There has been a sea change since President Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage. There has been a dramatic shift in the American consciousness.
First, the narrative that most African Americans do not support same-sex marriage is dead. Dead. A recent poll by the Washington Post found that 59 percent of African Americans support same-sex marriage, an 18 percent increase from polls before Obama announced his support. I guess the bully pulpit really works.
Second, Harvey Milk was right. Coming out has an overall positive impact on those who are your friends and family. Seventy-one percent of Americans now say they have a family member, friend or acquaintance that is a part of the LGBT community. In 1998 that figure was 59 percent.
People who know members of the LGBT community are more likely to support our civil rights. Why? LGBT people become less foreign once we come out; we become known to them as members of their family, co-workers, fellow worshipers or combat soldiers, who just happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Coming out clearly is something we should all do. Inevitably, you will find that more people will accept the authentic you. Your relationships will be deepened and the weight of living two separate lives will be lifted off your shoulders.
Coming out will help to move more Americans to support our civil rights. It is hard to vote against or support policies that discriminate against the LGBT community when you have a close friend or family member who is LGBT. It’s just that simple.
It is incredible to live during the time that will be looked upon as the LGBT civil rights decade. Participating in the movement has always been, and will continue to be, one of the aspects of my life of which I am most proud. And that is not hyperbole. Of course, we still have more work to do.
Most importantly, President Obama has come out in support of your sexual orientation. Isn’t it time you did?
Stampp Corbin
Publisher
San Diego LGBT Weekly
