Wayne Besen tells truth about 'Washington crack pipes'

Activist and unofficial mentor of mine (unofficial because he doesn't know it yet) Wayne Besen wrote a piece that I've taken to reading at least once a day in the last few weeks.

It is basically telling the lgbt community not to be distracted by the situation with President Obama so much so that we forget other facets of our fight for equality:

Political discourse has become an aphrodisiac that has seduced our community away from equally important issues. Perhaps it is time we go into rehab and free ourselves from the Washington crack pipe. It is a cheap high that rarely lasts and often leaves us broke and unsatisfied.

We all wanted King Obama to sweep into office, wave his magic wand and make discrimination disappear. I really wish he would, but it is clear that he won’t – or at least not as quick as we desire. So, why don’t we pry ourselves away from DC for a moment and try using our resources in alternative ways?

Anyone remember AIDS?

Ever hear of the multi-million dollar ex-gay industry that pumps out reams of propaganda to portray gay people as sick and “sexually broken?” Few people seem to notice, even though these groups spread harmful myths and poisonous stereotypes that impact our daily lives.

What about increasing funds to help GLBT youths who are thrown out of their homes? Or, scholarships, so these teens can succeed in life and maybe one day run for Congress?

How about focusing on the abuses against GLBT people overseas?

The aforementioned issues will not get you on a Congressman’s speed dial. It is unlikely that you will win a sparkling trophy or have a marble bust made of your head. The cable shows may not be dialing you at a frenzied pace. But, you might have a disproportionately positive impact and even save a few lives.

As a part time blogger, I really can't get into the thick of things when it comes to Washington, President Obama, etc.

Also, my specialty lies with studying the religious right; looking at their tactics and exposing whatever lies they put out.

And suddenly I'm starting to feel as irrelevant as the religious right in an Obama Administration. True, organizations like Focus on the Family and the American Family Association and people like Peter LaBarbera and Matt Barber seem to have less power.

But that doesn't make them any less dangerous. They still have the power to throw down roadblocks on the road to the lgbt community getting what we deserve.

So allow me to add a short addendum to Besen's very spot on piece.

Don't forget about the religious right. Don't sell them short and don't piss them away.

I certainly won't.