Stereotypes & Militancy

by Jack Waller
Halifax, NS Canada
Dec 28, 2005

The lifestyle we have "chosen" as gay men, has been assailed on all sides, and those who are our severest critics are militant in how they view us.

As a Canadian, I am richly blessed to have the choice to marry my partner (which is being threatened by one of the political parties in our forthcoming federal election). What I hear from chatting with others in various locales - most particularly the United States, is that we are at risk, and having read of the vicious attacks and murders of gay men, I sense it is long past the time we took a more procactive role in informing others that there is more to our lifestyle than sex. Those who continue to be flamboyant, and seek casual sex, are more to be pitied than laughed at.

The Stonewall riots in 1969, was the beginning of taking on a Rosa Parks role (refusing to sit at the back of the bus), and the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1973, ought to have been stepping stones to acceptance.

Unfortunately, AIDS reared its ugly head, and allows our detractors to perpetuate the myth that AIDS is a gay man's disease.

To live one's life in abject fear of their sexual preferences being known, is demoralising, and not a heathy way to live.

There are no pat answers to how we reach out to our brothers when we have religious and political leaders whose agendas will not allow the end to systemic discrimination.

We are blessed with those who stand with us, and are willing to risk public ridicule and scorn for their stance. Our support of them ought to be more open, and we must assume a positive stance as we ride against the tide of those who seek to treat us with disrepect.

We had the privilege of having the Rosie O'Donnell cruise here last summer, and the financial spin-off for our city was recognised. In a similar vein, the buying power of the gay community is in at least millions of dollars.

You may have noted that Ford reversed its stance on advertising in gay magazines.

It is past the time we take a more proactive role, and gain the respect we deserve as individuals, regardless of our sexual orientation.

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