The level of acceptance of gay and lesbian relationships in this nation, and even here in this traditionally conservative state of Florida, has increased dramatically just in the last ten years.  But the passage of Florida Proposition 2 yesterday is a cold, suffocating reminder that the old prejudices are still alive.  My joy and pride in the victory of President-Elect Barack Obama have been lamentably diminished by the news that the majority of my fellow Floridians believe it necessary to insert into the state constitution discrimination aimed at my loving relationship.  

Do I take this personally?  Yes.  Of course.  I am a gay woman who has been living for 10 years with my partner.  We are committed to our relationship.  We are a family.  We pay our taxes.  We work and play and contribute to our state financially.  We support our local businesses with our earnings.  We pay the same level and number of taxes as any other Floridian in our economic bracket.  Yet we have just been told that we are CONSTITUTIONALLY uninvited to share in one of the most fundamental relationships entered into by human beings. 

They are afraid.  I am disenfranchised and discounted.  No one wins in this.  But they are right to be afraid.  I am still here.  And I am damn mad.