Why do straights hate gays? — my thoughts
I just read an open letter from Larry Kramer to all straight people.
What do we do to you that is so awful? Why do you feel compelled to come after us with such frightful energy? Does this somehow make you feel safer and legitimate? What possible harm comes to you if we marry, or are taxed just like you, or are protected from assault by laws that say it is morally wrong to assault people out of hatred? The reasons always offered are religious ones, but certainly they are not based on the love all religions proclaim.
-- Larry Kramer
I've always put the discrimination down to fear and misunderstanding. How many people confuse homosexuality with pedophilia? However I think in the last 10 years or so, when these issues have actively been in my conscious, my belief in that argument doesn't quite hold true. There has to be more that fear.
Then there's the fear that a gay will hit on you. I can see how this could challenge some, but I think the fear comes from a severe lack of understanding. Because they're gay doesn't mean they want you, and if they did, a polite "no thanks, I love boobs" would solve the problem. No harm done.
It's no secret that in the last few months switched my stance from "atheist" to "strong atheist" (and some might argue "aggressively strong atheist") and I think the last line in the above quote explains most of the reasons for my shift. Connecting the dots: I don't like people that can't think for themselves. Religious followers often (but definitely not always) display this characteristic, and are easily led. Anyone who is religious and preaches love and compassion, but hates gays is the worst mix of the worst traits. Just think about what it is you really believe. I'm not talking about heaven and hell, but humanity and kindness - the traits that modern religions claim to promote. To my understanding, there is no asterisk next to "love thy neighbour" referring to a footnote that says "so long as they are straight". Practice what you believe not what you're told. If there's contradictions ask why.
I definitely agree with all of the points raised in Larry's article. I was really saddened by the despair and frustration that the article contains. Fuck, this is 2007 not 1907.
What are you going to do come this federal election, if this is an important issue for you?
Whilst I think the fact that it was addressed to "straight people" (which includes me and most of my friends) and not "hateful straight people" is borderline-offensive, I'm prepared to overlook it because I understand the intent. But let it be known if there's ever a "them and us" devision I'll be on their side fighting against us.
If a woman marries another woman, it would not be recognised by law. Yet, if she was a man, it is recognised. This is a sexist policy that discriminates against women. Why has no one challenged this under anti-discrimination law?
As long as the fag hags are hot, I’m there.
Your “thoughts” are wasted on this blog!
Nice Post :)
I know a lot of gay people and I can say they are some of the best people I know… Except maybe Radford. J/K Mark, you’re a champ!
There are paedophiles and there are gay people. Lets not get the latter mixed up with the two low lifes that abducted that kid in Kelmscot.
Gays are people too. Quite simply I’m sure there are pedo gays as there are pedo heteros, as there are pedo teachers as there are pedo cops. All these special groups we see aren’t all that special at all and give or take a few % probably show representations of the same trends we see in global society.
Just as there are gay haters, I’m sure there are hetero haters although the motivation is probably very different.
Not excusing it, I think it’s just interesting to consider everyone is categorized in some way but there is probably always common ground.
I agree with what you’re saying Aaron but it’s different to my point - gay and pedophile are two different, unrelated groups. The confusion often lies that if you are gay you like little boys.
Having said that, I wonder what percentage of pedophiles consider themselves gay and if that’s different from what we find in the heterosexual community.
Yeah my point was more to what Lanzon said. There are gay people and there are pedophiles implies they are two disjoint sets, when in fact they would have to have some overlap. Making gay people out to be some special, perfect, group doesn’t help in mind. I’m not bashing I’m just pointing out the reality of the situation. I think people think that pedophilia is only a guy wanting little boys, and that’s not true.