But, I guess, in order for that to happen, we need to establish the fact
that we are a legitimate minority and that there is a clear need for our
protection under the law. We are a minority by our actions, not by
race, religion, or physical disability. Some would say (even some
gays) that being gay is a choice. I think it's pretty obvious that there
are many people who live happy lives as gay people who would be
totally dysfunctional trying to act straight. In any event, who cares? In
the US, homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses
sometime in the early 70s. So, the medical community (at large)
doesn't think we are abnormal. Consenting adults in a homosexual
relationship are not victimizing anyone. That leaves the religious right
and those who ally with them to perpetuate the myths about how
wrong it is to be gay.
After 206 years of The words "Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;
or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
government for a redress of grievances." (First Amendment: The Bill
Of Rights) having been written in The Constitution, as a nation, we still
don't accept what that really means! Freedom of religion also means
Freedom From Religion! If I don't want to accept popular religious
dogma that I'm a perversion of all that is Godly, then I shouldn't have
to! Our government can not sanction ANY religious ideology into
common law. This isn't a matter of popular vote. It's the foundational
LAW OF THIS LAND! I have the right to be happy and live my life with
whomever I choose. It says so right in The Constitution. If you think
gay people didn't exist when that was written or we don't figure into
the concept of The First Amendment, that's just stupid. Those words
meant exactly the same thing then as they do now, and will far into the
future.
There is no doubt that much of the homophobia that we face is
coming from within ourselves. To be accepted as a gay person
everywhere you go, you must be yourself, and defend your concept
of what a gay person is everywhere you go. Often times this can mean
putting yourself at great risk. Obviously, that is not an easy thing to
do; especially when you consider that you have no protection under
the current laws. Many gay people figure that the best way to be out is
to embroil themselves within the gay community; get a gay job, live in
a gay neighborhood, socialize with only gay and gay friendly people. I
guess that's pretty cool. I might even consider myself in that category.
Ultimately, it could have a crossover effect. If the rest of society sees
enough gay people prospering within their own self sufficient
subculture, then that will lend credibility to us, at least as a
demographic in the market place.
Even though it is estimated that about 10% of the population
are gay, only about 1 or 2% are really out, to the point of going to gay
bars and events, or even willingly calling themselves gay. So are
those of us who made it out supposed to just think "Well, I made it. It's
everyone for themselves in this cruel world." or should we reflect on
our own coming out stories and realize that there are many more of us
who may have even greater obstacles to deal with?
