No. 44: A Cause for Celebration
Filed by: H. Alexander Robinson
January 19, 2009 10:00 AM

http://www.bilerico.com/2009/01/no_44_a_cause_for_celebration.php

The inauguration of Barack H. Obama as the 44th president of the United States is cause for pride and hopefulness for America and the world. Sen. Obama's campaign heralded a transformational message of progressive change. His very election, as the first American president of African descent alone marks a consequential transformation in our nation's long and shameful history of racial discrimination, injustice and prejudice.

Finally, America may move past our debilitating culture wars about religion and race. Yet during the campaign and in the days and weeks that have followed, these self-perpetuating American family quarrels have not gone peacefully into the night.

Religion continues to be a flashpoint for discord especially when it comes to the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. A quick look at the voting patterns in California in favor of the anti-gay Proposition 8 shows that those who frequently attended church services were more likely to vote against full equality for same-sex couples.

This enthusiasm over the election of Obama and the expectations many have about the changes we will see during his administration concern me.  Personally, I feel sorry for him.  The expectations thrust on him are far greater than any one person is capable of handling, let alone accomplishing.

This country isn't going to do a sudden turn around because Obama is our president.  The prejudice that existed before he was elected is still pretty much the same today.  Change happens slowly.  And it will not happen if there isn't powerful support to make it happen.  That means big money or large numbers of voters.

And if laws are passed, will they be enforced?  In Illinois, TGs are protected by law from discrimination.  But it still happens.  Try contacting the state officials and report discrimination and what do you hear?  Silence.  I know this first hand.  A politician who heads up a group openly supporting trans people will likely find him/her unemployed after the next election and they know this. 

Obama is just one man.  He alone will not make it happen.  And whatever changes do happen will take time.

Julie

I think he has been outstanding about saying two things.  One, this ain't going to be easy, quick or painless.  Two, that it ain't him, its about all of us.