Why is it difficult to understand Gay Pride?

Question

In alot of the posts i'm been reading there's been talk of 'you people' and 'want to be just as good as us'. Where is this us and we thing coming from? We're ALL THE SAME! We're all humans all deserving the basic rights!

There's the NAACP, Special Olympics, GLAAD etc. etc. all out there for a reason, to promote causes for those that are discriminated against. Those that discriminate need to realize we live in a country that welcomes various religions and lifestyles and discrimination regarding sexual preference was never written into the Consitution. The Gay pride bumper stickers, parades, and other identifying symbols are just a way of reminding those around us that homosexuality is very alive and well in the U.S. It's all around you and it's not on the back shelf. You see 'Remember Our Troops' and religious bumper stickers all of the time. Because... if you do not put what you believe in out in plain view, nothing will ever get done.

Lol, sorry this post sounds really bi*chy. It isn't meant that way!

Also, no one is asking for special rights. We don't need a special 'Homosexual Accessible' door, but just the basic rights that everyone else has. I want to live a normal life, get married, have kids, but until that's granted, it's just that much more to campaign for. (Here I am on the gay marriage topic again! Quite an original subject, don't you think!?)

Hey now Babs, it's like the Mardis Gras! When you're around that many people things are bound to happen, but those aren't the only events for a cause. Try going to a Mormon Church! It's religious and I think it's a great thing, but my Mormon friends say it's the biggest singles bar for Mormons ever! They think it's easier to find someone of their own beleifs and values, they even have singles nights!

Chediplease, please don't believe that i'm downplaying the significance of our soldiers (I have quite a few family members in the service) or any other cause, i'm just saying this is the way we keep things that are important to us on the surface to remind others of others in society whether that be soldiers, environmentalists, etc. We all have our causes we're invested in, and whether that has a direct influence in our lives, or those around us, doesn't mean that they shouldn't be considered.

Answer 1

I don't feel the need to put rainbow stickers all over my back bumper, but I do put stickers of causes I believe in.
I do march in my local Pride Parade because I want to remember those who have come before me, who have fought against the descrimination we still face simply for who and how we love our partners.
I march to remember the history we've lost because the "straght" community was too embarrased or scared. I march because I want people to know that we are their neighbors, their teachers, their fire fighters, their sons, daughtes, Aunts, Uncles, Mothers and Fathers. We're their doctors, their lawyers, their secretaries and librarians. We come in all shapes, all sizes, all colors, all religions, all cultural backgrounds and physical abilities.
We are human beings first, citizens second and as such deserving of the same respect and access to rights as everyone else.

Oh, and to those who go on that gays want "special" Rights....is it "special" to want EQUAL ACCESS?
We build ramps for those physically unable to reach public buildings without them. We put in handrails in public restrooms so everyone can use them.
So what's the deal with marriage and making it available to gays and lesbians to marry the partner to whom they are actually attracted and love?
Sure, everyone has the same right to marry someone of the opposite gender as anyone else. But for gays and lesbians that offer is absolutely rediculous. Just as saying "hey, there's stairs there for everyone to use" to a person without the use of their legs!

Answer 2

In many ways you are right. The prejudice is plain in many remarks. However, homosexuality is a chosen life, whereas the colour of ones skin is not. The Bible clearly teaches that all are equal before God and that God is no respecter of persons. Yet the Bible is quite specific on the subject of homosexuality too. I strongly believe it's wrong to persecute gays and lesbians. I doubt Christ would've acted this way. But the Lord also wouldn't condone the sin or consider homosexuality an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Since skin colour and gender and culture are usually by birth I can certainly understand the necessity of laws to protect them from discrimination. Since homosexuality is a chosen life style I don't think the same laws should apply. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's open season on gays and lesbians. This would also be wrong. I'm saying that protecting their "right" to get married and adopt children should not be covered by the same laws. If gays and lesbians wish to have children, too bad so sad. This is a biological impossibility. Why should children be subjected to such a strange and abnormal environment. Kids need an upbringing that is balanced. Surely gays and lesbians aren't foolish and stupid enough not to know that the only way to reproduce children is with a male and a female. That in itself should tell you something. True, they are a minority, but this is what they have chosen for themselves. Blacks, Asians etc have no choice in the colour of their skin. There are already laws in place to protect gays and lesbians, such as harrassment, assault and so on. The main reason I'm so against marriage of homosexuals and adoption of children by them is because it is exactly this type of flaunting of sin in God's face that resulted in the judgement of Sodom and Gommorah.

