And Yet I’m Still Proud to be an American!

Yes these are trying times. People are voting against equality. People are using religion to oppress and discriminate. Much of what’s going on can be directly related to the eight years of the Bush administration allowing and supporting the eradication of the line that divides separation of church and state.

But that is in the past and these are different times. We do have better things ahead and just as our forefathers fought against inequities and fought for freedom and rights, we have to do the same. But when it all boils down, I am still proud to be an American. I still love America and have faith that better days are coming. I know it’s going to be a great deal of work to get us there, but when we do reach our goal of equality and inclusion, the sweetness of our victory will enough to overpower bitterness of all our setbacks, failures and defeats combined.

As many times as I’ve heard it, I still get a lump in my throat and goosebumps when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. It’s a great reminder of the truth found in “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Listening to it sung renews my pride and reminds me of why this struggle and fight needs to continue. It somehow reassures me that one day I, along with all my LGBT brothers and sisters, will be equal citizens in this America…the greatest nation in the world!

Baseball in itself is a huge part of American history. Not only is it the great American past time, but it’s a reminder of how far we as a people, and a nation have come. It’s also an indicator of where we are headed. Just as Jackie Robinson was the first African American Major League Baseball player, breaking the baseball color line when he began playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. LGBT Americans will also break the barriers of discrimination and injustice. Just as Robinson was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional baseball, which not only took pride and courage, but greatly contributed to the progression of the Civil Rights Movement, our efforts will too bear the future fruits of ending discrimination. It won’t be easy. We will continue to face tough opposition, but with persistence and hope, we too will overcome.

Last night, opening the last game of the 2009 World Series, won for the 27 time by the NY Yankees, Mary J Blige sang her heart out. Check it out on the video below.