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Humans are multifaceted
beings. Each of us is probably able to subscribe to some minority, and some
majority. There is probably something about each of us that can fit into the
big box and fit into the small box. We have the option of defining ourselves as
we choose.
I view homosexuality as a
variation of human existence but never a deviation. I am cut out from the same
cloth as every single human being that ever was, is, and will be. Like
snowflakes no two cloths will ever be the same.
Flags initially define us but
they also divide us. Flags that symbolize a rich history can also represent a
bleak present. Flags can be a source of strength for one person and an easily
marketed identity to another. But who are we without all the variances that
divide us? At the core of our beings what is left of us once we subtract all
the man-made symbols, labels, and definitions that we’ve attach to ourselves?
Every human being is a unique individual composed by the sum of their parts. In
society we divide ourselves by the sum of these parts.
The homosexual aspect of my
being casts me into a minority. I’ve struggled for a long time to find my place
within this minority. To reject the rainbow flag and all its modern
connotations seems to be the ultimate taboo. To rebel against ones own “minority” is considered near blasphemy.
But there are so many things
that anger and sadden me about current gay culture. Isn’t the ultimate goal to evolve into well-adjusted healthy happy
human beings? Are we even striving to be happy and well-adjusted?
Thanks to those who have
fought in the past for our current freedoms. But at what point to we become imprisoned by this freedom? Today we
have people fighting for our freedom in the law books but what about liberation from our own internal oppressors? The little voice inside of us that tell us
we are inferior? Without a sane voice to lead us through the darkness how many get sucked into the emptiness and
vice? There is far too much emphasis on humanity’s differences and very
little focus on how much we are all the same. I’ll be damned if I’ll feel
inferior…or superior.
We must take accountability
for our actions. As the LGBT Revolution evolves perhaps it is time to retool
the slogans and the viewpoints. I find it impossible to take pride in being gay
because it is not something that I worked for. It just is. I just am. So what is the the next step after pride?
Being secure in our existences. I can stand behind any movement that celebrates
diversity but find it strange after we’ve come this far to boast about it.
Instead of gay pride how about “Diversity Recognition” or even “LGBT
Recognition”?
A very thought provoking article, my friend! Thank you for sharing it. Too often, as humans, we focus on the aspects that separate us rather than on those that unite us. That leads us, in turn, to the whole majority/minority mentality and the us/them worldview. Soon, it's all about division and exclusion.
ReplyDeleteOne common denominator we all share is our humanity. As suggested, if we could all appreciate that single factor and work from there, as a society, we'd all be in a better place. Infortunately, throughout our collective history, that seems to escape our abilities.
I am always trying to figure out how we can get to a community.
DeleteFirst off, thank you, GC for your kind words, your interest in me and your acceptance. They mean more to me than I can say.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many contradictions in this article that I don't know where to begin. I personally revel in being a double minority and I do take pride in being Gay because I most certainly work hard at it. Pride is more than flying a flag or marching in a parade. Pride is a way of Life; living graciously with respect for one's self and for others. Pride is being conscious of one's actions in the community and how one conducts himself in public reflects on all of us.
I find great delight in being a contradiction to the stereotypes and confounding the the bigots by proving them wrong. I am sure we have all heard it.."u aint like dem udda (Americans, Jews, Blacks, Asians, Latinos, etc), ur a gud (American,Jew, Black, Asian, Latino, Etc.)." Though this statement automatically qualifies the speaker as persona-non-grata in my personal life, when I hear it I know I am doing my job as an ambassador for all the Minorities I represent.
Believe it or not, I have also heard the "u-aint-like" statement from other Gay man relative to how I conduct myself within the Gay community. It is a shock and a great shame that so many of us treat each other with such a lack respect, compassion and Humanity, and THAT is the true essence of PRIDE; respect for ourselves and for our brothers. I have said this many times here and in so many ways.. PRIDE starts at home and in your heart.
SO happy to have you back!
DeleteGreat post! Nice ideal. How do we get everyone to subscribe to it? That's the challenge.
ReplyDeleteOne person @ a time?
DeletePersonally I do not find anything wrong with embracing who you are and being proud of how you have expressed your individuality. Gay Pride is more about not hiding your sexuality. In that it is not something to be ashamed of. I personally believe in the climate the LGBT youth are in right now out and proud individuals are needed as role models.
ReplyDeleteIt is the LGBT youth that will take things to the next level.
DeleteIt is not even just the LGBT youth, but youth in general. When you see someone out, proud, and you see them just living life at that who they have sex with is not the sum of their parts. It helps end this us and them mentality the religious right would try to brainwash their kids with. Every time somebody is outed by the press it reinforces that gay people are ashamed, that being gay is something you should be ashamed of. Pride parades try to show the other side. I know a lot of gay people do not like pride because they feel it does not reflect how they want gay to be viewed in society. Meh, let's just each be who we are and give others a chance to be who they are.
DeleteWELL SAID SIR!
Delete