Published: 16 November 2017
Last updated: 4 March 2024
This is an unfamiliar nervousness even though it’s been intensifying for a few days. Sleepless nights. Random moments of panic. Doubt. What ifs percolate in my mind as my true hope for the outcome is doused by fear, just in case it doesn’t go to plan. It’s that awful shame-based “just in case,” designed to somehow protect me from the vulnerability of this moment.
And yet, vulnerable and exposed is all I feel right now as I await the result of a national debate that I, together with my community, have been dragged through discussing my legitimacy, dignity and worth as a gay man.
9.58am. People are holding hands and linking arms and the closeness of our bodies all sandwiched together adds to the heat of this moment. My hands automatically move into a namaste position as my head gently bows to meet my two index fingers. I close my eyes and take a breath.
And I pray: Please be a YES!
In my work as a therapist, I am curious about the language that people use to describe their experiences. I am fascinated by the meaning of words and how they construct our reality.
As Jews, we are reminded of this in the daily morning prayer, Baruch she’amar ve’haya ha’olam, Blessed is the One who spoke and brought the world into existence. I’ve had bizarre ideas of Creation over the course of my life, but in adulthood, I’ve become inspired by the notion that our communication is what brings our world into being.
And yesterday, just one word ushered in a new realm of possibility for Australia, moving us, within moments, into a YES-based reality. YES to the highest order of LGBTI acceptance and celebration, YES to all shades of love, YES to ending discrimination, YES to healing the anguish and distress caused by this survey, YES to ending decades of vilification and YES to seeking out and appreciating the humanity in each person.
What seems like three letters forming just one word is in fact a powerful statement by an overwhelming majority of people for change, transformation and progress.
YES gives us the confidence and permission to actively author the next chapter of our collective Australian story. We know that our work is not yet done. We know that other challenges stand before us. We know that equality is not a title, but rather an ongoing practice of intention, engagement and mindfulness. But right now, the morning after the historical day before, it feels incredible to be Australian and to know that I am accepted, loved and worthy.
Blessed are All Those who spoke and brought a YES-world into reality!
Photo: Celebrations in Canberra (Fairfax)
