Clay Aiken, A Slow And Steady Kind Of Guy

Today Clay Aiken is to give a speech at HRC Carolina's Gala. From their website,

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all

Clay spoke with Matt Ehlers of the News and Observer a few days ago. My favorite quote from that article:

"There are people who are loud and make noise, and there are people who are deliberate and slow and steady," Aiken said during an interview this week at a downtown coffee shop. "Right now, at this point in my life, I feel like a slow and steady person." using his celebrity to make a difference and bring attention .

Admittedly, I am a huge fan of Clay Aiken; not just the music, but also of the person that he is. He lives by example, lending his voice and celebrity to important causes when he can. I believe he fits right in with the cause of the HRC. While I have always supported equal rights for all people, I never knew much about that cause. Since Clay came out of the closet as a gay man almost a year and a half ago, many people, including me, are learning more about the struggle that LGBT persons have on a daily basis to just enjoy the same rights that every other American enjoys.

There are many blogs and articles about today's event. One of the best can be found at this link,
Pam's House Blend:: NC: Raleigh native Clay Aiken to give equality speech at Saturday's HRC Carolinas Gala

The visibility of Aiken, who doesn't consider or present himself as an "activist," speaks volumes in a state like NC. We have few statewide rights (we do have hospital visitation parity, and an inclusive anti-bullying bill), but our metro areas are surprisingly fertile and vibrant ground for LGBTs to plant roots and live comfortably out of the closet. And that's what Clay means by slow and steady - we're not going to receive our rights on a fast track; we have to effect change by living our lives out when it is safe to do so. I know it's sometimes hard to explain to those from gay ghettos how things are different here, it's not entirely oppressive, but it's not the Castro by a long shot.

To read the entire article, click above. It's great.