Catman,
EVERY SINGLE gay friend of mine is embarrassed about the Etheridge split-up
-- it really doesn't help to advance gay rights. I work in a theater, and
it was the topic of conversation yesterday. Both gay and straight, people
thought it gave homosexuality a bad name.
Remember, when it comes to public opinion, one negative public exposure
takes literally thousands of positive ones to overcome. Ask "Hanoi" Jane
Fonda about that.
I also received private posts from other people on the list, gay and
straight, who agree that the couple shouldn't have made such a big public
deal of their split -- or the fatherhood in the first place.
Really, Colin, do you honestly believe that the negative publicity is good
for promoting acceptance of homosexuality? In your heart, are you PROUD of
the fact that a lesbian couple who publicized their family on the cover of
Rolling Stone are now giving up on that family after less than a year?
It's funny -- you quickly jumped to call me close minded and homophobic
without really considering what I'm saying. I admit that I'm not gay, and I
don't understand the politics. I admit that I have more conservative
values. And I even admitted that I might be getting old and stuck in my
ways.
Perhaps if you'd stop racing to call me names, you could slow down and see
my point. Homosexuals want to be accepted in a world where more than 90% of
the population (actually, 97%) are heterosexual -- gays want "heteros" to
understand their viewpoints, and to acknowledge their rights to marry
publicly and raise children and have shared legal benefits.
But, when it comes to making a minor attempt to understand why a "hetero"
like me might have a different viewpoint, forget it. Just call me a
homophobe and be done with it. And then call ME close minded.
And, if you think I am homophobic, you'd better stay out of the deep South
and Utah, Buddy!
I keep learning more and more about different lifestyles -- and this list
has been helpful. I appreciate the discourse, even some of the more peppery
stuff.
Regards,
Harper Lou
