Equality: Why The Debate?

My friend and colleague Lori Voornas made front-page news today in the Portland Press Herald.

She didn’t cure cancer, discover the fountain of youth or even hold up a local convenience store.

She “came out”, admitting that she is gay.

Huh?

Why is this “news”?

Lori is one third of the #1 rated morning radio program in Portland, “The Q Morning Show” on 94.9 WHOM’s sister station WJBQ (Q97.9) and she made the revelation on the air this past Tuesday.

Of course, those close to her were always aware of her orientation—and many listeners and advertisers had suspected she was gay. All of us were a bit taken aback with the attention the announcement has garnered.

After over 20 years on the air at Portland, Maine radio stations, Lori chose to “come out” due to significant changes in her life—ones that she felt needed to be shared with listeners who have come to know her over the years. While the Q audience has been well aware of her other radio partner’s personal lives and families (Meredith and Jeff regularly share this info), Lori was sometimes the mystery woman. Single, living on Munjoy Hill and sometimes referencing a “roommate” in the past, we knew about her cats, but that’s about it.

Fast forward to the trifecta of changes, all taking place in days: moving to Falmouth, getting married to her significant other (complete with children) and, oh yeah…...the gay thing. Too many momentous elements to keep from a weekly audience who consider her a friend in so many ways.

The response to the “news” (ahem) has been overwhelmingly positive—from listeners and advertisers alike. An outpouring of congratulations, love and support have graced the Q Morning Show Facebook page, e-mails and over the phone.

Have there been “haters”? Yes, on the Press Herald website in the comment section and at least one phone call from someone who:

a) was a huge fan of the show but
b) now will stop listening following the “revelation”

That’s OK—never was there an intent to “promote” a lifestyle, be controversial or shock the audience. The need was simply to be real---re-enacting a discussion that happens in families every single day.

All I know is that Lori Voornas is a kind, funny and wonderful person—and her life partner Jen is as well. I wish them all the happiness in the world and know that her true friends feel the same way.

The larger issue would be the notion that anyone’s personal life choices should be fodder for judgment. The politics that have blocked legislation aimed at ensuring rights for those denied them always mystifies me.

I don’t need to “agree” with a gay lifestyle—or even understand it. It’s like “agreeing” with oxygen. It just is. It’s a fact of life—and the estimate that about ten percent of the population is gay means that we’re talking about A LOT of people. Those seeking to “protect marriage” somehow believe that gay unions somehow dilute heterosexual marriage.

I would disagree—and state that a nearly 50% divorce rate is more of a threat to heterosexual marriage than same-sex unions.

Let’s remove any issue of equality from our politics. Can the conservative right make a decision to focus on fiscal policy and abandon social positions that are a throwback to the 50’s, when there were obviously no gay people in existence? Sarcasm aside, social equality shouldn’t be the subject of debate, but rather of universal consensus.

Who shouldn’t be treated equally?

It was on this date in 1920---less than 100 years ago---that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.

At that time, there was actually organized OPPOSITION to allowing women entry to the ballot box.

The same thing is happening today—and a hundred years from now, people in 2111 will wonder why the fight over gay marriage was such a big deal.

For those who use the Bible as a battering ram to block any efforts at enforcing equality, may I quote another verse:

“Judge not, lest ye be judged”

Congratulations, Lori and Jen—we love ya!

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com