Regarding American equality: a gay secession manifesto

Time and time again, American political and democratic processes have failed the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. While we commend the efforts of our allies and comrades who have courageously fought for our right to be recognized as equal citizens by the law, it has become clear that we are not welcome in the United States of America.

Countless times, we have watched as our right to equality is put up to a public vote. And time and time again, even when those rights have been secured by forward-thinking, equality-minded legislatures and courts, we have watched American voters revoke those rights. The message is clear: In a majority of American voters’ eyes, we are less than full citizens. We are not worthy of the same protection under the law. Our children do not deserve the same rights as other children do to have two loving parents whose marriage is recognized by their state and government agencies. Our relationships, no matter how long-lasting, do not grant us the right to honor a partner’s dying wish, or be in the hospital room as she takes her last breath. Those relationships do not qualify (PDF) as valid enough to provide a needy child a loving home. Our economic contribution, when coupled with a partner’s with whom we share a home, does not warrant the same kind of government-granted reward in the form of a tax break. We are permitted to die for our country, but we cannot live openly as who we are.

Most Americans consider these things rights. Yet most Americans have demonstrated to us at the ballot box that, when it comes to us, the rights they enjoy are our privileges, granted and taken away at the whim of our “superiors”.

We had hope that the new U.S. Administration would bring with it a new era of equality. And we do recognize the progress made by the passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and the removal of the ban on HIV-positive immigration into the country.

But these are incremental improvements. The American government has failed to acknowledge that civil rights cannot and should not be put to a popular vote. By definition, the majority has no concern for the well-being of the minority. Were the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 put to a popular vote, it may not have passed. Civil rights – which is what we have been asking for, loudly and simply, since the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and before – are not the domain of public opinion.

We have been told to be patient. We have been told that progress is being made. We have been told that there are more pressing issues to attend to first.

But we are tired of waiting. We refuse to be second-class citizens. We refuse to continue to pay taxes and make political, social and economic contributions to a government, society and culture that does not permit us to live freely. We refuse to be complicit in a system that does not recognize our existence, let alone our inherent right to equality.

Following yet another failure by the American Democratic process – this time, a legislative process rather than a popular vote – to recognize or even vaguely protect our rights as equal citizens, we propose radical measures.

Therefore, we are claiming the U.S. states known as California, Oregon and Washington, in the name of LGBT former Americans, as a separate nation, heretofore to be known as LiBerTy Gayte.

LiBerTy Gayte will be a haven for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender former Americans who, like us, are fed up with government ignorance and disavowal of their very existence. Children of, and LGBT families are of course welcome in LiBerTy Gayte.

A representative parliamentary government will be elected by majority popular vote. The Nation’s capital will be San Francisco, a centrally located and historically queer location.

A sort of “Gayden of Eden,” LiBerTy Gayte citizens will enjoy the rights denied them in the United States. Initially, citizenship will be granted exclusively to LGBT former Americans. To establish a strong infrastructure and economic market, citizens will be given jobs according to their abilities.

While all professions are open to any citizens capable, we predict the creation of the following sectors:

Construction and Physical Infrastructure: LiBerTy Gayte Lesbians

Dept. of the Interior (Design): LiBerTy Gayte Gays

Dept. of Education: LiBerTy Gayte Trans Men and Women

Federal Drug Administration: LiBerTy Gayte Twinks

Dept. of Reproduction: LiBerTy Gayte Bisexual Men and Women

Dept. of Health & Fitness: LiBerTy Gayte Gym Bunnies and LiBerTy Gayte Granola Lesbians

Dept. of Homeland Security: LiBerTy Gayte Bears & Butches

Federal Council on Arts & Entertainment: LiBerTy Gayte Drag Queens

Dept. of Immigration & Naturalization: LiBerTy Gayte Sex Workers

To preserve the integrity of our Nation, prospective citizens must pass a citizenship exam, to be conducted by the Department of Immigration & Naturalization. This test will require potential citizens to prove their queerness by having sex with a person whose genitals match their own. Exceptions will be made for trans people as necessary, who will be granted citizenship provided they take an oath to remain loyal to the queer foundations of our Nation. Upon granting of citizenship, all new Gaytians will be required to recite the pledge of allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Fag,

Of LiBerTy Gayte

And to the Orientation

For which it stands

One Nation,

Under the Disco Ball,

Indefatigable,

With LiBerTy and Queerness for all.

While citizenship is not open to those who are not LGBT, Gisas (gay visas) are available for families, friends and allies of citizens. Any children of Gaytian parents will of course be naturalized citizens, regardless of the child’s own orientation.

Gaytians will enjoy certain social programs to ensure that they have the best, healthiest lives possible. All Gaytians will benefit from a universal health care system that covers all medical necessities for all citizens. Public education extends through an undergraduate degree.

Of course, same-sex marriage is legal and the accepted norm. Opposite-sex marriage is illegal, as it erodes the foundations of marriage and the traditional values upon which the Nation was founded. Exceptions will be made for queer people whose relationships may not fit into this rigid standard. As a Nation, we recognize that marriage is a civil right, and will not deny that right to any of our citizens.

LiBerTy Gayte strives to ensure the safety of LGBT people the world over – this drives our foreign policy. We will not engage in business relations with any entity that does not recognize full equality for its LGBT citizens. We will work with other nations to create inclusive policies where they are lacking, and will serve as an example of successful, peaceful incorporation of LGBT citizens.

Our belief in equality will drive our own policy-making and remain at the forefront of our National conscience. With the adoption of this manifesto, we will enjoy the same rights as every full American citizen does today.

In other words, we will finally be equal.