As many of you know, early in this blog's existence, I had given extensive coverage of marriage issues and deconstructing the absurd statements made by NOM members. I had cheered when Prop 8 was overturned. I supported marriage equality in many places. My position still stands! However, I have been compelled to address recent events in New York, which have pitted different segments of the LGBT community against each other. I've been really wanting to say this...

Given the current situation for transgender people in New York, as well as legislative attempts to defund LGBT youth programs so that the Republicans don't become obstructionists, IF I WAS A STATE SENATOR IN NEW YORK, I WOULD VOTE NO ON THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL.

There, I said it, I cannot sit idly by and lead the cheers for something that, although is desirable and part of the equality agenda, was built on the blood of LGBT youth. Trading youth services for marriage equality is an example of going ten steps back in order to go one step forward, and circumstances force us to have to play hardball. Do you think that when someone is denied hormones because they are poor, is sleeping on a park bench because their parents disowned them, or is too afraid to go to school due to the fact that some bully spraypainted "f*gs pee here" on the urinals, they are worried about finding their prince/princess/whatever. They are primarily concerned with making it through the day and not what country the chocolate from their wedding cake is sourced from or whether they should play Michael Jackson or Cyndi Lauper at the reception or what designer their tux or dress is from.

It may seem counterintuitive for a person in the LGBT community to go against the rights of another segment of the community, but I am a lowly blogger. Far more powerful forces with the queer community decided to exclude gender identity when they were pushing for LGB protections in New York State, which passed back in 2002. Far more powerful forces (including Pataki, who signed the LGB protection bill) told New York State's welfare department that medical assistance will no longer cover hormones. And far more powerful voices now threw the LGBT youth under the bus.

And if gender neutral marriage does not pass in New York State, it will only be a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, as GENDER NEUTRAL MARRIAGE IS ALREADY RECOGNIZED IN NEW YORK STATE. You just have to go to a destination where it is legal to do so, and when you get back to New York State, you are a married couple. And if other-than-opposite sex couples still have to travel to Canada in order so those in the community who are less fortunate can get services, then so be it.

NOM, I am not, so don't even compare me to Maggie Gallagher. People like her would never support gender neutral marriage, no matter the circumstance. I would support an effort once many other facets of the LGBT community's issues are addressed, but because of my history of being an LGBT homeless person without appropriate services, the actions of Governor Cuomo are triggering. I know this will anger Gay Inc. and I will undoubtedly receive a lot of hate mail for this, but I am not looking to please the gaystream, so don't even try. Until New York 1) restores cuts to LGBT youth services, 2) passes GENDA, AND 3) gets rid of the provision banning Medicaid funds for transition procedures...I can't get behind this.

I've wrestled with this, and it has been an ethical dilemma for me, but....I'd just like to conclude with saying while I DO NOT OPPOSE MARRIAGE EQUALITY, I OPPOSE WHAT IT TOOK TO EVEN HAVE THIS CONSIDERED!!!

-Jordan Gwendolyn Davis