It was nearly five o'clock yesterday evening when I received the call from the United Nations. "I'm about to send you part of the U.S. statement," my boss said. "We need to send it out immediately."
It had been a long time since I was excited about something that the United States said at the UN. In fact, I couldn't recall a recent example of us actually engaging with the United Nations, much less making a strong statement about the importance of comprehensive sexuality education and reproductive health services on the floor of the UN. And, it couldn't possibly happen on the same day that we decided to seek a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, and in the same month that the United States formally joined the rest of the Western nations in calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.
But it turned out that my skepticism
and disbelief was sooooo 2006. I opened the email to find that the US
stated its renewed and deep commitment to the goals and aspirations
included in the International Conference on Population Program of Action
and Development (ICPD) and the Key Actions of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs):
"Ladies and Gentlemen, our common task this week is vital. Five years remain in both the ICPD and the MDG mandates. We can, this week, commit to stronger actions to reach our common goals."
"We must do much more to provide comprehensive, accurate information and education on sexuality, sexual and reproductive health for women, men, girls, and boys as they age and their needs evolve. We must, as well, foster equal partnerships and sharing of responsibilities in all areas of family life, including in sexual and reproductive life, and promote frank discourse on sexuality, including in relation to sexual health and reproduction."
I read it five times. While there have been several moments since January 20 when I have found myself with a previously unfamiliar sense of pride to be from the United States, it still takes awhile to digest. Wait, we value science over ideology and recognize the importance of engaging with the international community? We have an Administration committed to equality and that deeply understands that we will not meet the challenges of the 21st century until human rights for all are ensured?
As startling as I initially found this sensation, the notion that the President not only cares about my health and rights, but the health and rights of women everywhere, is growing on me. I think I'm becoming an optimist. In fact, I just might leave my passport cover at home next time.
