15 de Julio

Get your calenders out.

Mark this day.

Remember it, as the day human rights set a new precedent in the Americas.

In a landmark vote in the Senate 33 pros, 27 cons, and 3 abstentions, Argentina is the first and only Latin American country to legalize the marriage of two people of the same sex.

And by some magical trick of fate, or coincidence, or divine intervention I WAS THERE to bear blessed and incredulous whitness.

Yesterday after class, a couple amigos and I went down to the Obelisco to see if there was a demonstration going on for the vote... but there was nothing. So we wandered over to Plaza de Mayo where there's always some sort of political action going on... still nothing! But as we defeatedly meandered over towards the Senate building we ran straight into a huge crowd of people bearing bright red and yellow MTD Worker's Party banners marching down Ave. de Mayo towards Congreso. We had no idea what it was all about, but we came to whitness political activism no? So we tagged along, weaving in and out of the masses trying to look discreet... or at least not touristy! And upon alighting in plaza in front of Congreso, what a sight to take in! The MTD Worker's Party, united with the Movimiento Evita, united with Partido Obrero, united with PTS, CEFyL, and Izquierda Socialista in a sea of colors and people and we found ourselves in the middle of the matrimonio gay movement! I was so shocked and overwhelmed! I saw drag queens and gay couples and a giant 15 foot long inflatible penis with the phrase "Chupala!" tatooed on the side. Call me provincial, but I just didn't think this population existed! I figured the traditional and historial social conventions down here were strong enough to keep them hidden. But no... no, not this people! If there's anything I've learned about the Argentines its that they are bold and unapologetic. And just as I saw in neon tagging on the concrete, "Todos somos iguales." How could I have preconceived that the hearts here don't yearn for freedom and equality any differently than the ones I left in California?

This morning I woke groggy, congested, hesitant to turn on the news and face the disappointment of yet another worthy cause trampled by fear and corruption. Instead, my plugged up ears were met with the news that indeed progress can't be stopped. I was so excited (and a little nervous for my final exam too) as I stomped through the frigid air to class this morning that I forgot to watch my feet. Today is also the monumental first day tha Kelly stepped in perrito caca.

Well, as with all things, it was only a matter of time.
: )