As a straight guy with all the rights to go get married, I feel homosexuals deserve all the same rights. What is the most appropriate way I can show support?
I also feel compelled to speak out against all the gay bashing I've seen. What can I do?
2006-12-19 04:53:57 · 19 answers · asked by Miakoda 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
In response to one of the answers... I never saw any reason to think differently of them, it didn't require befriending one of them to know better.
To me, my friends are people. Some of them, I don't even know their orientation, simply because I never had a reason to know.
2006-12-19 05:34:02 · update #1
I saw a response about 2 men kissing, and I wanted to comment on it...
How is 2 men kissing, or 2 girls kissing, any grosser than a boy and a girl kissing? Personally, I'd be happy to see it, so long as it's not progressing in to anthing not appropriate for public places. It's the same thing I'd expect from a straight couple, please don't grope at the mall.
How could 2 people showing love and affection for each other be disgusting? All this hate in this world, and THAT is what you find disgusting?!
Love is beautiful, be it boy-girl, girl-girl, or boy-boy. Please just open your mind and your eyes, and you'll see it!
2006-12-20 05:58:47 · update #2
Well, I know it's small, but I've waged war against the gay bashers on Yahoo Answers. Each time I'm here for anything, I scan over for anything that needs reporting.
2006-12-20 13:58:03 · update #3
The most helpful thing to do is not remain silent. Speak up, speak often, speak of the real values at stake here, not just the values of certain religous groups.
Remember it isn't about marriage. It isn't about gays and lesbians. Its about being true to a higher civic calling, that we are indeed all created equal. That we all matter. That we all have value, we all deserve and equal footing in the pursuit of happiness. That doesn't mean we are all entitled to the same amount of happiness, but that we are entitled to an unencumbered pursuit.
If we make it just one issue, or a narrow set of issues, our voice stands the chance of becoming shrill and easily dismissed. If our voice speaks beyond our own world, then we speak with authority that is believable. I can not in conscience demand my rights but then turn my back on others who are also under assault.
As a straight person, you help us when you live your life with dignity and purpose, but more important empathy for those not yet sharing in the promise of American way of life. That you don't need to ask if we need your help, but instinctively know to act.
You might get involved locally with lgbt political organizations. The Human Rights Campaign, NGLTF, GLAAD, all are good organizations you can support financially or by volunteering where possible, but check out their web sites to find out more you can do. Also check out your community lgbt youth groups and community centers, there is a need for adult volunteers. Don't dismiss the work done on the person to person level, that is where we as individuals can make the most difference.
Its great to aspire to be a hero or a champion, but we need folks willing to actually do the grunt work. There is no shortage of hetero messianic figures wanting to help, but we have developed a keen sense in detecting them as being perhaps a bit self important and a lot patronizing in thinking we are too weak and ineffectual without straight help.
Help because you believe in doing that, you help us all, not just gay people, but everyone.
2006-12-21 15:21:20 · answer #1 · answered by imaginary friend 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
After reading your question, I'm assuming that you've moved from simply being tolerant and having gay friends to wanting to do something more. This happened to me after I marched in the local Pride parade in support of a mayoral candidate who is gay. I recently signed up to volunteer for a local GLBT organization as a "straight ally" because I no longer feel satisfied with being on the sidelines. Most organizations are very open to this; not only will their response be "yes", it would probably be "please". I would recommend you do the same thing in your community, along with the loads of other suggestions people have made. The GLBT community wouldn't have made the strides they have already towards their acceptance within society without their "allies" and I'm sure they'll be glad to have another aboard. :)
2006-12-19 15:04:06 · answer #2 · answered by Megosophy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ok *ignoring all obviously RETARDED posters*
i think it's an admirable sentiment, and in no way has anything to do with your sexual preference. you see the hate in these gay-bashers and its as ugly as if you were watching people spitting on jews in concentration camps.
i'm happily married (straight) almost 3 years and i can't see the need to deny anyone gay or straight the happiness i experience just knowing i have a wonderful husband to support me and to share my life with. how could i feel my marriage is threatened by two men or two women who want to share the same joy? i'll tell you what should threaten all those concerned about the 'sanctity of marriage' and that is the recent trend of loveless straight marriages that are shams and generally last less than one year (see any gossip rag circa the last 10 years, for example). if you make it to 5 nowadays, everyone is surprised!
but, i don't really have a very good answer to your question. just know there are others out there like you who want to show our support for the gay community in a respectful and appropriate way.
