) in life if something major happened. He is a dear person. He & his partner do not want to get married. They've been together for 20 years.
sarahb|1436721476|3901959 said:Getting back to the issue of equality, I just wanted to share my own personal experience.
Back in the late 70's early eighties, my dad's sister divorced her husband & came out. Everyone initially was aghast. Remember the atmosphere in the 70's? Our family holds midwestern values--Christian, pretty conservative, upper middle class, college educated, white collar--the epitome of the white picket fence. Being gay was a closely held secret back in those days.
When she came out I was in my early 20's & her mother (my grandmother) broke off ties with her. A few years later, my EXTREMELY conservative mother had Thanksgiving & invited my Aunt and convinced Grandma to come. That initiated the thaw. They healed the rift, & Grandma and the entire family came to love her partner. Now, my aunt & her partner are married. They've been together 30 plus years. Their wedding was really a beautiful ceremony.
Fast forward 30+ years: I go to a gym religiously. One of my gym friends quickly became one of my very best friends. He is gay. He would be my 2nd phone call (1st husband
My husband & I--a few years ago--realized our son is gay. He is our only. I am so thankful in so many ways. He is my love. My personal experiences from my Aunt, to my gym friend, to my son, has made me come to realize that for EVERYONE, anyone, no matter what--should be treated & afforded the exact same rights as anyone else.
And here's my point:
For some on this thread, who have not had direct & personal experience thinking though the issue from my vantage point, may or may not, come to the same conclusions I have. I've simply adopted the perspective, of: if it bothers some people, big deal. Not going to let it ruin my day. Our family has so much to be thankful for in the big picture. I've watched my Grandmother, (Grandfather had already passed) Father and Mother come to the same conclusion--I am thankful they had the courage back in those early days when it was such a taboo subject to be so accepting. I understand how this can be such a polarizing topic, but it really doesn't need to be. Be with the love of your life, I know I did & he is wonderful, why should that same freedom & all that it affords--be denied to another person.
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I hope you are doing well! & Jordyonbass, I'd have to think the attitude of your Grandfather emanates from the wealth of age & maturity. I find older people fascinating. They are so wise.