In other posts, I have argued for recognizing that efforts to create sexual and gender equality equality - equal rights and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people - must not be limited to a focus on changing laws.  Similar to changes in the law regarding race, ethnicity, and gender, words on paper do not necessarily translate into an improved cultural status of LGBT and queer people.  In some ways, we have achieved equality under the law, yet we still find ourselves having to defend our existence, particularly when we are perceived to radically differ from dominant (heterosexual, gender-conforming) values.  It seems, for some, they can "tolerate" LGBT and queer people so long as they do not have to see or interact with them.

For example, in covering the huge news story that our nation's capital, Washington, DC, began issuing marriage licences...