2006-12-19 05:05:08 · answer #3 · answered by Ali D 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
There are many ways, some which only take small amounts of time and others that are more time consuming.
Vote. Always. Never miss an opportunity to vote and make yourself aware of the views of those who are running for office.
When there is legislation opposing equal rights for gay people, let your legislator know that (although you are straight) you are not opposed to rights for gay people; and if they oppose these rights that you will not be able to support them in their next election.
If there is legislation supportive of gay people, let your legislator know that you expect him or her to support it.
If you hear someone speak against gay people, do not be silent and let them know that there are straight people who not only do not hate all gay people but also have no ill will towards them.
When an anti-gay group declares a boycott against a gay-supportive company, let the company know that you do not share these anti-gay views. Let the companies know that if they bow to the pressure of an anti-gay group that you will no longer patronize their company. Some recent examples are Kraft Foods coming under attack for being a sponsor of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago and Ford coming under attack for advertising in primarily gay news magazines.
All of these are not time consuming and can easily be done. If you have the time available, you could volunteer with a local gay rights group. You do not need to be gay to help out and your support would be greatly appreciated.
2006-12-19 13:43:23 · answer #4 · answered by χριστοφορος ▽ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Me too. I'm a straight woman but if someone will tell me who to call or write to I promise It'll be done. I think you're a good guy for wanting to show support but the best way the the g/l community have told me to support them is to completly ignore the gay bashers, if they get no responses to their idioitic Q's, hopefully they'll go away
2006-12-19 05:28:10 · answer #5 · answered by gitsliveon24 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I certainly appreciate the support, and suspect that there are many more straight men like you than homophobes...at least that has been my experience in my long life.
As far as support, perhaps the best support is to ignore sexuality and behave towards all men the same way ???? There comes a time to vote, that is where support really counts.
And, I suspect that a well placed, "Why do you talk like that? " when others are being "funny" is the best support gays can get.
Thanks, and as far as the fool above who says "inner gay," some people really need to get a life!
2006-12-19 04:58:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
By voicing it out right here, you have shown your support, and I thank you for it. Merely having straight people with accepting hearts makes the world a better place for us all to live in it. Keep it up.
And if you really want to show a more active support, how about joining a local gay pride parade that promotes the acceptance of gay marriage? Or sign an online signature campaign for gay marriage?
Every single deed of acceptance.... counts.
Thanks. :)
2006-12-19 05:11:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just do what you feel is right to help others. Tell people at your work or where you live about your beliefs. Tell people why you think how you do. Just be forewarnd people who are not as openminded as you may start calling you names or start saying that you are gay.
I would say the main way to help the cause is if you ever hear a conversation about gay people, butt in and tell people you veiws and thoughts.
Best wishes,
Doug
2006-12-19 04:59:45 · answer #8 · answered by Doug 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
One way to show support is to write your local paper. In the editorial section. Then at least gay or straight people are able to read and think. Also find out what your local Mayor thinks about the subject and write to him or if the case her.
2006-12-19 04:58:18 · answer #9 · answered by Janet N 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
i think of the ideal element which you're able to do could be to only be your self. basically because of the fact they got here out does not advise they're diverse people. additionally you are able to hold off asking approximately their very own life in case you sense love that's a bad thought. that's beneficial to first just to invite what is going on of their lives without giving very own evaluations.
2016-10-05 12:24:48 · answer #10 · answered by milak 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