I have just spent an amazing weekend with my friend Chris in Sydney. And yes, that did mean going to Oxford St. And yes, that also did mean meeting (and dancing) with the most amazing (and handsome) boys I have met for a very long time. Of course, by the time the weekend was over and Chris and I were on the monorail looking around Sydney, we did surcumb to a huge bout of sleepiness. Right now as I am writing this (7:16 pm) I am sure he is still asleep dreaming of dancing and Yoko Ono :P
Not only did I fall in love with Sydney, I also fell in love with gay men. I am not embarressed to admit it, I find them so awesome to talk to. Of course, Chris tops the list but Jeremy is also simply wonderful. I don't know if his gayness is a component in his wonderfulness but he certainly impresses me. He's incredibly smart and easy-going - when you talk to him you are very quick to label him a "genious".
Just from spending a lot of time over the past few years with gay people and experiencing small parts of their culture, I just can't believe that there is still so much discrimination and homophobia in the world. I can only explain the continual disregard for equal rights as a symptom of ignorance.
Case in point a few christian friends I know. I got in such a debate with them over it (in which I was definately outnumbered) when I was last home and it left me almost in tears to see their close mindedness. There is nothing in the bible that explains why homosexuality as a sin - it just is. It is billed as unnatural and an abomination of God's original plan. This in itself is religion's greatest weakness. Why is it wrong to love someone? How is it wrong to be attracted to someone? I see more sinful things from those in the past and present (and sadly, the future) who have continually discriminated against gay people solely on the basis of their sexual orienation.
And the people who do discriminate are usually the ones who have never met a gay person. One of my christian friends claimed that she was friends with many, but the fact that she was strenously arguing against giving them basic legal rights such as the right to marry pointed to the contrary.
Gay culture is not perfect. But every culture is not perfect. The fact is we have to stop this madness of inequality. As long as we continue to tease gay people, make derogatory comments towards gay people, treat them as jokes or comical instruments for our entertainment, we will remain stuck in the rut of societal primativeness (made up that word but i love putting "ness" on the end of everything :P).
I'm aware I'm obsessed with GetUp! But I think they provide a great tool for protest and are good at pulling people together to campaign collectively.
If you believe in equality for all, please click on this link and sign the Equal Before The Law petition.
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Haha, I'm glad you enjoyed our two little romps to Arq on the weekend -- I did too and, as I continue to reiterate, most fun and most lively I've had and been in a long time -- you are da bomb when it comes to clubbing!! No, at 7:16 last night, I was wide awake and watching "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford", I slept till midday of that day. You shall get my side of the story soon, I promise.
Kasch.
PS: refer to my myspace for the name change thing.
You go girl! I have found similar problems with my christian friends. They don't seem to realise how much more compassionate and caring gay ppl are compared to many christians! But then I guess, they wouldn't realise it, because many have never taken the time to talk to an openly gay person. (but then I guess many have talked to those in the closet hehe)....
I find it soooo... maddening!ahahah... I just wish people would have a more open mind and see things for what they are...for an example: we fight over peodphiles and their rights....but many don't even question the homosexual's lack of rights. It makes me mad. Society is full of double standards,. and I am sick of it!!
JOJO
Hey Amy,
I am sad I didn't get to come to Sydney :( I hope I can come and visit again with both Chris and you like last time it was fun. Its hard to believe that happened over a year ago!!!
I reckon you would have liked the class I took at uni last term Sexualities and Representation (Yes the same one Jo got upset about with good reason mind you) because it opened my eyes to a lot of the stereotypes and discrimination towards gay people. Did you ever notice in movies where there is a gay person they are either A a criminal B. Die violently C. Kill someone violently or D. all of the above?
I agree with the whole thing about religion. My grandparents are homophobic. I remember when newspapers were taking polls to get peoples ideas about if they believed same sex marraige sould be allowed. My grandma was on the phone so quick she didn't even say much but only to tell the reporter I think it was from the Toronto Star that she thinks its a no. I also think its funny becuase my grandpa is homophobic but he owns The Village People and Cher...to stereotypical things mind you. And I still can remember how annoyed I felt about what Kumar said last year about homosexuality. I believe in equal rights for all, none of this you shouldn't be allowed to do this because you happen to be attracted to the same sex. Its too stupid really.
Melissa :)
Hey Amy,
I dont mean to be 'just another of your christian friends' who you say are closed minded but I am guessing that you can guess where I stand on the issue. I agree that it is a tough topic but I still do not believe that homosexuals should be able to marry. I am not attacking you here, please dont take it that way but the whole discussion on your page is missing the other side. What else do we need the Bible to say other than the fact that it is wrong in God's eyes? Isnt that the moral code for everything else that we believe? Isn't He truth and righteousness personified? You cant take the Bible or Christianity in parts...its all or nothing...
Hi Ally :)
Hey, no, I agree about the different opinion thing and I'm not going to get offended or mad at you :) But subsequently, the taking the "whole of the Bible or leaving it" is actually why I started to leave Christianity. So I actually really understand your logic :) We can't all believe the same things I guess. I think what I was most angry at was the fact that Christians do teach about equality, but then don't want to extend it to homosexual people.
It's always going to be a big object of debate obviously!
Luv me!
Thanks for writing this.
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