The debate in recent times has focused upon the notion of "gay marriage". Although this has been a fantastic vehicle for generating support around a cause, it is something of a red herring. The issue here is basic human rights and the fragrant violation of them. The prohibition of marriage among same sex attracted people is but a subset of much more widespread violation of human rights.
The recent support of "gay marriage" by Barack Obama is a major win for the millions of gay people around the world still oppressed by heterosexual rule. From all counts, the debate is growing in momentum, with more and more press coverage of the absurd arguments and coalitions banding together opposing gay people from marrying.
The next wave of gay right must fight for recognition that being gay is normal. It occurs across all cultures despite explicit attempts to make it illegitimate. If we take it even further, there is widespread evidence of same-sex relations across all species. Being gay is not biologically or socially deviant, it is plain and simply normal.
Gay people play essential roles in society, well beyond any simplistic reproduction of the species. We play vital roles in families and in communities. These must be recognised and celebrated for our contribution to the whole of society. Being gay isn't really that fabulous, or anything we need to scream from the rooftops. We just want to get on with our lives, and contribute to the lives of others, without our basic human rights being withheld.
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