I join with much of the world on congratulating Barrack Obama on winning the US Presidency. I also share the hope and optimism for a friendlier, more intellectual relationship with the rest of the world. It was truly an emotional and inspiring evening, especially when my partner and I watched his acceptance speech.

While it was a great and historic moment in American history, somewhat lost in the all the excitement and celebration was the passing of 4 State-level propositions aimed squarely at the GLBT community by the Christian right. Arizona, California and Florida all voted in favour of amending their state constitutions to officially make gay and lesbian same-sex marriage illegal.

I really can’t understand how 61% of California voters could chose change, and a President who is a member of a visible minority, while on the very same ballot voting 52% in favour of rejecting equal rights for GLBT members of their own community. (Arizona voted 56% to ban gay marriage and Florida voted 62% in favour.)

In a related proposition, 57% of voters in Arkansas voted to ban Gay and Lesbian couples from adopting children. This is something even Texas allows, which I know because two good friends in Houston are in the midst of adopting the 2 foster children they have been caring for.

I made the mistake of reading a Pro Prop 8 (California) website before the election and was amazed at the lies and scare-tactics being employed. One ‘minister’ went so far as to tell his lemmings how since Canada passed gay marriage evangelical ministers were being arrested and jailed for saying homosexuality is wrong. Garbage! He also compared the impact of passing Prop 8 to the impact of 9-11. Say What?!?!?  I really should stay away from those kinds of websites. It just sends my blood pressure soaring!

Some will tell me “Girl, mind your own business!” Sure, I am not an American and therefore have no direct say in this election, but I have American friends and just as liberal-minded people around the globe celebrated Obama’s win, Gay and Lesbians around the globe share a frustration and disappointment at the continued ignorance and intolerance shown by a significant percentage of Americans towards its GLBT community.

One way we “non-Americans” can express our frustration is to vote with our wallets by choosing where we visit and spend our “gay dollars”. Personally, my high-heels will not be landing in California, Florida, Arkansas or Arizona in the foreseeable future.

For Americans living in a less-than-liberal state, consider moving! I hear Vermont is nice this time of year. We also have a growing community of American GLBT ex-pats who have migrated north of the border to enjoy our peaceful and accepting way of life, which despite the re-election of a Conservative Prime Minister, is not threatened.

One final thought is that while I do hope this is a bright new day for American tolerance and optimism, keep in mind that 46% of Americans voted for 4 more years of the Republican Party, economic disaster, war, and the potential for Sarah Palin as President. Yikes!! Clearly many Americans are still trying to walk upright without dragging their knuckles.

Smooches!
Anna Rexia