Let's Be Real: Gay Marriage

The debate over gay marriage can get complex and passionate, with issues ranging from religion and politics, to the Constitution itself.

But for me it all boils down to one simple question: What if it were me? What if I lived in some bizarre alternate universe where homosexuality was the "norm." And hetero guys like me were the odd men out? What if I had to pretend to like dudes just to fit in, and had to worry that if the truth came out, perhaps I wouldn't be accepted by my family, or the people at work, or the best friend I'd had since 5th grade?

What if there were groups out there so offended by who I was that they promised that with a lot of work, they could cleanse my mind of those unfortunate tendencies? And what if, after making it through all of that, and I find someone to love,  Folks say, it's against our religion, our family values, for you to have a family? Suppose that was my life? Suppose it was yours? 

Now I'm not wise enough to tell anyone what they ought to believe. But I believe this: Life is hard enough on its own.We do not have the right to make it harder on our fellow man who has done us no wrong. In other words -  fairness - that is, treating the other person the way you'd like to be treated. THAT's a family value.