Partnership

I had an interesting conversation this morning that forced me to consider some hard facts centered around domestic partnership rights. Those rights and the laws pertaining to them aren't central to many of us within the black gay community because we haven't "partnered" in the truest sense of the word. So few of us have bought homes together, adopted children with a partner or had to plan funeral arrangements for a partner, thus, we aren't stirred to action for those causes.  Nevertheless, these causes are indeed applicable to us for the day may come that we will need to rely on the benefits of these rights.

Many years ago, a friend of mine told me his longtime partner died as a result of a kidney disease.  Naturally, they had acquired furniture, other valuables and debt.  Not only was he unable to voice his concerns for funeral arrangements, he was left with none of the memorabilia; only debt.  His partner's family came into their home and took everything they wanted.

We have to shift our consciousness with our priorities.  The purpose of Black gay pride should be politicking and fighting for rights.  Instead, we're focused on partying, wardrobe and the next best hook up.  In addition, because we're so closeted and fearful of being seen on the local news by friends, family and co-workers we remain silent.

Now is the time to mobilize and get things done.  Future generations of gay people shouldn't suffer or lack because we lived.  If we live with true purpose, they should benefit...

What's our legacy?

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