Black and white finally recognized as equal, now what about pink?

With Barack Obama's election to the highest office, many of us sigh with relief since the course for change and equality is open.

Only days after this landslide decision by the American people, the same electorate decided against allowing the huge LGBT minority to enjoy the same rights and means for fruition and fulfillment that the straight majority has been able to opt for for centuries: marriage and the legal framework to raise children in a loving, secure and protected environment.

As a lesbian mother of two, married to my wife who has adopted our children, I look upon this contradiction with amazement and horror. We live in Belgium, one of the frontrunner countries that have realized that equality is built on (self-)respect and legal arrangements, and we, together with our twin sons of eight are prospering in our family life.

My heart bleeds for all those who are denied this basic right across the world, and yesterday I asked the President-elect in an Avaaz petition to think again and go ahead with real equality, not just for the happy 90 percent.

I wish my LGBT brothers and sisters courage and appeal to the whole of society to realize that a civilization is measured by the respect it extends to all of its minorities.