Here is my letter: How voting “Yes” on HJR-3 will devastate not only gay and lesbian families but also the state of Indiana First, I would like to thank you for the time and effort you put into public service. It is greatly appreciated and I’m sure you work as hard and put in as long of hours as I do. Next, I would like to introduce myself. I am a 33-year-old physician, a child and adolescent psychiatry resident with the IU School of Medicine, and a lesbian who is in a loving, committed marriage who is in the process of family planning with the woman I love. I would like to note that I am the only one in my resident class who is not legally married in the state of Indiana because I am forbidden to do so, although my relationship is just as committed and loving as any of my colleagues’ and they would tell you so. Still, I feel the shame and sting of being singled out and denied a right that many of my friends and family members take for granted. As a resident physician, my resident colleagues, supervising faculty and attendings, and I are invested in recruiting the best and brightest into our program and, subsequently, the state of Indiana. Most resident programs, including pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, etc., are just as committed to recruiting and retaining bright, compassionate young doctors to continue the tradition of top-notch health care in Indianapolis and throughout the state. These young candidates look at more than just how good is the specific program but can he/she (and their families) see themselves relocating to or remaining in the state of Indiana. Young physicians and health researchers are a very significant part of the future of Indianapolis, and Indiana as a whole. However, a severe physician shortage continues to loom state-wide, especially in psychiatry, primary care fields, and geriatrics. The graying of America and increased mental health needs will continue to demand more physicians fill these roles. My experiences being around other young professionals has taught me that young physicians tend to be a varied and diverse bunch, and generally lean toward inclusiveness, progressiveness, and forward-thinking. I can assure you that a physician/research candidate will NEVER turn down a position in Indiana because there is no amendment in the state constitution stating that gays are banned from marriage. To suggest otherwise is ludicrous. However, I can assure you with absolute certainty that there will be plenty of bright, creative, and talented young professionals who will avoid a position in Indiana because it is one of the few states that have sanctioned discrimination into its Constitution. They will see they Indiana as a “backwards” state and worry that, if they discriminate against the gays, who else will they discriminate against who are different? People of minority religions or ethnic backgrounds? By voting “Yes” on HJR-3, you would be taking a giant step backwards for this state. Many people will not only be turned away but the bright professionals who call Indiana home will feel they have no other choice but to move to a state more accepting of gays and lesbians. And there are many from which to choose. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I know my work is much needed in this state. I still have another year to graduate and already have recruiters filling my email and mail box, not only in this state but all over the country. I love this state and wish to stay here. However, if I feel my family is being threatened by hatred and discrimination, we will feel we have no other option but to leave. And I am not the only one. Beyond young professionals, there are teachers, lawyers, business people, real estate agents, etc., who feel the same, both gay and straight. Writing discrimination into the Constitution has always been contrary to the moral fabric of this state and this great country. Excluding certain families from the benefits that others have will benefit no one. Please do not put a black mark on the future of Indiana. Please vote “no” on HJR-3 and give my family and families like mine a chance to continue to thrive in and work hard to improve the state of Indiana, just like you and yours do.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 22:54:47 +0000
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