If Only More Straight People Could be as Understanding...
So, folks, recently I received a question (in response to a comment I made about how nice it was to see all the rainbow flags hanging from many of the stores and restaurants in Key West)...the question was:
I mean no disrespect, but I am just curious. Why is it the so many homosexual people choose to display the rainbow sign or flag? I don't see nearly as many "straight" flags of bumper stickers.
Of course, being one of those who love differently than the mainstream, I took the post at great disrespect.
My thoughts, immediately, were as follows...
Do you REALLY need an answer to that? People who love differently are subject to higher taxes, lesser rights in child custody and adoption, the butt of jokes and insults, and countless crimes just for being who they are.
And upon further reflection (like 5 minute's worth...):
Do you know how wonderful it is to be able to walk into a community where I can hold the hand of the woman I love more than myself, enjoying beautiful weather, and good food, and each other, without hateful words, nasty looks, or other actions from those who do NOT need to hang a flag to show where a "safe" zone is...
I felt at a loss...I could only respond very viscerally - which is not the right way to react to the right wing. I have been working so hard to practice the reframing techniques espoused in Lakoff's books, but felt I had failed.
Then came my friend, my colleague, and fellow bloggrrlll with her incredible writing skills and insight to the rescue. Shakespeare's Sister: I love her words, and excerpt them here...
...[that question] was insulting and mocks the very real struggle of the LGBT community, the hatred spewed, the oppressive legislation enacted, the general disregard exhibited by straights. Not all straights - not me... The thing is, the rainbow symbol of the LGBT community is used because, like the spectrum of color that a rainbow represents, the LGBT community promotes a message of inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance--of all people, including straight people. That's not to say the LGBT community is completely devoid of prejudice, but it's the goal. A "straight" sticker would be clearly exclusionary, reactive, and demeaning of the rainbow message, which is one of equality.
One of the main things that keeps me going through all the hate being spewed toward those who love differently is the knowledge that there are people like Shakespeare's Sister still in existence...and not afraid to speak up!
Love to all...
Ms. Julien in
