Back to Civil Rights Again

The friends who gather over on rocrebelgranny probably know much more about me than those of you who stay on this side of the blogosphere.

My 33 year old son, Tim, is gay. I've known it at least as long as he has and the only issue we've ever had was my concern for his personal safety, health, and happiness. He grew up in San Francisco, joined us a few years ago here, and it took a little getting used to for him.

He works for a nationally known bookstore (initials B&N) as their cafe manager and is "out" there. He hasn't encountered too much nastiness yet in the community but there has been some. He doesn't make a big deal of his sexual orientation but he doesn't try to hide it either.

I've known the author of this article, a retired minister, for several years. He, along with several other concerned people, helped start PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) here. My local pastor offered space at the church. The writer and his wife are long time church members as well. Tim and I have been involved since the beginning. It was badly needed here. Tim is at peace with himself; we have no family issues, but we want to be there for the families who need help and the kids coming up who are at risk. Our high schools are doing next to nothing to help.

I'm posting it here because it's not just one more rant from one side or the other. It's an honest story of his personal journey, both as a minister and a human being. In a quiet, loving way, he's helping to make a difference.

With all of my scattergun approach to the many ills besetting this country, I keep coming back to the intolerance that exists and is encouraged by many of our legislators.

For me, it's personal.

Ann