In the face of opposition, we continue to stand strong in solidarity in the Greater Rochester Hills area.

Fairness, justice, liberty and equality, are these not the pillars our great nation prides itself to stand upon? However, all throughout my life I have yet to see our nation live up to its personal expectations. We pride ourselves on the fact that the United States is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs. Yet, when these differences do not meet our personal morals we make excuses to not allow “those” people the same civil rights. Thursday June 6th a group of Rochester Hills citizens met and reminisced on what it would be like if LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) people were treated as equal under the law and in societies’ eyes and what that would look like. Some people came up with ideas such as businesses having inclusive posters on their windows, school support in K-12 education and… classier breakfast restaurants. However, the most prevalent answer was… there will be no visible change. Many of our opponents constantly threaten that if we pass inclusive legislation for LGBT people the world will fall apart. For starters, all the green grass will be dyed the colors of the rainbow. Next, the gays will all indoctrinate our children into their “regime”. Finally, the hurricanes and tornadoes will begin. And lastly, to the hell train we all go. Unfortunately, all jokes aside, some people actually think this way. However, contrary to that belief the change will be in hearts and minds, not a visible one, and that will be the most beautiful change to witness in our community. Although our opponents can be difficult to reason with, we still have a responsibility to be patient with them. Four years ago, when I came out of the closet, neither my Grandmother nor my father was supportive. My relationship with both of them was at best cordial up until my senior year of high school when they decided to come out for equality. It took them both 4 years, but they finally came around. We must be patient and understanding as people take their own paths to realization. All it takes is knowing an LGBT person or an outspoken activist, having the issue affect their lives, to begin that change. I stand up so that my children, and yours, will never have to go through the same difficult coming out process so many students do not survive. I stand up, so that when our children go out in the adult world they will be treated as equal citizens under the law no matter how they identify. Join me as we work to create this world in which we all realize our common humanity and make this country live up to its motto, “Equality and Justice for ALL”.