Humans are, or certainly should be, constantly changing, growing, reassessing. The media has changed some viewers by showing a more faceted representation than those who hate us or, forgive me, the average gay pride parade can do.Įven those who commit crimes against us can change the way some people think through the inhumanity of their actions, provoking reflection and self-analysis in others. Many of us changed our family, friends, and even relative strangers when we came out or they learned we are gay, that despite their beliefs they knew, perhaps even cared about a gay person.
You’re invited to join it.ĭespite what has been argued here, you CAN change the way people think. There’s a world outside of Congress, D’oh. Where did the 10 year old in Arkansas get the idea to stop reciting the pledge of allegiance, if not from cultural progress? How in the world can you justify the idea that we can’t create cultural change? Have you heard of TV? Film? Internet? Conversations with friends? Legal equality does not take away the stigma that still persists for LGBT people. That is not resolved through legal change, but cultural change. A trans person applying for a job, who is told “we went with a ‘more qualified’ candidate,” is not equal to the cisgender applicant. Derrick is not equal to any heterosexual siblings he might have, because they weren’t kicked out of the house. Laws only provide legal equality, which is far too easy to maneuver around in most cases.įull equality means that we are equal members of society, not just some protected class. You’re mistaken if you think laws mean equality. That puts your actual interest in legal equality, or at least your sincerity, in doubt. You say you want legal equality, but you aren’t even interested in considering the effectiveness of your methods, preferring to charge ahead blindly without any drip of accountability. So if, as you suggest, we can’t change people’s minds, what’s the point of the two-prong lobbying/demonstration approach you’ve been advocating (without basis) in so many other threads? If we can’t change people’s minds, why bother with all the theatrics to change politicians’ minds? I know politicians’ may seem sub-human at times, but let’s be realistic. I hope we’ll be seeing more of D’oh, The Magnificent: Thanks for speaking for me D’oh. One day at a time, people like you are making a huge contribution to dispel the kinds of fear that would make us think we have nothing in common as human beings on this planet.ĪND we need to continue find the best and most effective ways to step forward - for ourselves and each other. We still deal with racism and phobias of all kinds, but because of people like you, the word continues to spread– and there is more room in hearts and minds for tolerance, acceptance, and compassion.įear is something that we all have to deal with in all sorts of ways– Our own and other peoples’ as well… It’s an amazing time we live in now– and our society is waking up to basic human rights issues– even in the face of the big “bug a boo” sexuality. I am 53 years old and when I was in high school (in the south), I was so far away from being able to even think of doing what you’ve done!
I hope that you will find lots of support from people who have your best interests at heart. It sounds like a time of triumph and challenge for one who is relatively young.