The Equal Rights Blog Hop

Hello everyone,

I am honoured to be a part of The Queer Town Abbey's Equal Rights Blog Hop! First congratulations

on the ruling for gay marriage against prop 8! It is a major win and I am happy it turned out that way. I live in a country where our government has passed a law making gay marriage legal and I am so proud to be Canadian!

When I was asked and noticed the topic was about how it felt to be a part of the LGBT community and what it means to me, I almost said no. Why? Because my membership within the LGBT community is like Ben Aflect getting a Master's from a university he's never been to. My membership is an honoured membership. I have been recruited by some of the best friends one could find anywhere.

So, here goes.

Since we're being honest here, at times I find being a part of the LGBT community to be a lot like high school. I used to make it bother me that hateful people believe I shouldn't be here and I should be excluded because I'm merely a honoured member. Numerous times I've had to put my foot down. But the majority of the people I've come across have been wonderful and welcome my support and love

because they know it comes from all the best places. A few times I came close to quit and go back to being the old me, not really caring about anything and going about my life in a my own personal bubble. Then I remembered why I began writing MM romance/erotica to begin with. I am here to be the difference from my community--I'm here to be an ambassador from those in the Jamaican culture that is open-minded, loving and supportive of all people.

But one of the MAIN reason I continue, is because I support LOVE - I don't care if its between a man and woman, or a man and another man, or a woman and another woman, or a trans and another trans--who cares really? Love is Love! Its the one thing we are all good at! It's free and good and full of light.  Being a part of the LGBT community is special for me because one of my best friends (who I adore like I adore chocolate - actually she is the only friend I love more than chocolate) is a part of the community. She's been nothing but special and adoring and loving and helpful and supportive to me. I began my fight for LGBT equality after her and I fell deeply in friendship--she brought me here.

Here's what I want to say.

Equality is not just for blacks (myself included), or for whites in other places--its not just about colour. The fight for equality has taken on a different scope no one saw coming. From being on 'this side' of the forest watching the trees, I know how hard it is for people to open up and accept someone who is gay or trans. I've seen someone gotten beaten, disowned, hair cut off in her sleep all because of three simple words - I-am-gay!

It is not necessary to hate. You cannot catch gay. Do not look at this as just fighting for the rights to be Married. A gay person is fighting for the right to be alive, to be considered human. Look beyond who someone sleeps with and look at the human that is there. Without equality there cannot be any happiness. A person cannot be afraid to be who they are and be happy. Sadly it doesn't work like that.

You may not 'agree' with equality for the LGBT community but you have to show respect to the person. Fight for what is RIGHT.

Now this hop keeps right on trucking so please click here to see other amazing authors!

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,
Remmy Duchene

AND PS: PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE NOT ONLY TO CONTINUE THE HOP BUT TO ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TONS OF COOL PRIZES - FROM eBOOKS TO AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATES!