Something Serious, From a Friend

From one of my best friends and brothers, offered without comment:

My name is Ryan Brogan and I have two moms. They are two little sweet old ladies. At 65 and 75 respectively, they are both devout Buddhists with a dedication to each other that I hold as a model in my own life. They are hard working and are currently enjoying their much deserved retirement. I love them both dearly and view them both as my mother. They listen when I talk, banter when I call, and care for me when I need it. I am not saying this to incite or inflame  I am writing this to hopefully give you  a new perspective. They have been married in spirit for many years, but do not enjoy the same legal protections a man and woman would enjoy. I am not here to discuss the religious implications of gay marriage. I am here to discuss the hate, bigotry, and legal ramifications of the anti-gay and anti-gay marriage movement. 

First let me say that when you stereotype or hate homosexuals, you are talking about my mom and not just the one. When you see people out demonstrating against homosexuals, holding up signs that say “GOD HATES FAGS,” they actually believe god hates my moms. They actually want to do harm to my moms. I cannot stand for that. I would not stand for that against any other culture or group and I will certainly not stand for it when they are talking about my mom. People with this view believe that children raised in a homosexual house hold will grow up to be different, maladjusted, or gay. All of these things might be true, but no more so than in any heterosexual house. The use of “traditional household” is biasing and will not be regarded here. 

I am not going to list statistics or facts on heterosexual households. I am not writing this to tear anyone else down. I am writing this to hopefully raise up the standing of homosexual couples. Religion certainly plays a roll in modern marriage, but there is a larger factor in their legal standing in the state. This is the element of homosexual marriage that must be changed. The current standing is a denial of equal rights on a federal level. My parents should be allowed equal standing in the eyes of the law both for good and bad. They should be allowed the tax relief of marriage. The rights of visitation in hospitals. Rights of spousal power of attorney, inheritance, and asset access. These two people are the most important things in this world and I will do anything to protect them. So the next time you hear some one talking about their hatred of fags, homos, queers, or dykes let them know they are talking about Ryan Brogan’s moms and he will not let that stand. 

PS- I debated politicizing this letter and will not do it as it may cheapen the sentiment. However, I will say that one of the leading candidates is staunchly anti “gay marriage.” Again, he is talking about my mom and I can’t tolerate that.

Feel free to share as this is an important topic to me and to us as a nation.