Linda Valdez

The Republic | azcentral.com

There's a steady march toward justice in America.

You won't see it in the hysteria over migrant children.

You won't see it in the GOP's relentless bashing of the nation's first Black president.

But it's happening.

Daughter by daughter, son by son. It's happening.

America's sometimes unfulfilled but always shining ideals are triumphing.

I'm gay, says a son. And the parents join a "more light church" that welcomes all God's children.

I'm a lesbian, says a daughter. And her family keeps their arms open wide. This changes nothing: You still have to clean your room.

Acceptance. Love. OMG, they didn't freak out.

These are enormous victories. The condemnation from other parents — past and present — still reverberates in the lives of those who were rejected for being who they are. For whom they love.

But the times they are a changin'. The once-closeted have been opening the door and walking into the light for years. It was courageous, and it was necessary.

America got to know her gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual children. Americans began to see them as people, not objects of fear and loathing.

Neighbors. Co-workers. Friends. Daughters and sons. Sisters and brothers. Sometimes nice, sometimes jerks. People. Just like anybody else.

There was plenty of fear-mongering and backlash. Still is. Groups with words like "traditional" and "values" in their name peddle bigotry. And it sells. But not as easily as it used to.

A decade ago, nearly a dozen states — including Arizona — outlawed same-sex marriage. They talked about the "gay agenda" as though it were at the heart of every evil thing. Children's books about two mommies were denounced as Satan's tool.

But still. Those daughters and sons wouldn't stop talking about who they are. Those co-workers and friends refused to live a lie anymore.

Minds changed. Hearts opened. It happened so fast that it almost seems impossible. It was a social change of enormous magnitude in the blink of an eye. Though it must feel like an eternity to loving couples who are still denied marriage equality.

I don't care who gets to throw the bouquet. Everybody should have the chance to say "I do." I love being married, and the more couples who join my husband and me in that institution, the better and stronger it will be.

All you need is love, to quote the Beatles. God is love, to quote the Bible.

Now, a majority of Americans tell pollsters they think same-sex couples should be allowed to wed. Now, the courts are tearing down the barriers.

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Orwellian-named Defense of Marriage Act. Since then, more than 20 courts have sided with same-sex couples.

This month, a federal appeals court threw out Oklahoma's ban on same-sex marriage. Last month, the same court threw out Utah's. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said the U.S. Constitution protects same-sex couples.

This isn't the last word. There will be more court battles. The rulings are on hold. Same-sex couples in those states are still waiting for the full measure of justice. But it will come. Same-sex marriage is legal in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Oklahoma's Republican Gov. Mary Fallin sputtered about the court "ignoring the will of the people." After all, 75 percent of Oklahoma voters approved the same-sex marriage ban in 2004.

Sorry, Gov. Fallin. In America, even a majority cannot deny somebody's rights. Not forever.

So, we advance. State by state. Life by life. Human victory by human victory.

The haters will keep on hating. But justice is moving like a cool breeze through the desert after a summer rain. It smells sweet, and it's full of promise.

Take a moment to savor it.