But when it comes to going out and being very public, I don't like to be on
guard. I don't like to keep my actions and comments in check. And, I don't like
to feel that I am being scrutinized. I refuse to hide my sexuality anymore. I
don't consider myself to be militant about it. I'll tell you that I'm gay like I would
tell you that I'm white or a man. The only time it ever becomes an issue is
when you try to tell me there is something wrong with it.
Are you happy with the way things are for you? Do you feel that the road
you traveled to get to where you are was fair and even? Honestly, how often
does your sexuality affect the way you relate to other people? Do you feel
more comfortable in places where you know that everyone should be gay or
gay friendly? Or, are you afraid to go to a place like this? Wouldn't you feel
better knowing that their are millions of other people out there who are
struggling with the very same issues that face you; people who are willing to
stand up and fight for what they know is right for themselves and for many
others not strong enough to fight?
Anyone who has decided to try to create a change for the better in the way
gay people are treated is faced with quite a predicament. The most critical time
in gay people's lives is when they are in their sexually formative years, when
they are still minors, still under the legal protection of their parents or
guardians. We obviously can't go into people's homes and drag out the 12
and 13 year-olds, saying "You're gay, you need to come with us!" All we can
do is try to bridge the gaps between all of us individually and present
ourselves as a strong, proud group with good role models and success
stories. We also need to concentrate our efforts on getting laws passed that
will protect us from discrimination. I believe that within our culture, the best
way to do this is through the media. We should all strive to be as well informed
as we can and be prepared to share this information with anyone who would
inquire. Another way to put it: since the radical religious right has been
accusing us of pushing "The Homosexual Agenda", perhaps we should
actually adopt one. There is no doubt in our minds that things are really going
to start happening right here within the circulation area of What's Up. This
year will mark the first ever Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Pride event
"OUT IN AKRON", centered around The National Coming Out Day, October
11th weekend.
Terry and I are not political practitioners or sociologists and we don't
pretend to know all of the answers that will lead us into social freedom. We like
to think that our talents lie in media production. Among other things, we
publish this magazine and provide an enormous amount of content for gay
people on The World Wide Web. Both of these things we do in a way that is
not offensive to anyone and does not perpetuate the myths and stereotypes
associated with being gay.
We offer this magazine to everyone within the sexual minorities
communities as a vehicle to convey a positive image of gays, lesbian.
bisexuals, and transgender people to everyone who would like to read it. We
can not create the pages of What's Up Magazine out of thin air. Nor can we
afford to pay for each issue out of our own pockets.
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