Mary Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, this morning gave birth to Sarah Lynne Cheney, the second child for herself and partner Heather Poe. Here is the family’s statement, via Politics Daily:
Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne Cheney, welcomed their seventh grandchild, Sarah Lynne Cheney, Wednesday, November 18, 2009. She weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz and was born at 8:17 A.M. at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C. Her parents are the Cheneys’ daughter Mary and her partner, Heather Poe.
Although many of us, myself included, don’t like Mary’s politics, her existence proves that lesbian and gay families are indeed everywhere. As I’ve said before, despite her lackluster record, she may in fact be the kind of bridge we need to win over more people in support of our cause. The fact is, we’re not going to gain equality by turning everyone into liberals (much as I might like that). We’re going to win equality by convincing centrists and conservatives (though perhaps not ultra-conservatives) to join liberals in supporting our rights. The LGBT community is mad at Mary for not having been vocal about LGBT rights, and for backing the campaigns of those who are against them. We should be. But her mere existence may help persuade people that LGBT rights are more than just some liberal hogwash. Imagine what could happen if she really applied herself.
First, though, I expect she’ll be spending many sleepless nights with little Sarah Lynne. Some things really are bipartisan.
I was thinking about this when the pregnancy was announced a little while ago, and I’m sure you remember as well, Dana, the absolute controversy that happened back when she first gave birth. I know that her father is out of office now, but I’ve seen so little commentary on this compared to the first Cheney baby….
Maybe it’s not such a big deal any more. Or maybe our definition of “big news” has changed now that so much is happening in LGBT news.