals are beaten to death. Gay men die prematurely for lack of access to adequate health care. One-third of all teen suicides are committed by gay youth.

    Every effort we make is of enormous value. This is not just about battles for civil rights and decent public health policy. It's about how we live our lives. Every bit of personal healing sends a ripple. Every open statement that affirms gayness makes a wave. Every act that claims our rightful place makes the world safer for us all.

    Because we do these things, somewhere out there a young man or woman we will never see will somehow feel the strength to get through his or her pain.

And it will be us---from another place and time---who sustained his or her life. 100 years from now, a new generation will admire how we changed the world. With so many enemies lining us up in their sights, we do well to welcome all that make a commitment to stand with us in the cause. What we all do makes a difference. What some don't do…makes a statement.

Paul Bashline
President
Cimarron Alliance Group

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