Dear Editor:

Imagine your government denying you 1,183 rights. Imagine living in a country where the ballot box is used as weapon to deny your human rights and your individual liberty. Imagine living in fear of sharing with your family and community who you are; fear because you have faced discrimination and hate and some like you are cast out of their home by their parents.

Unfortunately, I am not describing some far off foreign nation. These are the realities for many gays and lesbians in America.

Some people have asked me, why should you and I, people who are straight, get involved with an issue that does not affect us? Just as millions of whites, Hispanics and Asians fought for civil rights for African Americans, it is incumbent on us to speak out against

injustice against our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.

This is the modern day civil rights movement, a movement supported by organizations like the NAACP and Coretta Scott King.

As Dr. King once wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Straight people need to realize that this is our fight too!

Fortunately, we live in a progressive state and city. In New York State 53% support legalizing gay marriage, with 39% opposed.

Most elected officials in Queens support marriage equality (New York State Senator Onorato has said he will vote against marriage equality). Politicians should be careful not being caught on the wrong side of history.

Marriage equality legislation has passed in the NYS Assembly and is only a few votes

away from passing in the NYS Senate. Senator Onorato, join us in making equality a reality in New York State.

Sincerely,

Matt Bishop

Astoria