A vote for civil unions
On April 9 Equality Illinois and hundreds of volunteers came to the Capitol in Springfield to lobby legislators to pass the Civil Union Act introduced by State Rep. Greg Harris. I want to extend my support and appreciation for this mission. Let’s hope the Legislature listens and takes the message to heart.

When it comes down to it, this isn’t an issue of politics. It’s an issue of basic human rights and fairness. Across our state, committed gay and lesbian couples currently cannot make healthcare decisions for their partners, visit their partners in hospitals or make arrangements for a funeral after a partner passes away. This is unacceptable.

Here in Illinois we’ve made human rights and equal access under the law a priority. Throughout his administration, Gov. Blagojevich has championed the needs of the gay and lesbian community by adding the protection of sexual orientation and gender identity to hate crime and discrimination laws in our state and by extending domestic-partner benefits to all State of Illinois employees. In 2005, the governor and legislators amended the Human Rights Act and Illinois became the 15th state in the nation to extend equal protection for its gay and lesbian citizens. Now it’s time we go further.

This year, Illinois has an opportunity to make history. We can be the first state in the heartland that extends fairness and equality to all of its citizens. I believe that as a state we are on the cusp of completing this mission. We need our General Assembly to take decisive action. Let your representatives know how you feel. Let them follow the lead of the Land of Lincoln—the land of equality under the law.

Rocco Claps
Director, Illinois Department of Human Rights

A vote for Clinton
As many Democrats are buzzing about the current nominee campaign, I feel like no one is paying enough attention to the gay vote. The candidates and the press seem to be staying away from the topic of “Gay Marriage,” even though it is still a hot topic for debate and an area where “change” is needed. (Mr. Obama, I am talking to you.)

In the United States, gay men and women grow up with so many challenges. Our society is generally taught that “being gay” is wrong, weird, illegal, shameful and even demonic in some parts. Sadly, many gay teens turn to suicide or are shunned by their families and thrown out onto the streets. I believe that one is born gay and that we do not choose the lifestyle. At least, I didn’t have a choice. I am who I am.

It is my experience that in this country it is still acceptable to discriminate against, make fun of and even shun members of the gay community. The gay community is one of the last segments of our society where it is still legal and “OK” to regard them as second-class citizens. I have hope that one day everyone will truly become equal and gay men and women will be given all of the same rights as everyone else. Mr. Obama, will you change the laws against gay marriage? Can I count on you for that?

Now, in my life, I have worked hard to get where I am. I grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., in a typical middle class family. My father, now retired, is a Vietnam vet and worked hard as an employee of General Motors. He held a good-paying job with benefits that would be incredibly hard to come by in this era. It started off well, but my life became colored with many disadvantages, simply because I was born to be attracted to the same sex. While I am not flamboyant, I guess it was sometimes obvious to fellow classmates and neighborhood kids that I was different. I was teased, picked on, beaten and even bashed at times.  Events like these are traumatic for all kids. When I got older, I graduated from college and went on to graduate school. I paid for my education by myself with loans, work-study and some parental help. I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the brightest companies and interface with some of the most prominent businessmen and businesswomen today. Throughout my career, I must admit that at times I have been a victim of discrimination, social profiling and harassment at work because I do not fit a “certain” corporate mold. Determined to succeed, I have not let anything stop me from moving forward. I am lucky to be in America where I can pursue my dreams.

When Michelle Obama exclaimed that she is “finally proud to be an American,” I cringed immensely. She just now woke up? Michelle Obama and her husband have gone to the best schools in the country, earn phenomenal incomes and have a chance to take over the White House and she is just now “proud?”

I have a serious problem with her sloppy comment and I cannot get past it. Yes, it is true that I may sometimes get angry with my government, become disgusted by certain oppressive segments of our society and feel depressed about the discrimination of gays in America. Even with the discrimination and abuse I have experienced, I have always been proud to be a citizen of the United States of America, a free country where change can happen and dreams do come true. I have always felt an incredibly deep gratitude to God for being born on U.S. soil into the American culture. I know that I am lucky. We are all so blessed to be living in this great country, which is rich and abundant with opportunity and freedom.

I do not have time to wait for Obama’s “change” to occur—if it ever will. There is too much to get done now. I am voting for Hillary Clinton because I know that she has always been a proud American citizen and she will fight hard for everyone with her experience, hope and good old-fashioned American pride and spirit. American pride and spirit—feelings we desperately need more of these days.

James Strzalkowski
North Hollywood, Calif.