Attending the Obama Election Night rally in Grant Park on Tuesday night, I was most struck by the reactions of those around me. People were elated, relieved and just clearly moved by how monumental it felt that America had elected an African American man as our next president.
It made me think about those who gave their energy, time and often their lives for the cause of equal rights for all in this country - regardless of race or gender.
Several speakers that night invoked the memory of the Selma to Montgomery Voters Rights March, which happened less that 50 years ago. Realizing how far we have come as a society brings me hope for changes that are possible within my lifetime, including a nationwide effort to fight for equal rights for all those who wish to marry.
While I'm excited and optimistic for our new administration - while painfully aware of how much the high expectations Obama faces will add pressure to an already difficult job - I'm also tremendously disappointed that three states passed gay marriage bans and that Arkansas made it impossible for gay couples to adopt. I had optimistically assumed that the California marriage ban wouldn't pass, and was caught off guard when it did.
I feel galvanized to work on this issue - in Illinois or elsewhere - and am going to start investigating organizations I can support with time and money.
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