LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
VIEW Point: Goodbye Atlanta, hello Delaware |
by Andrew Keegan |
Remember the children's story about the country mouse that moved to the city?
Well, this is a reversal of that classic tale. Relocating from a large city to a small town poses many challenges, especially for a gay couple. Will we find an affordable, comfortable home? Will neighbors wonder why the two out-going, new guys next door already have a great looking yard in only a few weeks? Where's the nearest Target? And of course, the big one; While seeking employment, will I face discrimination due to sexual orientation? Recently, my partner accepted a research position at the University of Delaware Marine College in Lewes-population of about 3,000. For me, having either worked or lived in metro Atlanta, with close to four million residents, for the past 18 years, this was going to be quite an adjustment. Now, a full month later there are some answers to earlier concerns. Yes, we have a relatively satisfying home, a mere five minutes from Lewes beach and conveniently three miles from gay-friendly Rehoboth. Neighbors, all of whom are straight, readily introduced themselves and we've dinner invitations. Unfortunately, the closest Target is 40 miles away, but I hear one will soon be coming to the area. The job scenario has been more challenging. Having been employed as an editorial assistant at Southern Voice, the Southeast's largest gay/lesbian publication, for more than two years, it's not as though I can circumvent the fact that I'm gay from perspective employers. After receiving positive feedback from the editors of two local publications, neither of which had a full-time position available, at least I felt encouraged. One deemed my work "very professional" and both indicated they would attempt to send freelance assignments my way. Unfortunately, the next experience reeked of discrimination. Within a week of moving in, the Delaware State News ran an ad for an editorial "support staff" position. What luck! Given my previous journalism experience in a similar multi-tasking position, this job would be a perfect fit. I e-mailed a resume along with samples of my writing to the Delaware State News. A week passed with no contact from the paper. I followed with an e-mail inquiring if my resume had been received. A short "Yes," was the only response. Okay, having worked in the crazy world of deadlines, I could understand how certain priorities often are placed in a holding pattern. Another week passed, no word from the Delaware State News. I sent another e-mail inquiring when interviews would begin. When I received a response of "I don't know," the picture was becoming a little clearer. Funny, the ad stated there was an "immediate opening," yet two weeks later there's no time-frame for a review process? Apparently, my writing clips consisting entirely of 'gay news' did not set well with someone. Giving the paper the benefit of the doubt, perhaps the "problem" was in human resources, I e-mailed the publisher, executive editor and managing editor, explained the situation and asked if sexual orientation was a determining factor in the employment process. The trio elected not to respond to repeated inquiries. And why should they? Currently, in the state of Delaware it's not illegal for private businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation. A year ago, the Delaware House of Represen-tatives passed a measure, House Bill 99, that would make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations and insurance. Regrettably, the bill remains buried in the Small Business Committee of the Senate thanks to Sen. Robert Venables, who chairs the committee. If the Senate does not act on the measure by June 30 when the legislature adjourns, the bill dies and would have to be re-introduced again in another legislative session. Who knows, perhaps I would not have been selected for the editorial position, despite my qualifications, but at least I should have been granted an equal opportunity. Frankly, fellow unenlightened Delawarians, despite what you've been told for decades by self-serving politicians, there's no such thing as a gay "lifestyle." If striving for a rewarding career, comfortable surroundings, lower taxes, reduced crime, sound education and international peace are part of the "gay lifestyle," then the majority of people worldwide subscribe to it. Yet, there's a difficult and lengthy path to travel before basic human rights are available for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. And, since education remains the primary ingredient for the advancement of any civilization, it becomes especially disturbing when a publication like the State News, chooses to join an area where public prejudice is still tolerated. The news media can affect and reflect attitudes toward all minorities. Perhaps it's time for a certain publication, along with the state of Delaware, to take another look in the mirror. Andrew Keegan can be reached via e-mail at keegan3@yahoo.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 05, May 17, 2002. |