“You Never Know if You’re Going to Get a Hug or a Brick Through Your Window”

November 28, 2008 by Holly in LGBT  

Prop 8 has brought forward a great deal of emotions among not only Californians, but people of all sexual orientations across the country. A matter of civil liberties and equal rights does not merely affect those would directly benefit from them, but also those people’s families, friends and generally anyone who believes that certain priviledges, if given to one group of people, should be given to all other groups of people.

The Human Rights Campaign recently put out an email with a call to action for all people who believe in equal rights; simply talk to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and anyone else who will listen, about why marriage equality matters to you. Along with this, they also told the story of two women, Jan and DeAnn, who were married in California this August. I loved the story and while you all should already be out there speaking out about why marriage equality is important and why it matters and why legislation like Prop 8 is a homophobic, bigoted, close-minded approach to legislate away the rights of hard-working Americans who deserve everything this country has to offer–And is already giving one group of people, if you need more inspiration here you go:

Jan and DeAnn, who were married in California this August, had spent 8 years living next to Jon and Brenda. They chatted about lawn care, skiing, and home repair, and DeAnn even taught their four children in spelling games and rounds of Old Maid once a week – but knowing the anti-gay stance of their neighbors’ religion, Jan and DeAnn had decided never to discuss their personal life.

Brenda was in her yard when the limousine pulled up on Jan and DeAnn’s wedding day. When she asked what the occasion was, they decided to tell Brenda they were getting married. They were shocked when Brenda immediately hugged them, burst into tears, and sobbed, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Jan replied, “You never know if you’re going to get a hug or a brick through your window.” DeAnn said, “I was afraid of losing your children.”

Then, Jan says, “We all cried, gave one last hug, and entered the limo with soaring spirits.”

There needs to be more stories like this and more people need to get out there and shout out from the rooftops about why it is so important for same-sex couples to be given the same rights as heterosexual couples to make more stories like this possible.

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  • I must admit that is a very sweet story. While I personally have zero problems with homosexuals I also have to battle with the religous implications. I personally would likely vote no to allowing homosexuals be termed as a marriage, though wouldn't personally be upset if it passed either. I believe democracy in this nation is critical to it's survival so if the population wants it then they should have it. I wasn't a Barack Obama fan either until the day after he was elected.

    God Bless,
    Bill
  • Bill, your comment impresses me because of your honesty and your willingness to consider new/other ideas. Made my day!
  • Interesting aspect for sure. Yes many times you cannot see what's going to come!!
  • DerekHosewood
    Same sex couples arent hurting anyone. I hope in the future this becomes a non-issue

    Derek WB
  • Awesome...... story about sex. I'm so exciting.
  • cel
    It's a touching story. I still have some issues regarding same-sex marriage, though.
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