Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Dear Abby: You rock

I know it’s hard to believe, but some stuff does melt my cold, cold heart from time to time. And one of the things that gets me every single time is straight allies. I don’t know why strong voices of support from our straight friends, relatives and neighbors makes me go all warm and gooey at my center. I guess it’s because it’s not really their fight. They don’t have to get mired in the muck, or have much thrown at them. But still they raise their voices for what is right -- they raise their voices for us. And that, that is awesome in my book.

So today I raise a glass to Dear Abby, the syndicated advice columnist, who has officially announced her support of gay marriage. The column is written by Jeanne Phillips, who took over in 2002 from the original Abigail Van Buren, her mother Pauline Phillips.
“I believe if two people want to commit to each other, God bless ’em. That is the highest form of commitment, for heaven’s sake.”

Hold on, I’m a little verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves. I need a minute. OK, I’m back. So, why is this so important? Well, Dear Abby is only the most popular and widely-syndicated column in the world. Yes, the world. Her advice runs in 1,400 newspapers worldwide with a daily readership of more than 110 million people. People who read it for its “uncommon common sense and youthful perspective.” And now she is telling the world that anything less than full marriage rights for gays and lesbians is second-class citizenship. Talk about your uncommon common sense.

“If gay Americans are not allowed to get married and have all the benefits that American citizens are entitled to by the Bill of Rights, they should get one hell of a tax break. That is my opinion.”

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (which her mother, the original Abby, helped put on the map when she referred a parent to the support group in 1984) will honor Jeanne with its first-ever Straight for Equality Award. If she keeps saying stuff like this, maybe they should consider giving her the Most Awesome Straight Person in the World Award. What? It’s a real award. Or it should be.

“I’m trying to tell kids if they are gay, it’s OK to be gay. I’ve tried to tell families if they have a gay family member to accept them and love them as they always have.”

Oh, Abby. You are a dear. Thank you.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:12 AM

    A well deserved shout-out.

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  2. I totally agree, she's fantastic...she always gives really thoughtful advice, especially where gay people are concerned.

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  3. i agree with slacker, definitely well deserved.

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  4. Anonymous6:39 PM

    very cool - i had no idea - i thought of dear abby as an outdated "persona" so thanks for this insight

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  5. Anonymous4:33 PM

    This news, along with all the positive features on the internet regarding National Coming Out Day, give me hope that the tide is turning. Thanks for your thoughtful hat tip to Dear Abby.

    Pinkydoo

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  6. Anonymous11:19 PM

    She's taking some heat from conservatives over this--perhaps instead of posting kudos here, a letter (or a whole passel of 'em) to her would do a lot to balance perceptions.

    You can write to her via her syndicator.

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  7. Anonymous1:20 PM

    I'll just always remember hearing this quote about Dear Abby:

    "In a letter to "Dear Abby" a reader complained that a gay couple was
    moving in across the street and wanted to know what he could do to
    improve the quality of the neighborhood.
    Her suggestion - 'You could move.'"

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  8. Anonymous7:19 AM

    ..."You could move."

    That's great. :)

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  9. I have a framed letter from Dear Abby. In 1975 I wrote to her to ask her to publicize some information about an organization in San Francisco, called Lavender U, which offered classes in many subjects taught by and to gay people. She wrote to me,

    Dear Jay:

    Everyone who consistently reads my column knows that I am a friend to the gay community.

    I think your publication is a good one, and you may quote anything from my DEAR ABBY column concerning gays.

    I am a partner in the struggle for understanding, although I'm straight. (I have been such a vocal supporter, I've been told that many think I am gay.)

    I can't publicize your Lavender U. because it would bring hundreds of like requests. I am sure you understand.

    All good wishes...

    Truly,

    Abby

    dated April 17 / 75

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