My North Carolina

(Kevin Siers, Charlotte Observer)

I had a blog post all planned out about things I've learned since being in DC. They were things like, "Pace yourself if you're trying to walk up the escalator at Dupont Circle" and "Learn your alphabet so you know how to find L Street" but then Amendment One passed and well, I don't want to talk about those things just yet.

I don't want to talk about it because I am sad. My heart is sad for the families in North Carolina who are affected by this. My heart is sad because I - someone who is not even close to being married - could be married next week but those who have been in loving, committed relationships for years, are farther from that dream tonight than they were this morning.

My heart is sad for the message we have sent to the rest of the country about what we value in NC. Because Amendment One does not represent the NC I know and love. It does not represent the values that I learned there. I was raised by parents who taught me to be accepting of all people. I don't have to like everyone and I don't have to agree with everyone but, I should respect and try to see the best in people. I did not grow up in a community of intolerance. I was raised in a church that taught me about a God who is Love. Not a God who would spite people for loving others.

We're supposed to learn from our mistakes - that's why I had to sit through years of history class, right? Well you would think North Carolina, a southern state, would have learned a helluva lot of lessons throughout history, particularly about discrimination and hate. Apparently, we have a long way to go.

And while my heart hurts for those who simply want the rights they deserve, the rights to love and family, I know that this is not the end. It was inspiring to see so many people stand up for civil rights. Those who usually aren't vocal stood up to say NO. They wrote in papers, they posted on social media, and they voted.  I hope and pray (because I truly believe God's with me on this one) that in the near future we look back and say, "What were we thinking?" This was not a religious issue. This was about basic civil rights.

And to my friends who are gay, know that you are loved too. This decision does not reflect the North Carolina I know. And one day soon - hopefully very soon - we'll all prove that.