Confronting homophobes 101: Class act lesbian moms address Troy, MI mayor Janice Daniels

If you’ve ever wondered how to go about confronting a homophobe—or anyone who discriminates, for that matter—this is probably one of the best examples you can learn from.

It all started with a Facebook post by Janice Daniels, a Tea Party candidate and the new mayor of Troy, Michigan, dated June 25: "I think I am going to throw away my I Love New York carrying bag now that queers can get married there." It was one day after New York state legislators authorized gay marriage as legal.

Since being elected on November 8, she has faced backlash after the public found out about her post. A protest outside Troy City Hall, organized by Troy High School students, called for her resignation. She did address the protestors and apologized on December 5. However, she claimed that the word "queer" is "just a word" and said she only used one word that they didn’t like.

Even after the uproar, she maintained that she still believed that marriage is between one man and one woman.

By December 10, she called off her weekly walk throughout town to meet with citizens.

Enter Amy Weber and her wife Tina, with their two biological daughters Logan and Aidan. The two lesbian women are legally married. The four made an appearance at a city council meeting.

Amy had something to say to the mayor. She didn’t get angry, she didn’t yell, and she didn’t criticize. Instead, she focused on her message from her family, that "in the end, love is all that matters."

Not only is this a prime example of how to deal with a discriminatory person—whether they are racist, sexist, or homophobic—it also is a living counterargument against anyone who thinks a same-sex couple would make terrible parents.

This mother conducted herself in a manner that demonstrated she is a stellar role model for her children (as well as others): by confronting someone in a civil, respectful, caring, intelligent, and non-threatening way. The two mothers put any foul-mouthed, aggressive, abusive, or apathetic heterosexual parents—who don’t have to fight for their rights to marry or have children—to shame.

Meanwhile, Glenn Clark, president of the faith-based Michigan Faith and Freedom Coalition, is trying to counter a boycott against Troy businesses, which is part of the backlash against the mayor. Clark was reported as stating that he doesn’t condone her words but that this should be a time of peace and goodwill and that "enough is enough".

Coincidentally, "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" is a disco feminist anthem by Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer about two women taking a stand.

You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig. You can also follow the Straight's LGBT coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/StraightLGBT.