The “We want it NOW!” Generation

After President Obama held a celebration dinner/event honoring the Stonewall riots, he addressed a group of strategy members for LGBT rights. Throwing a bone, nice gesture Mr. President, actually it’s a definite step in the right direction and one I’m not surprised to see this President take. Although not the first to honor Gay Pride month, former President Clinton recognized it during his administration, too, just not as flashy, no formal dinner. President Obama is encouraging conversation and action. I believe that is the best place to start. LGBT rights are not invisible, as with the former Bush administration.
Still, I have to wonder about the urgency of so many gay activists whom seem disillusioned with this President’s administration.
Yes, the Justice Department’s brief about Don’t ask don’t tell was [is] deplorable. I can’t believe something so entrenched in closed minded stereotypical thinking came to life. But, activist should vent, and not lose sight of the bigger picture. Could President Obama immediately satisfy the gay communities’ needs? Yes! I believe he possibly could, or at least keep people from losing their jobs in the military, maybe a freeze on the policy.
But, I also believe taking the legislative route at this point is a very pragmatic approach. He wants to make sure every “T” is crossed and all the “I’s” are dotted. And, why would the gay community want anything less?
I think as a community we are too focused in on feel good now politics. Let me explain that description. One thing that I really admire about the civil rights movements in the 60s was its commitment to future generations. Leaders like MLK, Malcolm X, and Thurgood Marshall were all visionaries. They knew that their protest and demonstrations for equal rights and access might take years or decades. Their work was for future generations, so they could succeed. They were willing to suffer if it meant a future granddaughter or grandson wouldn’t have to bear the impact of segregation or discrimination. I guess it’s a more Booker T Washington incremental approach than most activists would like, but it does work. Yes, gains in the civil rights movement did come to a head in 1964, but that was 10 years after the landmark Brown vs. Board decision. So, I think the mindset of the Gay Rights movement has to change. Patience is not always a bad thing; I’ve heard it builds character. It may not bear the fruits of the work done toward equal rights today, but it will for future generations. This isn’t a passive approach; it’s one that places value in a future that will happen. I’m sure those men and women who stood up for their rights 40 years ago did it with the hope that today, future generations could walk with their heads held a little higher, and today; I do.