Beating the Bullies

Damn, these guys are cool, pink shirts and all. I kinda want to hug them. Not that way. But still.

One of my U.S. relatives (a little older, sweet and wonderful, and definitely not a bully) supports various religious-right causes and is OK with forms of anti-gay discrimination, such as the ban on civil unions between same-sex partners. When the subject came up the other week, I said, as politely as possible, "You know, your camp has already lost — you just don't know it yet. We're moving inexorably to equal rights. In 25 or 30 years, none of this will even be a topic of legitimate discussion anymore."

But she did know. She nodded and said (and I don't think she was just humoring me) "I believe you're right." And she smiled and didn't even seem upset.

Little steps.

[via Andrew Sullivan]