(no subject)

[jgrafton]

Not even ten years ago I believed that homosexuality was a sinful choice, an abomination. Weird and wrong.

Now, in the last month, in my first real foray into politics, I donated to the campaign against Proposition 8, defending gays' rights. I rallied alongside a busy street in Campbell days before the election. I marched in a nationwide protest for equality this past weekend along with thousands of others. (My sign: "Straights for Equality" / "Separate ≠ Equal") And this is just the beginning.

Change can happen. Just remember to love, not hate, since hate achieves nothing.

Congrats, Prop 8 supporters. You just mobilized a national gay-marriage movement. Enjoy your victory. It won't last. (from mattmay on Twitter)

[I really thought the politicking here would stop after the election... oh well.]

Comments

[alanv]

I'm rather curious why you had the change of heart

[t-moss.livejournal.com]

Butt sex

[jgrafton]

Through whatever chance, having more and more of my friends being gay. (It's a remarkably high percentage, really.)

I have to admit that when you first came out to me I wasn't really sure what to say or think.

[jgrafton]

Herein lies a really critical point that the gay rights campaigns have so far largely missed, I think:

I would say for a large portion of the population against gay rights, it isn't an issue of actively hating*. It's more an issue of not understanding - of being hesitant to accept the unknown. Calling them bigots and yelling to "Stop the Hate" is not going to change any hearts or win over any allies. Instead, they must be shown that gays are normal people to, and that they really desire the same things. Young people are increasingly aware of it, but it's important to educate older people as well.

tldr: Think positive, not negative.

* this is not to say there aren't people who hate - I've definitely encountered them. I just think the percentage is far lower than people think.

[alanv]

Isn't that the truth...

[alanv]

But (and I'm often guilty of this) it's easier to blindly hate than try and understand, on both sides.

I think Greg is very good at bringing out the rational side of me though.

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

I also had a change of heart, when I was like 20. I estimate 99% of Brazilian teenage boys from my generation thought it was wrong.

What changed my mind?
I figured homosexuality was harmless, and wanted to affirm the right of all people to do what they like within that. Still, I was like 25 before I (knowingly) had gay friends. It's harder to bond with people who are different.

[t-moss.livejournal.com]

<3

I'm still not sure how I feel about the protests in front of Mormon temples. I don't know what purpose it is serving to lash out against a certain group, but I am glad that people are at least doing something.

[alanv]

Yeah, I dunno.
It's convenient to have a target though, and it was mainly the Mormon church that led the donations. It's just that not all Mormons were pro 8, so you have to be careful there.

I do support the boycotts of people who donated to yes on 8 though, since the religious right often boycotts companies that they see as pro-gay.

[jgrafton]

I agree; I don't think that protesting in front of Mormon temples is very effective or a wise idea.

This past weekend, most of the protests were in front of city halls or other very visible public spaces; this was much more appropriate.