Thank you, Mr. President...

Thank you for finally making a statement in support of marriage equality. It was truly an historic event.

That said, there's an expression that comes to mind: "Talk is cheap."

So, I have to ask, with all due respect: what do you plan to do now?

Bill Clinton promised to end discrimination in the military and allow members of the armed forces to serve openly. Instead, he gave us "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", and we know how well that worked out. He always claimed to be an advocate for the LGBT community, but four years later, he gave us the "Defense of Marriage Act". Granted, some argue that the alternatives under consideration at the time would have been far worse, but still, we have to recognize the disparity between his words and his actions.


So, Mr. President, what actions do you plan to take?


I know you've signed federal hate crimes legislation that includes the LGBT community, and you've also helped to repeal DADT, but there's still so much to be done. If you're really serious about ending discrimination, here are some actions you should really consider:

1. Repeal DOMA - this is a vile piece of legislation that allows states to violate the Constitution and makes a complete mockery of the basic tenants of freedom and equality upon which this country was founded
2. Enact ENDA - a meaningful version, that is, that includes transgendered people and protects both gender identity as well as gender expression
3. Encourage the courts to declare the LGBT community a suspect class and apply strict scrutiny to any relevant cases
4. Work toward a constitutional amendment that guarantees the freedom and equality of all LGBT people

We can't change peoples' hearts and minds, so unfortunately prejudice and bigotry will be with us for a long, long time. Perhaps someday we will have evolved past those petty concerns, but in the mean time you have a lot of constituents who need your help and your protection. Will you have the courage to give it?