“Fair-minded folks have waited a very long time for this day,” said Hamilton. “While it is certainly a major step forward for gay and lesbian Americans, all Americans can rest in the knowledge that our nation is truly moving toward a time when equality exists for all people.” ~ Red Dirt Report – See more […]
Originally published as an op-ed in The Oklahoman. Today culminates LGBT Pride Month for those of us in central Oklahoma. It is a time when lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender Oklahomans celebrate with allies in a public display of community. When asked, “Why do we need an LGBT pride parade?” I frequently answer, “Because […]
Why We Need A Pride Parade
I know it is Thanksgiving week and everyone is busy. That’s why I’m especially glad that you took a few moments to read this note. It was intended to be a brief Thanksgiving message to all of the incredible supporters and friends of the Cimarron Alliance Equality Center. In the first iteration, though, it became […]
A Lot for Which to Give Thanks
Sunday is Oklahoma City’s LGBT Pride Parade. The parade serves as the culmination of a month of celebrations, dances, film showings, church services, book signings, and concerts. Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Oklahomans will gather to march or watch the parade that signifies advancement, hope, and, yes, pride. This year, as almost every year, […]
…And I’m a Gay Oklahoman
Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern is foaming at the mouth again. She declared it “horrific” that this week’s ruling that California’s ban on same-gender marriage is unconstitutional. After I gave an interview on KTOK Radio this morning, she told the station that “homosexuality is a behavior and the question must be asked whether all behaviors […]
It’s Much More than Marriage
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This is a holiday I’ve long enjoyed. In the interest of full disclosure, I should admit that my family heritage is largely Irish and Scottish. So, it stands to reason that I would look forward to celebrating this holiday. But it goes beyond my cultural past. One of the reasons I […]
From Shamrocks to Rainbows
March 21st marks exactly one year since we opened wide the doors to the Cimarron Alliance Equality Center. Hundreds of people snaked around the building to celebrate the opening of a unique community center for Oklahoma City. There were lots of laughs and more than a few tears as women, men, youth, and children saw […]
A Year Later
On the eve of World AIDS Day, I can’t help but remember what World AIDS Day looked like 22 years ago, 10 years ago, even 5 years ago. Those were the days when we saw lots of red ribbons. They served as a constant reminder that the world faced a devastating crisis, and that so […]
Where Are the Red Ribbons?
In Laura Bush’s new book, “Spoken from the Heart,” she reveals that she is secretly supportive of same-gender marriage. Speaking on CNN, Mrs. Bush said, “I think we ought to look at gay marriage and debate it. A lot of people have trouble coming to terms with it, because they see marriage traditionally as a […]
Can We Talk?
This essay was originally published as a column in The Oklahoma Observer. There is a strange wind blowing through Oklahoma. Not the dangerous kind like that which destroyed entire communities in May and early this month. Although, to many Oklahomans, it might be perceived as even more dangerous than the most vicious tornado. It is […]
The Winds of Change are Blowing
This week another gay teen took his own life. His name was Raymond Chase. He is the fifth gay teen to commit suicide in the last few weeks. Even as I sit typing this I’m not sure what to say. I know the statistics, know that gay kids are bullied far more often than other […]
Enough is Enough
Once again, Rep. Sally Kern has allowed her ignorance and bigotry to stream forth. When the rest of the country—indeed, the world—was preparing to honor those we lost on 9/11, Kern again claims that gay folks are a greater threat to our country than terrorism. As inconceivable as it is, she claims AIDS as a […]
Sally Kern Must Go
These are the remarks offered by Scott J. Hamilton, at the Oklahoma State Capital as part of a caucus convened by Rep. Anastasia Pittman. Good morning. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here today, and I’m thankful to Representative Anastasia Pittman for providing this opportunity for meaningful dialogue in an effort to end bullying […]
Anti-Bullying Laws Must Protect ALL Children
A lot of LGBT folks that I have talked to this week have indicated they feel more persecuted over the Chick-fil-A controversy than at any point in their lives. Why? Because it is incredibly personal. How can it not be personal when thousands of our neighbors, family, and friends lined up to spend their hard-earned […]
I’m Sorry
In speaking with a trusted colleague this week about the Oklahoma Legislature’s joint resolution to (again) oppose same-gender marriage, he said he feels like we are failing at the capitol; that we aren’t doing enough for the people we are tasked to serve. I certainly understand this sentiment and found myself thinking the same thing. […]