Bisexuality and the Conservative Agenda

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by glbt_equality

Zerbie - I think that the most anyone could ask of any of us is to be a "part-time" or "now & again" activist -- and hats off to you for the work you have done. It would be hypocritical of me to indict anyone for taking a "break" from activism after I have spent most of my own life on the sidelines. Moreover, I could have just as easily said that gay people don't show up at meetings -- because by and large, people who aren't personally affected by bigotry tend to wonder what all the fuss is about (the "fuss" about LGBT rights).

The heart of my personal revelation had more to do with the "Anti-Gay" activists... and that I'm wondering if their activism might not be fueled in large part by their own personal sexual identity embattlements.

Wouldn't it be remarkable to discover the people we are debating are, in reality, themselves trying to keep at bay their own demons and temptations. Maybe Senator Craig and James Dobson and many (most?) others are hoping, in the way of affirmation, that their struggle against recognizing the humanity of our community will somehow provide them with the strength to keep their own "straight masks" firmly in place!

... and how would the foreknowledge of such a remarkable dynamic inform our own activism? How different would be our approach if we understood, for example that -- "of course he will believe that my lifestyle was a choice... because for him, it was a choice!"

Anyway - that's my thought for the day. And I love the discussion all this has stirred. Of course, there may be no way of knowing for sure, but wouldn't it be incredible to discover that the 80% of all people are bisexual? Then we would really have to ask how 90% of a population (LGBT) could be so oppressed by 10% (totally straight) for so long. Now there's some food for thought!

Peace & love, Troy

Troy,

Actually would it would be rather typical if many of the most virulent anti-gays turn out to be gay or bisexual themselves. Denying an inherent trait that is shared with a socially despised group is a pattern that re-appears throughout social history.

So is the minority oppressing the majority. Look at European history.

I don't expect to be faulted for having dropped out of activism for a couple years. Most of my friends never get involved in the first place! I was sharing the fact that there have been times when the biphobia in the community was enough of an issue to me that I threw up my hands and walked away thinking, okay folks, I'm outta here. 'Bye.

As to it informing activism, we aren't going to have that answer (to an adversary's personal struggles or internalized homophobia) up front, so the best anyone can do is frame the issue appropriately all the time. Homophobia is a problem that needs to be solved. Do our best to solve it, generally speaking. I don't see how knowing for a fact if Dobson or whomever has had feelings for men could possibly change our responses to his actions, since we have to respond to action, not presumed thoughts. Muddy 'nough?