VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Nick Berte
by Nick Berte
Although I feel that nothing can stop two people's expression of true love, marriage equality still must be pursued. To me, denying the simple, basic and elemental expression of love that marriage embodies is a failure of the human heart, a lack of compassion and integrity.
Some day when I find that person whom I want to be with for the rest of my life, I want the same rights and protection as heterosexual couples. I want the same level of citizenship. I do not want to be told I am a second-class citizen because of who I love.
We – the gay community – are everywhere: We are your doctors, we are your nurses, we are your police, we are your teachers, we are your clothing consultants. And all we ask is to express our love in the same way straight couples do. What could gay couples possibly do to marriage that the straight community has not already done?
Growing up in a very conservative Iowa town, I did not always support marriage equality. I was raised Catholic, and for the longest time I could hardly say the word "gay". Raised to think homosexuality was a HORRIBLE sin defiantly puts a damper on the whole gay-rights thing. But after a difficult personal battle, I finally accepted myself.
A quote from Mother Teresa truly inspired me to be who I am: “God told us, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' So first I am to love myself rightly, and then to love my neighbor like that. But how can I love myself unless I accept myself as God has made me?”
The Varnum decision changed Iowa by bringing a usually hush-hush topic smack dab into the living rooms of every Iowan. This allows people to talk about marriage equality and really get the word out about change. Even people who do not support human dignity and love can now see we are here – we are real people, in every part of society – and no matter what they do, we are not going away.
I talk about marriage equality very openly with anyone who will listen, interjecting it in to everyday conversation. I also love to bring up the freedom to marry with new people, because it really gives me a feel for who they are. The key to change is to let go of fear, and the more people are talking the less fear they will have.
When people complain about what is happing in our country, I ask them what they are doing to help. Often the response is "nothing". My favorite part about volunteering with One Iowa is knowing I am truly doing something for our state and for our country. I am fighting for the rights of a minority I’m a part of. The importance of marriage equality touches every person in some way, and holds the potential to show an Iowa history that favors justice and equality for all.
