This cycle is shaping up to be the year the LGBT community got mad as hell and decided not to take it anymore.

Scratch that.

It's the year the opponents of equality were dared by the LGBT community, "Okay, say it to my face. Tell me I'm a second-class citizen." And more often than not, the gay community got their response on video.

Mitt Romney had just such an encounter with a military veteran who dared him to tell him his husband, his marriage, wasn't worth the state or federal government acknowledging. From the Boston Globe, an account of Mitt Romney's conversation with Bob Garon in Manchester, New Hampshire, described as a Vietnam veteran:



Garon challenged Romney, saying, “If two men get married, apparently a veteran’s spouse would not be entitled to any burial benefits or medical benefits or anything that the serviceman has devoted his time and effort to his country, and you just don’t support equality in terms of same-sex marriage?” Romney reiterated his support for the Defense of Marriage Act, and added, “And we apparently disagree.” “It’s good to know how you feel,” Garon said. “That you do not believe that everyone is entitled to their constitutional rights.” “No, actually, I think at the time the Constitution was written it was pretty clear that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Romney replied. “And I don’t believe the Supreme Court has changed that.” With that, a Romney aide interrupted, saying, “Governor, we’ve got to get on with Fox News right now.” “Oh,” said Garon. “I guess the question was too hot.” “No, I gave you the answer,” Romney said. “You did,” Garon said. “And I appreciate your answer. And you know, I also learned something and New Hampshire is right. You have to look a man in the eye to get a good answer, and you know what, Governor, good luck.” “Thank you, appreciate it,” Romney said. “Have a good day to you, sir.” “You’re going to need it,” Garon replied. “You are right about that,” Romney said as he left the table, and a group of reporters crowded around Garon. Garon said he was gay, and that he married his partner -- Bob Lemire – in June. He said he came to the diner – where he comes often for breakfast – undecided about Romney. He left decidedly disappointed.

Doh!

Well, if they want to mess with LGBT families, they can expect LGBT families to mess with their events, as happened to Rick Perry yesterday as well:

As he left the stage, Perry was confronted by several hecklers scattered around the room. The closest was Warren Blumenfeld, who teaches a gay studies course at nearby Iowa State University. Blumenfeld got quite close to the governor while yelling, "Why are you marginalizing people in this country? Why are you demonizing gay and lesbian people?"