A Memo Concerning: Coors Light, Prop. 8, and progress.

I remember my first erection about as vividly as I remember my first birthday party, and in many ways I can consider both as a glorious celebration. I was a toddler when I found myself fixated with a Madonna record cover. It was one of my sister’s albums and I was laying on my belly in front of the record player. Madonna’s music had reached into my ears like a blessed tongue as I stared at her god-given figure, finding myself lost in every bend, loving every moment of the experience. Whoa there, yeah, it was some horny ass shit. It wasn’t until ten years later that I understood what this feeling was and meant and then I did cartwheels within myself, looking at females like a college kid stares at a ten dollar 30 pack of Coors Light. It had come to me as natural as breath. A bizarre notion has become a part of the national dialogue of late and it’s forced me to answer two questions. At that moment, starring at Madonna, did I choose to be heterosexual? No. If asked today, could I decide to be gay? No. So we have A Memo Concerning: Coors Light, Prop. 8, and progress.
I must preface the following by saying that there are many who I love and respect who will actively disagree with what I’m about to write. And to those I say this: Listen, I’m not saying that you’re an asshole, all I am saying is that you are acting like one. Agression that is oblivious to the damage it causes is the most dangerous kind. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, on November 4th the State of California, the state that I love, that has historically been one of the most progressive states in the Union, broke my heart.
The facts are simple: 100 years ago over half of the states in the Union had legislation that did not recognize Miscegenation. These numbnuts who were Anti-Miscegenation referenced the Bible, the fragility of the family unit, the vulnerability of children, and anti-miscegenation as an important pillar to a healthy society. California was one of these states. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Fuck, maybe I’ve got Jungle Fever but I am so glad we got over the idea that Miscegenation, also known as interracial marriage, would destroy America. But where do we as a nation stand now?
Those who know me well understand I often hallucinate. It has nothing to do with drugs, or watching too many Terry Gilliam movies, or being so unfuckwittingly kick ass in the year 2008. It’s the not so kosher bi-product of dis-harmony between what I see with my eyes and what I can understand and process in my brain. So it is no surprise that for the months leading up to the Tragic Events of November 4th I’ve been assaulted with visions of faggot pirates breaking through the doors of Norman Rockwell paintings, annulling heterosexual marriages, engaging in anal sex on the kitchen table in front of children, telling hundreds of thousands of people not to breed, and then turning around and saying its okay for people to have sex with animals. These are the images that have assaulted me through the campaign signs, radio and television ads funded by people who years from now are going to be unbelievably embarrassed, much like grandpas that don’t like talking about being in the KKK. For that alone I must say “Fuck you Prop. 8 and all your fascist, anti-American, bigot supporters.”
On November 4th our soon to be 44th president stood at a podium and spoke about how our Nation’s greatest strength is its ability to change. Guess what you assholes, Prop. 22 received 61% of the vote in 2000. 8 years later homophobic legislation received only 52% of the vote. Over 70% of voters between the ages of 18 and 29 voted against Prop. 8. Gay marriage is going to happen because the best part of our nation is that the voice of the minority cannot be silenced forever. No amount of legislation will make homosexuals disappear. No amount of legislation is going to enable you to shirk off your parental responsibilities on to the state. No amount of legislation can destroy families. No amount of legislation can prevent the inevitable. When as a nation we look back on ourselves where do you want to say you stood? In 1948 the California State Supreme Court ruled that Anti-Miscegenation was unconstitutional. When gay marriage is legalized do you want to be one of those who felt that an “activist” judge ruled against the will of the people just like they did in ’48. As for me? I know exactly where I can say I stood.
On October 25th 2008, I signed my name as a witness to the marriage of my father Mario Aranda to my step-father Greg Hinson. It was so gay. On that day I signed that marriage license for my family, both for the living and for my own un-born children. I wanted them to know where I stood. I wanted my state to know where I stood. I wanted to create a legacy that will reach forward in time, something that my children can stand on and then be able to experience the sanctity of change, just as we saw in the election of a black President. Outside of all political posturing, religious and scientific debate, outside of all the money and thumping of chests, was one simple fact that made it necessary for me to sign that marriage license. That fact is this: the understanding and embracement of homosexuality as a legitimate human attribute did not destroy my family, it saved it. The passing of Proposition 8 was an assault on my family. It took something away from me-- a straight man who loves his family and his country. And to that I say fuck you kindly Prop. 8.
Bible thumpers this aint over yet. Progress will be made. You fucked with the wrong dude. It’s inevitable because I'm making it so. I will accept apologies at that time.