cityXtra Magazine

Publisher's Note

By David Vandygriff

I just wanted to take a few moments to thank our President today. The decisions he has had to make for equality have not been easy ones in the face of the majority sometimes. These decisions have made our LGBT, Blacks, and Women feel a little more free in our great country.

President Obama's decision to evolve on Gay Marriage in combination with Edith Windsor & Prop 8 US Supreme Court last year has gave way to the largest steps towards equality in my life time.

As a teenager growing up Mississippi it was just understood that come out meant no children and no marriage, with a life spent treated less than others that I fought in military to help protect.

We applaud President Obama in helping our country come just a little bit closer to a more perfect union.

His legacy will one of many. One of the LGBT Civil Rights Movement, one of national healthcare, one of protecting women, and one of improving race relations across the world. Thank you Mr. President from a little boy that grew up in Mississippi believing that he would never be equal to so many others. You have given me a reason to understand that I am equal and that I can be religious person and still gay.