Testimony to the State Legislature

There was a time when homosexuality was known as “the love that dare not speak its name.” One might ask how love, any love, could dare not speak its own name? If the love was real, if it was strong, if it was true, why could it not be uttered? The answer is simple. Because the love that dare not speak its name was silenced, not out of shame, but out of fear. At a time when men could be imprisoned for loving other men, when the laws didn’t even mention lesbianism because those in power would not acknowledge it existed, when society ostracized those who were gay and lesbian, who could stand up and proclaim their love?

Unfortunately, we can still be imprisoned in many states and countries for loving other men. We are still ostracized in many places for being who we are. But we cannot be silenced any longer. There are those of us who will stand up with pride and proclaim our love of other men, and women who will proclaim their love of other women. Love cannot be beaten down.

What we are asking for at this time in history is for acceptance—not tolerance—but acceptance of our love. We are asking for the full benefits and full responsibilities that should be ours as citizens of this great state and nation. We are asking for the same rights and responsibilities that have always been granted to two people who are willing to stand up and proclaim their love. My love of my partner is no less deserving of these rights and responsibilities as my neighbor for his wife.

Denying us these rights and responsibilities will not make us go away. I will still love my partner, Brian, as much tomorrow as today. I will love him as much in whatever comes after this life as I do during it. We will still be connected now and through eternity. I will still proclaim my love in pride.

But in fairness I want the right to proclaim that love legally, with the same rights and responsibilities as my straight friends. I ask you to support that now, for me and for all who are currently denied equality under the law.

For those who may not know the official state motto of Wisconsin is Forward. Let us move in that direction.