Local Activist Stephanie Hart Speaks at Wilmington Against Prop 8 Rally
Local activist and straight ally, Stephanie Hart, who spoke first in Wilmington, NC’s rally on November 15, 2008’s speech:
“I was not sure what I was going to say. And then late last night I was watching Henry Rollins speak in South Africa, and he also spoke with Desmond Tutu, and they brought up things that inspired me for today.
I quote his holiness, the Dalai Lama, “Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home. If we are to protect this home of ours,each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another. If you have a sincere and open heart,you naturally feel self-worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.”
And also Desmond Tutu as he speaks of his people in South Africa,I feel it applies to all people,including Americans,when he calls them “the rainbow people of god”.
We are here to be agents of change,and to realize we are all one,whether our sexuality by definition separates us,our humanism and strength as Americans does not. We are here in the hope of one day abolishing negativity and hatred,fear and outdated ideas. To give hope to our fellow American citizens that one day,being different will not stop them from enjoying the equality of marriage they so deserve. To share the joys,the sorrows,the struggles and the bountiful times.
To prove that the gay, lesbian, transgendered communities simply want to be afforded the dignity of living a life whole with their love,not fragmented-never torn apart. These are our people,and they are Americans. Americans who need their country to protect them, not disown them.
We have come far in this country, especially lately, so very far. but denying equality to people based on fear,bigotry and prejudice,shows us we still have a long way to go.
I stand here as a woman happliy married to a man, who knows that romantic love doesn’t just happen ONE way, and we cannot pretend it does and ignore the rest. AND I CARE!
Give our fellow citizens the right to live in love and in peace,and marry if they please, LAWFULLY, all over the US, their country.
Thank you!”
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