BeeCharmer’s Buzz

Lelo in Nopo was kind enough to send me a copy of this documentary. Honey and I watched it last night. I am still a little shell shocked from seeing it, please forgive my transgressions.

Two stories from 1992 (the year that ballot measure 9 was proposed and put to a vote in Oregon).

I was married with one baby (DD) I was trying desperately trying to be a grown up, doing all the “right” things. I was a registered Republican and generally had my head up my ass. I knew nothing of the battle for human rights that was taking place 35 miles south of where I lived. I was struggling with the feelings I was having towards my female friends but I was no homo! All straight girls have the same issues with close friends, or so I thought. I wasn’t happily married but I was in a stable environment which was the goal considering my precarious upbringing. I was so deeply in denial I might have been one of those crazed OCA’s trying to shove everyone back into the closet. Ugh the thought is sickening. Thanks to those who fought so hard to show that homosexuals were human beings and deserved the same rights as other human beings. Because of you, my coming out was relatively pain free. I came out in 1998 and by then I felt no disgust with myself for being gay, I was not afraid that people would consider me sub-human nor did I care if they did. My ease in coming out was most definitely connected to those who fought against ballot measure 9 and the closely related measures that were on the ballot in many other states, including my own. My sincerest thanks go to you all. May I someday be able to do the same for another lost soul.

In 1992, Honey was deeply closeted in a small rural town. She had one friend much older than her that was also a lesbian. She was Honey’s rock. She had been a lesbian a long time and was no worse for the wear. She wasn’t out, but only because of the safety issues surrounding being gay in a small conservative rural town. There was a very small lesbian community within this town, but no-one was officially out to the public. Then came ballot measure 9 which was beyond terrifying for the small lesbian community.

A small group of fair minded liberal citizens put together a protest of ballot measure 9. Honey’s friend attended the protest. The local newspaper was covering the event and asked Honey’s friend if they could interview her. She said yes but only if they could assure complete anonymity. They were happy to oblige. Honey’s friend then proceeded with the in depth interview, hoping she was doing good for the LGBT community.

The next day the article came out. Surprisingly there was a huge picture of Honey’s friend on the front page. The article went on to name her and give her home address, which was in a even smaller, more rural neighboring town. She had a small child at home and was overcome with fear for her and her daughters safety. Needless to say she was harassed and her home was vandalized. It was a scary scary time for her and for Honey- who was no doubt associated with her- a known homosexual.  A short time after the article came out Honey’s friend was fired from her job of 13 years. What a F*ing mess.

Two good things happened after this. Honey’s friend sued the local newspaper for revealing her identity as well as her address- and won! Also measure 9 was defeated thanks to the more heavily populated areas of the state. Thank Karma!

Ballot Measure 9- the documentary- is a fascinating look at our (hopefully) past. I recommend it to everyone interested in cilvil rights. It is available at Amazon.com for preorder and will be released on January 28, 2008.

This documentary is off the popcorn scale- it is an absolute must see.

I am passing my copy along to my conservative FIL who informed us last night that Mitt Romney is the best choice for President. It’s not his fault, he was born and raised in the small town described above. He only gets his information from AM conservative talk radio and the local paper. He just needs an education- my newest mission.

Thanks again to LeLo for sending me her copy. What an amazing gift.