A Request

Mom and Dad,

I know we all have been on an interesting journey since I came out to both of you about ten years ago. I can’t even believe that that was ten years ago. I’m proud of the progress you both have made in accepting me and supporting me for who I am.

But, I’d like to ask you to make one more step. I’d like to ask you to take a stand against hate. I’ve heard, seen, read, and experienced all sorts of hate. I do not believe it is acceptable for a public figure, let alone an elected representative to engage in deliberate hateful speech. It provides justification for those who are angry for other reasons to commit injurious and lethal acts against people because of who their innate traits.

Earlier this month Sally Kern, an Oklahoma State Representative, made an appalling speech where among other things she equated GLBT equality with terrorism and toe cancer. You can hear the speech and sign an open letter at:

http://www.victoryfund.org/files/listening.html

You an also watch Ellen DeGeneres’s classy response to this at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBmCA4z8Yzc

Please sign the open letter and pass this on to everyone you know. I ask others for acceptance, but at minimum I demand tolerance.

Love your son,

Nicholas