What We Need

There are so many initiatives related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations... and I think this is a very good thing.  However the fact that these exist is often perceived by people outside of the LGBT community to mean that we want or need something unique and special.  I haven't seen a single mission statement, program objective or proposal that seeks to elevate the LGBT population above others. It is all pretty simple really.  IMHO what we need is:

• First - what we don't need... is an intervention.  We don't need to be repaired, cured, re-oriented or any other such thing, thank you very much!
• The same respect that every human being deserves... to be regarded and treated with respect regarding who we are.  If who we are conflicts with your personal views, respect the rights of LGBT persons to be who we are and live authentic lives.
• The same legal status as our heterosexual peers - call it what you want, I'm not so worried about semantics.  If we would choose to enter into a legal partnership with another soul on life's path, we should have that option.
• To know that our sisters and brothers, have our backs, that they won't be a part of oppressive systems... that they will in fact treat us as deserving equals.  Not superiors, but not inferior either. To quote Aunt Eller in the musical Oklahoma! "I'm not saying that I'm better than anybody else... but I'll be danged if I aint just as good!"

Doesn't seem like too much to ask.