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CHANGE IS IN THE AIR!

Blog Last Activity 9 years ago 366 views 2 comments
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://i.minus.com/id5QswPZri3OB.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="254" /><br /><br /><strong>Its shocking to realize just how powerful the influences are from ppl around you, from your family, peers, and your social environment, and its easy to allow others opinions to become your own, especially when you are young. Its interesting to see the reactions from various ppl when they, for example, watch two guys kissing. My elderly mother always reacts the same way, with a loud verbal EEWWW, to which I gently point out why her reaction is inappropriate. I watched several guys of varied ages in a bar some time ago, who saw two guys kissing on the TV and they responded with utter discust and offensive slurs like, FUCKING FAGGOTS, and GOD DAMN QUEERS. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not speak up, out of fear, which may have been the wisest decision under the circumstances, but it left me feeling sick to my stomach. I stopped patronizing those kind of bars and for some years now have tried to make some sort of positive LGBT comment in similar situations. At another time, in a different bar, a picture of two women kissing came up on the TV and there seemed to be general acceptance from the women in the crowd, and the guys were all, OH YAY BABY!, and GET IT ON GIRLS! I always thought that was odd. I remember when I was very young and saw, for the first time, two guys kissing, my reaction was like my mothers, EEWWWW! Gee, I wonder who I learned that from? Of course, that changed dramatically when I realized my true sexuality, just before I hit puberty. I have also seen in recent years, very different reactions many younger ppl have now when they see ppl of the same sex showing sexual affection towards each other, and that reaction was generally more positive and accepting. Obviously, a reflection of the current social advances and acceptance towards LGBT equality and same sex marriage. I guess what I am saying is, no matter how deeply seeded, no matter how rooted the intense feelings of hatred are towards the LGBT community and its ppl, they can be changed. They can be retaught and relearned, and they ARE changing! Maybe slowly, but change and hope are in the air, now more than ever, and isn't that a refreshing feeling! I want to breath more of THAT air! It's up to all of us to keep it moving forward, whether it be in big ways or subtle ways. It all makes a difference. Just use your common sense and stay safe in doing so. Thanks for allowing me to babble on about some thoughts I have this morning. I'd like to hear about some of your experiences, and what your thoughts or suggestions are on this topic of speaking up for change, yet staying safe in doing so. (((HUGS))) to you all. ~ Dennis</strong>

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9 years ago

Great topic Dennis. I agree that people can learn and change. I've seen that over my lifetime and yeah, the upcoming generation is far less bothered by gayness and even finds it all pretty cool. TV and movies have probably contributed a lot to this, with positive gay characters and personalities. I grew up in Southern Alberta - ranching country - where I remember clearly the horror of gayness all around me and the many remarks like those of the guys in the bar you mention. My closest mates, fairly typical, hockey playing guys, who I'd known since high school, had no idea I had this other secret gay life. I was 22 before I finally let them know in various ways. After the initial shock they all amazed me by just shrugging their shoulders and going 'wow, well...ok', and we remained great friends. After a while they even began to enjoy the whole thing and think of having a great gay friend as something fun and cool. I suspect that if they'd found out when we were in high school they would immediately have ditched me as a friend in horror (apart from my best friend, who has always been awesome). Yet somehow, only 5 years later, they were able to be alright with it.

9 years ago

Hello Dennis. Thanks for the well wishes. Well, you are correct to be optimistic. However, I still feel that much of the world is still such a black hole when it comes to lgbt issues (78 countries still have mandatory imprisonment or the death penalty for homosexuality) that total acceptance and justice seems light years away. But good for you for maintaining the positive attitude. It's late where I am, or I'd type a bit more. Best wishes.