Virginia is a state that has had it's fair share of laws that aim to limit, control and colonize the bodies, idenities and families of all of who challenge, weather inherently or through action, the status quo. In fact, we are currently seeing some of the worst anti-woman, anti-healthcare and anti-abortion access legislation in the entire country. There seems to be a need, by "the powers that be" to control the decisions and lives of others by taking legal action against them. In this same way, we are seeing LGBTQI families and friends being attacked, controlled and limited through a legislation that favors homophobia rather than kinship.

Now, we can all regonized the bigotry that exists among many Virginians. One only needs to look at some of the comments on this site to understand that. In the same way that I feel compelled to write on here in the hopes of creating new insight, educating and inventing possibilites for us to look beyond this single issue--folks are taking the time and energy to offer homophobic, deductive statements. However, we must also be fair to acknowledge the wonderful strength, resiliency and legacy of Virginians who have been fighting long and hard for social justice and transformative change--think Loving vs. Virginia for example. I oppose the anti-gay adoption legislation. I am opposed to this for several ranging reasons: including the fact that it is blatantly homophobic, it is not only an attack LGBTQ parents but an attack on the children who have no homes at the moment. 

Moreover, I would like to center this conversation not only around the idea of anti-gay adoption policies but open it to a larger context; one where we critically think about the connection between this homophobic adoption policy and the attack on women's reproductive freedom. Or the connection between the way that our identities as LGBTQ parents are being policed and controlled in the same way that people of color are attacked through institutional racism. And let's not forget that some of us embody both race and sexuality at the same time.  What does it mean for a body of individuals--who tend to be completely disconnected from the people who they are attacking and affecting--to make legislative decisions that undermine the community actually affected by the policy. Let us connect this struggle to the collective struggles of all oppressed people. 
 

LGBTQ families are inherently revolutionary and it is moments like these that remind us of the resiliency, fabulosity and possibility of LGBTQ kindship. 

I know I've rambled and perhaps some of this may not resonate well with folks because of how frantic it may seem but I wanted to get my thoughts out there before the forum is closed. I want to thank all of you who have the courage to comment and stand up for justice. Those of you who have come before me (as I am young, in my early 20s) and those who will come after me. Much Love and keep fighting, ya'll. <3