Fourteen years ago today, June 22 I met a man who has gone on to become my
It Gets Better We have overcome obstacles created by ourselves and by society. 14 years ago marriage was not a reasonable thought. Today he is the center of my life.
Now, it seems that the New York State Senate is poised to mark our Anniversary with a vote to allow same-sex couples to affirm their union through a New York State marriage license. Win or lose we have reached a point that success is inevitable. The old adage, Where Here We're Queer… now ends, Your Used To It.
I cannot help remember that it was the courageous act of others in the face of danger and oppression for lgbt people. It was a time that it was outrageous to ask your government Please stop arresting me for falling in love
It was March 14, 1971 about 300 lgbt people from all around New York State gathered in Albany at what was the very first statewide gay liberation march in a State Capitol.
The march participants asked for List of Demands The list, at the time, appeared to be a huge step forward of civil rights in New York State.
Repeal of the state law making consensual sodomy between adults a criminal act
Enactment of a fair employment practices act to cover sexual orientation.
Enactment of a fair housing act to cover sexual orientation.
Repeal of the state solicitation laws.
Repeal of the loitering laws.
Repeal of the laws against cross-dressing and impersonation by one sex of the other.
During the past 40 years each of these Demands have been met.
Today the New York State Legislature should bring forth an demand for equality that 1971 Marchers had never dreamed to consider. The right to be considered equal under the law, the civic ability to marry the person that they love.
Among those 300 individuals were representatives from The Mattachine Society of The Niagara Frontier and the University of Buffalo's Gay Liberation Front. There were also people from Olean and Niagara Falls.
Madeline Davis of Buffalo spoke before the group just as she did a year later as the first open lesbian to speak at a Presidential Convention in 1972.
There is a photo Madeline in the march walking side by side with a group of men from Buffalo. All of the men have passed during the 40 years since the photo was taken. Madeline has survived to be a key supported and builder of the Buffalo lgbt community.
Madeline and her wife Wendy Smiley have been bonded together in Buffalo and legally married elsewhere. I wonder, will the Senate let them Marry again? But this time at home, in Buffalo. I hope so.
—Tim Moran
Registered Voter 60th district
Of the Great State of New York
