I did something I didn't think I'd be able to do last week. Perhaps I acted out of frustration. Nevertheless, I'm quite proud of myself.
During my developmental psychology class, the issue of homosexuality came up. Now, I'm not one to openly disclose my sexual orientation around a large group of strangers. In fact, during my health class last year, homosexuality was presented in a negative light. Our professor confessed to being uninformed about gay individuals and relationships, which I suspect was just a way for her to avoid discussing the topic, or at least any scientific and unbiased information about the topic. She mentioned that sexual orientation can be changed through therapy(it can't), and that her "gay friend" back in college was promiscuous. She also discussed "Bugchasers". Yes. What the ACTUAL FUCK? But she did. And so, the Health class learned about a tiny, miniscule minority of gay people who are miserable enough to want to contract HIV. Now keep in mind that most gay men don't even know about bugchasers. This woman had a agenda, which became too apparent when she discussed abortion. I won't even go there.
Anyway, I didn't speak up. I feel that I should have. This woman was spreading lies and ignorant opinions, not facts. But speaking out is hard, especially when the teacher mispronounces "bugchasers" and instead says "Butt Chasers", eliciting laughs all around the classroom.
Fast forward a few months. It's the second week of Developmental Psychology class. It's was all great until this particularly opinionated girl raised her hand. "It seems to me like being gay is glorified or encouraged in this society. It's almost like it's cool to be gay." I STRONGLY disagree with that, of course... but I did not voice my opinion. She went on "If my kid told me that they wanted to experiment with the same sex, I wouldn't let them. It's not normal. NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE." Oh, none taken! Please, go on! What else am I besides a deviation of normal that must not be encouraged?
This prompted other students with ignorant views to express their frustration with gay people. "Why do they have to flaunt it? Why do they have Pride Parades?? Straight people don"t go around having pride parades!! I think it's a choice. My sister dated a guy for the longest time and now she's a lesbian. So that means it's a choice!" (because bisexual people are pure myth, like gods and unicorns). Then this guy said "It's a lifestyle. Like choosing to become a Christian. But they should be respected anyway." Thanks but no thanks.
Well, I had just about had it. So mustered up some courage and raised my hand. I awaited my turn as others spoke. Finally I was called on. I wasn't sure about what I was supposed to say. I just knew I wanted to beat some sense into these people. So I spoke.
It went something like "I don't think straight people can understand what it's like being gay. If they did, they wouldn't be so quick to express their frustrations with trivial things like pride events. Straight pride goes on every single day. It also bothers me that this choice thing is still being debated. I happen to be gay. It's not a choice. My parents almost kicked me out of the house when I told them I was gay. Why? Because they believe it's some lifestyle choice. But what really frustrates me, is that people get to debate who I am, what rights I should or shouldn't have, and how I should live."
What I REALLY wanted to say was: "You're all a bunch of self-entitled pricks who don't have the LEAST idea of what you're talking about." But I believe I stated my position eloquently enough.
I was shaking afterwards. Fearing a negative response. Some cold rebuttal. But no... Silence. Because these straight people had no idea a homosexual deviant had secretly infiltrated their heterosexual quarters. I should have just glitterbombed them all and ran the fuck out of there. But I didn't. I tried to just sit still.
"Thank you for sharing that." the professor replied. SUCCESS. I cannot stress enough the importance of challenging ignorant views and not tolerating bigotry. I felt like I had to speak out. I wanted them to see with their own eyes the people that their views affected. Because nowadays the term "gay" is politically charged. "Gay" is not a political stance, or some point of view. Gay people are people... with families, friends, hopes, dreams. People need to be aware of that, so I spoke out. I'm very proud of myself for doing so.
