We must confront heterosexists head on

[Huggins293]

In order for gays to be equal they must confront gay bigotry in the culture. It is fine and dandy to protest discrimination but failing to confront the culture that inspires discrimination will never defeat discrimination. We must confront bigoted speech, bigoted writings, bigoted websites because this is the motivation behind amendments that attempt to ban gay marriage and adoptions centers discriminating against gay couples.

Every website that supports bigotry should be confronted. EVery message board that supports bigotry must be confronted. To ignore gay bigots is sending a message that we are tolerant of their views. We can not be tolerant of their view especially when it influences the degradation, slander and even violence upon gays and lesbians.

So I ask all of you to be aggresive in protesting heterosexism in all facets of our culture.

[Lydia]

(Playing the devil's advocate for a moment...)

Is this always the correct method, though?

Aggressive tactics may be warrented in some situations, but what about people who are passively heterosexist? (that is, those who grew up with heterosexist ideas but who haven't taken the time to think through any of the ideas for themselves.) Being confronted in an aggressive manner won't do much to endear them to this cause. If anything, it may push them further in the opposite direction.

[Huggins293]

(Playing the devil's advocate for a moment...)

Is this always the correct method, though?

Aggressive tactics may be warrented in some situations, but what about people who are passively heterosexist? (that is, those who grew up with heterosexist ideas but who haven't taken the time to think through any of the ideas for themselves.) Being confronted in an aggressive manner won't do much to endear them to this cause. If anything, it may push them further in the opposite direction.

I agree passive heterosexist need a passive approach. I am refering to very vocal heterosexists who present a distorted view of gays and lesbians. The Jamaica Star Board and CARM needs a more direct approach.

[Daniel]

In order for gays to be equal they must confront gay bigotry in the culture. It is fine and dandy to protest discrimination but failing to confront the culture that inspires discrimination will never defeat discrimination. We must confront bigoted speech, bigoted writings, bigoted websites because this is the motivation behind amendments that attempt to ban gay marriage and adoptions centers discriminating against gay couples.


If what you are saying is that gay activists should adopt methods of nonviolence, then I can agree with you here- that would be common curtesy. If, however, you mean that gay people are not obtaining equal rights because they aren't being nice, then I can't agree with you. Why? This line of argument is off base because it doesn't deal with facts. It deals with the performance of the participants (and on this point- it bothers me to see the evening news as hear a review of a person's performance and not hear anything about the issues involved- it seems we are far too preoccupied with appearance these days and less with substance). No one, no matter HOW they act, should have their rights taken away from them.

Do we let rude heterosexuals marry? You bet.

Gay people have been forever playing nice and getting nowhere fast. Does that mean that angry-in-your-face actions will help? Sometimes they do. Remember ACT-UP? Because of their street actions- everything having to do with AIDS changed for the better in this country. That was a good thing. Was it pretty? No. Was it nice? No. But it was right for the time and place.

Did those same activist's harm anyone? No. In that sense, you could say that their actions were nonviolent, but again, it wasn't all pretty and nice.

"Please sir- may I have more?"- isn't a tactic that gets anywhere because it keeps the balance of power in the hands of the 'giver'.

Gay people, whether they are rude (I think you go too far with the word bigot actually) or not, are increasingly unable to remain in the position of 'asking' for their rights. And that's a good thing.

[Huggins293]

If what you are saying is that gay activists should adopt methods of nonviolence, then I can agree with you here- that would be common curtesy. If, however, you mean that gay people are not obtaining equal rights because they aren't being nice, then I can't agree with you.

Daniel I feel that as gay activists we must confront slanderous remarks made toward gays in lesbians. It is not whether gays are being nice in reacting to public heterosexist speech. It is wheter gays are giving a direct and] firm [/U]response of rejecting and assailing to this speech. My response to heterosexism may be too firm or too direct for even pro-gay supporters but it deals with the truth.


I feel we need a stronger response to the religous anti-gay remarks that often go untouched on Sunday(church) radio. Sorry Daniel I am sick very sick and tired of hearing them. I would be more tolerant and less upset if there was a view challenging this ignorant speech made in the name of God. I wish there was a Mel White challenging every single word anti-gays(no matter how well intentioned they are) say about the gay culture. As a straight man, it sickens me beyond words that the anti-gay voice is so dominant on public (religious) radio. This effects vulnerable children. As actvists we have to make an obligation to change this very quickly.