Look at that face. Those little bright eyes. The wonder, hope and faith she has in her family, her friends, her community, in everything right now. At two years old there is a complete faith that every time you fall there is someone to care for you; to pick you up, hold you and comfort you. We don't yet see the differences between people, it's either friend or stranger, there is so much innocence. She does not see race, she does not see gender, she does not see sexuality, she does not see poverty or wealth; she sees friendship. She likes someone who will kneel down and explain something to her, build blocks with her or push her on a swing. It's easy and simple.
I will watch my child's sensitive mind grow. She will become discriminating; decide her preferences, follow her gut. She may love frogs, princesses or trucks. She may be a bookworm or a social butterfly. She could be interested in gardening or nail polish or airplanes. I have no idea what bits and pieces will compose her, hold her interest, make her who she is. She may love men or women or either, she may ultimately identify her gender as a man. As a parent I know that these are all possibilities for my child.
What terrifies me is that she should ever be made to feel dis-empowered for being exactly who she is. It will start early, and it will start young. She will want to express herself artistically, however be in science class. She will be interested in car mechanics, and be ushered towards nursing. Our society is so defined by stereotypes, by stigmas, by our expectations it takes every ounce of awareness one can possess to not accidentally foist this upon our children. Because as we well know girls aren't always pretty and boys aren't always handsome.
This acceptance of our differences is fundamental as a society. It is not about agreement or consensus, but rather about allowing each person to be who they are and therefore they contribute as productive members of society.
Our hearts choose our partners.
Our love creates a family.
Our families & friends bless our commitments.
And our community supports us.
So when we go to vote on November 6th remember the hope, the brightness, the joy you've felt in your life. Remember how it felt to be a child and vote freely with your heart.
yes! i did a volunteer data entry shift last week at the portland office and kept thinking about how this campaign really is a vote from the heart. a decision to think and act outside of yourself, to put yourself in someone else's shoes, to say "yes" to acceptance and supporting each other where it matters most.
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