R002346
Wednesday, March 20, 2002 11:44 AM
9/11 GLBTQ Discrimination Complaint
My name is . I'm 20 years old, and live in Charlotte, NC, USA. I am writing today because I was informed that GLBTQ partners of
some of those killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center will not be
equally compensated as surviving loved ones. This, simply put, is not only a
shock, but is also unaduleratedly disgusting.
I'm shocked because after 9/11 happened, we were all drawn together,
lines of societal and cultural division seemed less important, and I hoped
that would make a lasting impression on the climate of social equality in
America. But, when it comes to money, those groups of people who outnumber
others will use their majority rule to ensure their needs are met first, but
pay little or no regard to the equal merits and needs those who differ from
them.
It is time for ALL Americans to realize that queer people suffered right
alongside "straight" people during and after those attacks. We suffered the
same losses, the same financial hardships, and the same fears- especially
those queer people who indeed lost their significant other or family member
on that fateful day. My heart goes out to them more than anything, because
now they are being told that because they were not a male and female together
(in a relationship some would dare venture to say is the only "natural" kind
of romantic bond there is), their love, and indeed, their painful loss, would
be and never will be as great as the straight majority who outnumber them.
Please keep my comments in consideration during the final distribution
of aid funds to the families of the victims of September 11. Thank you.
Individual Comment
Charlotte, NC