Who Gives You The Right? Poem by Shannon Atherton

What I fail to understand,
Is why, in a world like today,
People still feel that it's fine to deny
The rights of the girls and the gay.

Surely after decades of fighting,
Of lives spent in toil for the cause,
We'd have reached a point of equality,
But no - there are so many flaws.

There are people who suffer in silence;
Who wonder what it is they've done wrong.
For reasons unknown, they are treated as if
Being gay means you cannot belong.

It sickens me to think that out there,
Misogynists and homophobes run free,
When decent men and women hide,
For fear of what people may see.

I don't understand what's so difficult
About finding respect in your heart
There are many that have the ability,
But some choose to set this apart.

Who has the right to pass judgement,
On a person's sexuality or gender?
We love who we love, and we are who we are,
And of this, I'm the biggest defender.

So maybe this message will stick with you,
And then again, maybe you'll forget
But I'm safe with the knowledge that all I have said,
Has been truthful and bereft of regret.