When it comes to advocates, there is arguably no better advocate than the President of the United States. While hosting an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) pride reception in the East Room of the White House today, President Obama said that he would be a “fellow advocate” as long as he is president. A little over a month ago President Obama publically “came out of the closet” on the issue of gay marriage, announcing his support of equal rights for the gay community. Obama admitted that he and the first lady, Michelle, had “evolved” on this issue while many Americans are still “evolving.”
As a Christian, my view on same-sex marriage is quite the opposite from the president’s view; however, expressing my urge for cognitive dissonance, I am supportive of the President and many of his policies. Furthermore, in re-framing his stance in support of same-sex marriage from a civil-rights perspective, I can understand and have empathy for the marginalized (LGBT) citizens. In a not too distant past, it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was a passionate advocate for African/Black Americans in pursuit of civil-rights. As was the case for blacks then, advocating for the gay community is not popular, but only time will tell if the President stands on the right side of this issue as we now know that Dr. King did for black civil rights.
