Lgbtq and undocumented - I learn something new today

To tell the truth, I never gave the subject of immigration much thought. I've thought of immigrants - particularly undocumented immigrants - as yet another set of pawns for those well-to-do folks in pressed suits and photogenic faces seeking public office.

But I never devoted any time or energy to the subject, not to mention to the plight of lgbtq undocumented immigrants.

That is until today. There was an awesome panel discussion this afternoon during LGBT Netroots Connect featuring four lgbtq undocumented immigrants.

Four very intelligent, highly talented individuals whose only drawback was the fact that this country's piss poor immigration policy made it difficult for them to excel and take full advantage of what this country has to offer.

Some of their stories sadden me almost to the point of tears - such the story of the young lady who contemplated killing herself at the time she was supposed to graduate from high school because she was unable to go to college because of her undocumented status.

Or that of the young man who wanted his father to see him graduate but was unable to get that dream fulfilled because his father was jailed for driving without a license - being undocumented, he couldn't receive one.

As an lgbt of color, I could relate to these individual in a way. It's not easy being a member of two minorities, to have your identity and worth doubly questioned, and to be caught in the middle when the entities engage in a tug of war over position and relevancy.

That panel discussion definitely gave me perspective and emphasizes the perception I've always had regarding the lgbtq struggle for equality.

It is a mult-faceted, multi-ethnic, multi-national struggle. While lgbtqs fight for equality in New York or California, we should never forget those who, while not the recipient of as much attention, struggle with as much dignity and vigor as those who do get face time.