Most people view Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as just another day off. A time to get things done you can’t get done during the work week or just do anything you want. I hope at least once today everyone took a moment to reflect upon the reasons we celebrate this man’s life. He did so much for civil rights. I was the typical American today. I ran errands, had lunch with my mother, laid on the couch and watched TV, and did laundry. Believe it or not, though, I actually did think about Martin Luther King, Jr. today and what he did for our country and for me as a gay man. He led the way for civil rights for everyone. Thinking about what MLK did for the African American community made me realize the gay community has a long way to go. At a time when the country is going backward and the lack of basic civil rights for gays, we need a man like MLK. We need someone who can bring people together, speak articulately of our concerns, work with the people in power to make change occur. Who will be our leader?

Last night I watched “In The Life” on PBS. The show was about changing portrayals of gays and lesbians on TV. It was interesting but it was the last part of the show where Harvey Firestein gives his opinion on things that got me a little pissed off. He talked about the election and the state of gay rights and what we can. In so many words he said gay people need to come out and be openly gay. While this is fine for your personal life, some of us have jobs that we’d like to keep. We aren’t wealthy enough to come out and lose our jobs and still survive. What would be the point of coming out at work and having rights if you’re living on the streets? I think rich gay people or gay celebrities can easily tell others to come out because they are in the financial position to sustain not working. Unfortunately, I can’t do that. I’m sure if I tried to be out at work I’d lose my job so fast it would make your head spin. Or at least go through hell trying to keep it. I’m sure some of my colleagues already suspect I’m gay and I’m sure there are some parents who suspect I’m gay. But I’m not out. I don’t have a rainbow bumper sticker, nor am I seen protesting or anything like that. I’m sure if I did those things I could kiss 18 years of retirement goodbye. I guess it just makes me mad when I hear guys say “you have to come out”. I understand how being out will help our cause but being a teacher of young children, I can’t be out and keep my job. It’s that simple.

I also must say that I am very thankful and grateful for all those who are able to come out and openly support our causes. I appreciate all those who have come before me and paved the way for the few rights we have now. I think everyone has to do something of course. The way I can help right now is to support and vote for the men and women who can bring about change. We should be angry right now, we should be shouting, and protesting and voicing our disgust for the state this country in but we all have to do it in our own way.