This weekend I participated in the the yearly meeting of the german gay and lesbian association (LSVD), it was nice to see that the athmosphere got much merrier since during the last years. Lots gays and lesbians, happy and self-confident, talking about the good work of the last year, and making plans for coming activities.
The meeting was attended by the Germany's Minister of Justice, Ms. Zypries - she readily came to talk to us and to express her good intents to engage in the legislative activities on behalf of the full recognition of same-sex marriages and child adoption. The talk and the discussion thereafter was friendly and constructive. I also used the chance to remind the audience of the situation of gays and lesbians in many islamic countries and asked the Minister, whether the government is aware of the problem of gays in Afghanistan who are subject to Sharia and awaiting death penalties in a country, which is currently occupied by the US and German troops and greatly supported by European Community. She was honestly puzzled and said she was only knowing about the one case of the Christian convertite (who is awaiting his death sentence as well - but with direct intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will be probably spared). Some other guy came to the micro and asked about the asylum regulation in Germany, and the necessary changes to recognize gays and lesbians as legitimate group. All in all, the discussion was very productive - a refreshing experience, if one recalls the politics of the last years.
Our experiences in the last few years show that politicians are also but humans - one shall talk to them, if one desires to be heard. Though I of course am aware that a friendly talk does not necessarily result in an actual progress, building bridges (or simple noise-making) is essential for political work. Even if some politician is an declared enemy of ours (like Polands President Lech Kachinsky), he should know that we exist and are determined to fight for our rights.
Therefore: write letters, send e-mails, talk to politicians! If you are immediately concerned by some problem, don't hesitate to contact your local representative and bitterly complain about the unjustice! Local politicians learn the best when they have a real person with real problems.