Happy New Year: May 2010 Be the Best Yet

A lot happened in 2009, and as with all years, some good and some not so good. When it comes to the overall progress of LGBT equality, overall, it’s been a stellar year. Perhaps the LGBT community hasn’t recognized our goal of equality and inclusion, and perhaps some are displeased with the moderate to slow pace of the progress they wish to see, but look at what really did take place in 2009 and ask yourself, did that much happen in the previous 8 years combined? The answer, simply put, is no.

One great thing that came out of 2009, even with the defeats endured in California and Maine, and even with the slower pace of the Obama administration in addressing LGBT issues such as DOMA and DADT, for the first time in the history of the U.S., the fight for LGBT equality is at the forefront. There’s not one state that isn’t aware of the progress. I would dare say, there isn’t one person above the age of 18 (or perhaps lower) that hasn’t heard of the struggles we’ve endured. THAT is the most important thing we can take from 2009…recognition and the presentation of issues.

Time is on our side, and as hard as it is, we have to exercise patience. That doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels and not continue to struggle and fight even harder in 2010, but it does mean our issues have become the issues of the nation.

Even if we only double what we’ve accomplished in 2009 in the upcoming year, we will have again made great progress.  So let’s remember our setbacks, but celebrate our accomplishments and work together to make 2010 the best year yet.

Here’s wishing everyone a super-fantastic 2010 and may great things come our way!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!