Let's build a Community of activists in Heterosexist boards

[Huggins293]

I understand many on this board, feel that debating on hardcore heterosexist forums is a waste of time. However, the aim of entering heterosexist message boards is not solely to engage with heterosexists. It is to witness between ourselves the motivation and the character of the most vile heterosexists and witness the bias and unfairness in judging gays and lesbians. We are there to provide support to the gay or lesbian who is uncertain of the moral validity of their orientation. If we are dealing with total neanderthrals we can look to talk to one another and other possible gays about the heterosexism that infests the message boards.

Imagine if 10 of us are aggressive activists on a heterosexists boards. Ten of us communicate to one another about the ignorance, inconsistency and stubborn bigotry heterosexists engage in on the board. If we ignore the neanderthrals(the 3rd grade heterosexists) and communicate with one another on why this particlar board is so bigotted, the gay and lesbian who has these moral doubts, will start to have confidence in the moral validity of his or her validation.



If we as activists arrive on heterosexist boards, we do not have to engage with ignorant heterosexists. We can simply talk among ourselves about the ignorance and bigotry around us. This allows those who are gay and are morally undecided about homosexuality to see that heterosexism is a the real problem.

[andrewlittle]

Do you feel like a lone voice crying out in the wilderness?

I, for one, like you idea. It would be discordant voices sounding, hopefully, like calls from within to question the stands that exist.

I don't think everyone should be "aggressive", however.

There is a model from the social justice arts movement that could be useful.

Their idea spanned three types of artist - prophet, teacher, encourager.

The prophet (aggressive) paints the dark picture of reality, calling people to uncomfortable self-examination of culture.
The teacher (explainer) uses their explanation to "translate" the prophetic imagery to language that may be more accessible for the viewer/hearer, while trying to be true to the message.
The encourager (soft approach - not nice - but soft) exhorts people to dialogue about what the prophet has declared and the teacher has explained.

Using a network of something like this, might make the information shared on a heterosexist site more convincing - well, at least more challenging, to the people viewing the site.

Just like this site, which does not just consist of pro-LGBT viwers but also people who are trying to understand, the hetero sites will have a range of people on them. The above approach might just peak their curiosity to learn more.

Anyway, however you collectively decide to do it - I'm in.