Marriage Equality Repealed in Maine

I live in Maine.

Yesterday I was at a bar in Bangor with organizers from all over "northern" Maine as we debriefed and then watched the results come in. First we were optimistic – the numbers were in our favor. We watched as our lead shrunk, and then we fell behind.

I don’t think I will ever understand how this can happen, much less how this could have happened 34 times at this point. I’m 22 and I have been fighting for equality since I was 12. Obviously I’m not going to stop fighting, but I just don’t understand.

I cried long and hard last night as we drove back from Bangor to Ellsworth, and then as I drove myself back to Bar Harbor. And I know that, had we won, there wouldn’t have been heartbroken people on our opposition’s side crying. Their campaign was about fear and homophobia and lies. Ours was about love. I just don’t understand, and I don’t know I ever will.

I am so grateful for the amazing people I met during this campaign. Beth, Fran, Mkayla, Vince and Jeana are all amazing people and I feel so lucky to have them on my side. And I know we will win this. But, again, it hurts.

Even if you don’t believe in marriage because it’s a patriarchal institution, or it’s not something you want for yourself or you don’t believe that people should have to be coupled to get tax breaks or whatever you reasons – please be kind to your LGBT friends who do believe that marriage equality is important. I walked into the cafeteria today and a friend of mine took one look at me and just gave me a hug, and then her boyfriend did the same. It means so much to have supportive friends – let’s all be kind for awhile here, and not play the blame game, yes?