Answer 3

I think that it really comes down to extremes. I think people saying 'you are sinful', 'You are an abomination.' and actually believing those words to the extent, they would disown their own children if they 'came out' or take negative action to change people they believe to be 'gay', Those kind of people are not only hypocrites, but they are criminals in the sense that they believe no action against a 'gay' person is too extreme to justify their cause. Then on the other extreme you have gay rights activists who will 'out' people in public positions and deliberately confront people about gay issues in an aggressive manner. I think both camps are wrong.

Your sexuality is as individual as you are and I think that it can also be as personal as you are. For example when people in the office talk about their weekends some will go into every detail others will just say short comments, if anything at all. That is what we are like as people some people like to shout things from the rooftops others take a quieter route. I have never believed that anyone has the right to force their opinions on you, yet at the same time they should always have the right to exercise their freedom of speech. It is a compromise and some people will refuse to compromise.

Personally I have no problem with Pride I think it is a great concept and should be about inclusion not exclusion. HOwever by making a 'big song and dance' about sexuality is going to make it an issue and remover it from eveyday life and make it something different, that in turn can be open to interpretation and present itself as a potential target. That is just a reality. As a gay man in an ever changing world I know who I am and I am proud of who I am. I also know I live in world of differing opinions and beliefs. I don't force my opinions on others nor do I hide them. I just get on with my life. I have lived with my partner for 9 years and the whole neighbourhood knows who we are. Not in a stand out shout it from the rooftops kind of way, but in a normal totally non threatening kind of way. I have never encountered any homophobic abuse nor do I expect to encounter any.

The short answer to your question is there is no reason why people should oppose Gay Pride if they took the time to understand it. However, because of the nature of Gay Pride it is inevitably going to attract attention of an unhealthy and healthy kind. That is just a reality of making something public and in your face.

Answer 4

I am against homosexual relationships, but I also believe in loving my neighbor regardless of whether I agree with them. I also respect everyone's free agency to choose to do what they want, within the laws that govern our country and of course God's laws as well. As you pointed out, we are all humans and we all do things that may be construed by others as wrong or innappropriate. This, however, does not give anyone the right to persecute you or anyone else.

So, why is hard to understand? Well, I just want to try to help you see another point of view, so don't be offended. Since many people view homosexuality as sin, can't you see why it may seem odd to them that you want to have pride in that? To a religious person, having pride in homosexuality might be like someone having Adultery Pride, Addict Pride, or any other "I break the commandments" Pride. Does that make sense? So, this could be at least one reason why it is hard for people to understand having pride in something that they view as sin.

While it is unfortunate that you feel misunderstood, perhaps in the end, it will help you feel compassion and empathy for other groups who are also discriminated against. You, at least, are being discriminated against for something you chose to do. Many people are persecuted for their ethnicity, color, or other things over which they had no control.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I think any discrimination toward gays is a form of hatred and I am adamantly against it. But c'mon! Gay Pride parades in the 70's in San Francisco were sex orgies! I had a gay roommate in SF and he and a bunch of his friends went to the GP parade (this was in the early '90's) and they came back just talking about the hunks of flesh on display. What concerned me was that all that male testosterone was the most important thing. Seems to me if the gay movement was all about support, compassion and brotherly love, you would discover great sympathy from the straight community. If it's all about xxx then you won't.

Answer 6

1 Corinthians 6:9; Herein lies the problem; tragically many professing Christians deceive themselves into thinking that they are not required of God to live righteously . They fail to believe and comprehend the truth of God's Word that sin in the Believers life separates them from fellowship with the Saviour. 1 Corinthians 6:9 is simply and truthfully stating that the kind life styles listed here will not inherit or possess the Kingdom of God.

Answer 7

it is not difficult because I observe straight pride everyday. I do have a brother who is gay and is dying of aids. My husband an dI also know gay couples that have been together for quite a while, probably longer than most straights we know. The only problem that I have ever had with him is why he associates himself with militant gays during gay pride weeks...and gets upset because I would not be supportive of him. I would not expect him to support us if we were white trash hillbilly rednecks...who demanded that everyone loved us...

Answer 8

I am not an American but I find it odd that you compare your cause with that off those american boys and girls laying down their lives in some foreign countries for your country? Why compete for attention with them? I've nothing against homosexuality but comparing your fight/cause with those of your servicemen, that is just, how should I say it, very misplaced.

They are losing lives and limbs to protect your way of lives. Yes, even the gay communities. Don't begrudge them of a little attention and prayers.

Answer 9

Sadly, some people feel that any expression of pride is putting down people who don't share in it. Or they think that wanting equal rights is somehow wanting "special rights." They just don't get it.

I think your last thought (about creating visibility) is absolutely true. Unfortunately, some people see a rainbow bumper sticker as having our "lifestyle" shoved down their throats. I, for one, don't have a lifestyle, I have a life!

Answer 10

I really don't think that the average american(or others) really understand the difference between special rights and equality. Civil unions and marriage. and many more examples....