"It's Time" : A Second Try for Civil Unions in Colorado

Thinking historically, as we have been doing here at the history project, can have the effect of distracting us from important contemporary issues facing the LGBTQ community. It is easy to relegate injustice to memory and take comfort in the belief that things are surely better than than were. No doubt things have changed and yes, the progress we have seen in this country has largely been away from injustice and towards more just and equal treatment of non heterosexual Americans. After all, we can watch boys kissing on prime time television and gay men and women can serve openly in the military. Something is changing...

Despite this progress - and I certainly do not mean to belittle the important victories achieved - there is much to be done, much to fight for still. I was reminded of one of these persistent impediments to equality this evening at  a rally for civil unions hosted by One Colorado and the Strong Families Coalition right here at CC's Cornerstone Arts Center. The event brought together supporters and activists from around the state to recognize the official start of One Colorado's 2012 Campaign for civil unions. The rally just happened to coincide with the opening of 2012 legislative session. Hours earlier Sen. Pat Steadman (D- Denver) introduced the Colorado Civil Union Act to the General Assembly.

Brad Clark, Executive Director of One Colorado, addresses the crowd at the civil union kick off rally. January 11, 2012.

We heard from community members, activists, mothers, lovers, and allies dedicated to fighting for legislative action that would provide same sex couples those most basic rights currently denied them. As it was iterated and reiterated this evening, it's time for change.