What can we GLBT folk expect from this new Congress?

[Zhade]

We all remember the ugly reactions on DU after the NJ decision: the demands that we set aside our rights yet again, etc.

My question is, now that we DIDN'T lose because of us queers - what can we expect in the way of support for our causes?

Will we see movement on equal right to marriage, adopt, visitation, tax rights, and the myriad other things straight couples receive that we can't?

Will the Dems support us? If so, how?

(Yes, I realize that we also have war and all manner of other crimes to deal with. I'm not asking these be dropped to pursue our goals; I believe in multi-tasking.)

So - predictions? Suggestions as to how to get some movement? Thoughts?

[countmyvote4real]

1. We can hope, but it will be SOS.

We're still in the trenches. Keep up the good fight.

[The Straight Story]

2. This Straight guy is hoping they will be all over this issue

We, as Americans, need to be all over the issue of equal rights for all our people - and we should stand firm to help each person achieve that.

Standing up for our gay brethren is a must - as we must all stand up for each other and the freedoms so many have died for. If the issue is about freedom, we must address it now.

Gays have stood by this party and been as loyal as any of the rest of us have. I will be one of the people here bitching about the dems if they don't act to fix the issues. If we get lulled into the sleep of doing what is right for the votes we want versus doing what is right for the people then we have truly lost. When the dems become the repugs to appease others we lose - forever.

We cannot let this country slip away ala the republic in Star Wars. If we don't do it - no one will, and if we don't stand, who will?

I am with you my friend.

[ComerPerro]

3. I hate to tell you, but I don't think you should expect much

We barely have a majority, some moderate Dems find the idea of giving equal rights to GLBT citizens "uncomfrotable", and we still run the risk of Republican obstructionism and Bush vetoes.

I really hope things change even more for our side so you guys can finally have justice

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

4. My guess is nothing. I'll have to go stand on the back of the bus again because...

we have to worry about '08.

The solution would be for Dems to grow a fucking spine and stand for something finally. We pretty much stand for nothing as it is.

[Zhade]

5. So how do we fight that?

NT!

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

6. I think one way to fight that is to be more vocal in showing that we are just like everyone else.

We need to show that gay Americans are raising kids, fighting this stupid war, etc. For example, I've run into liberals, gay and straight alike, that have no problem with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, often due to the erroneously belief that it keeps gays out and they won't die in war. It's just not true, we have approximately 65,000 GLBT servicemembers in our military. That policy has cost Americans about $364 million and our soldiers are still over there serving with openly gay troops from other countries. Personally, I've been very active with Soulforce over this issue, even earning my first protest arrest & federal record over it.

As another example, Garden State Equality is running a commercial in NJ that I think it a way that will truly show the typical American why it's important for gays to have equal rights. I defy anyone to look at this and not recognize the need for equality.

http://gardenstateequality.org/HesterCommercial.wmv

[Zhade]

8. One has to be heartless not to be moved by that spot.

So heart-rendingly honest.

[readmoreoften]

7. Nothing. Same as always. /nt

[radfringe]

9. nothing

Be they elected officials or wanna-be-elected officials, they won't be jumping on any GLB band wagon.

As a national movement, we really don't have one. There isn't one group or person out there that we can rally around to create a national movement. Until that happens, we can only expect a pat on the head or a kick in the pants.

Politicians will only run to the front of parade and wave a flag if there is a large enough parade.

Sadly, we need to get out "sh*t" together first. We need to become a force to be reckoned with before we can expect any serious attention.