NationStates Jolt Archive

8-10 Proactively support
6-7 Accepting
5 somewhere in between. neutral. don't know. don't care. all other answers
3-4 Tolerant, but feel that it is 'wrong'
0-2 Proactively against.

Feel free to elaborate on your choice

I'll simply never understand the relevance of boinking preferences. Too many people, including gay activists(who overreact every bit as much as any other kind of activist) have this idea in their heads that people care. I, for one don't. Gay athlete? He's an athlete. I see no need to label this person specifically as an athlete-who-prefers-boinking-men. Gay actresses? Same thing. I don't see the relevance. Marriage? Soldiers? Adoptions? Does any of this really have any connection to sex at all? Is it necessary to forge a connection?

Are we really that fascinated with homosexuality???

i'd say i'm just a few leather chaps short of a full pink rainbow, and that's mostly because being female disqualifies me from being a total drag queen.

Personally, I don't care one way or the other. It's none of my business what anyone else does in bed, and certainly not my responsibility to dictate morality. What happens in your bed has no bearing on who you are in public. Furthermore, both sides of the argument have really come out and just made me loathe them with rhetoric and knee-deep BS.

Christ, I'm just tired of hearing about it. Decide one way or another and leave the rest of us alone.

Socks and soap; a.k.a "The Final Solution" would be my approach. Can't say I'm too tolerant. And by the way, homophobe would suggest I have a fear of man, so don't even try.

And by the way, homophobe would suggest I have a fear of man, so don't even try.

READ A BLOODY DICTIONARY.

ho·mo·pho·bi·a ( P ) Pronunciation Key (hm-fb-) n.
Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.
Behavior based on such a feeling.

YOU ARE A HOMOPHOBE. DEAL WITH IT.

"friendly"? *ponders over the word*

hmmm... I see no reason to be any less evil to gay people than to non-gay people. As a machine, unless there is some kind of logical connection, ideally an evil one, between one issue and another, i cannot see why it should matter?

And by the way, homophobe would suggest I have a fear of man, so don't even try.

OK, when myriad is used to discribe ten thousand of something, naughty used to describe something completely evil and when the word 'forsooth' is commonly used again. I'll stop using 'homophobe' to describe people like you.

dp

dp

It's kinda funny that 61% of people (as of now) rated themselves an 8-10, ie "proactively supportive." If you were an 8-10, you would be out there lobbying for gay rights, petitioning, writing letters to the editor, etc. My experience is that it's a minority that's actually taking action. Most people just sit around on their butts discussing gay rights, and posting on message boards. Can you really call yourself an 8-10 if all you do is talk about it?

It's kinda funny that 61% of people (as of now) rated themselves an 8-10, ie "proactively supportive." If you were an 8-10, you would be out there lobbying for gay rights, petitioning, writing letters to the editor, etc. My experience is that it's a minority that's actually taking action. Most people just sit around on their butts discussing gay rights, and posting on message boards. Can you really call yourself an 8-10 if all you do is talk about it?

yes and no...i would say that any person who is vocal about their support for gay rights is an 8. somebody who not only accepts that gays deserve equal rights, but who will say that out loud when the subject is brought up. anybody who actively teaches their child to understand and accept homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle is doing more than just "tolerating" gay people. granted, only a few people are probably a 9 or 10, since that would be people who really are a part of the fight for gay rights, but there's a wide range of ways to be involved in that process.

I would be careful on this one - the last time I posted saying that it doesnt matter whther someone is gay or straight - labels are unneccesary (i.e an athelete is an athelete regardless of orientation) I got called a Gay basher, a racist and lot's of other nasty things.

It's kinda funny that 61% of people (as of now) rated themselves an 8-10, ie "proactively supportive." If you were an 8-10, you would be out there lobbying for gay rights, petitioning, writing letters to the editor, etc. My experience is that it's a minority that's actually taking action. Most people just sit around on their butts discussing gay rights, and posting on message boards. Can you really call yourself an 8-10 if all you do is talk about it?

The key term in proactive is "active". Ragesh has a point.

PS: If you want to get proactive, tomorrow's the Day of Silence. Great opportunity.
Visit dayofsilence.org for more.

I picked "6-7 Accepting " I couldn't really pick "8-10 Proactively support " because to me that would of meant I go to rallies or actively protest for gay rites, and I don't. Not because I don't believe that gay people should have all the same rites as straight people, just because I don't have time and it sort of doesn't personally affect me. I'm a straight married woman with two children. However, I have zero problem with gay people. In fact, I don't even think we should notice or care if some one is straight or gay.. same as we should be colour blind. People are people.. we all bleed red and your sexuality certainly doesn't define us as a person , so long as you are having consensual "adult" relationships.. it's no one's business but your own.

6-7 accepting

Only 2 types of people in the world as far as I am concerned - a$$holes and those who choose not to be a$$holes.

I'm a straight married man who has personally evolved on this issue over time - and don't understand why many other straights can't seem to grow up and be accepting of gay or bi people.

Years ago I was a typical teen male in that I had a big streak of homophobia in me. Around my peers I thought nothing of making ugly jokes about gays and called them by the usual hateful names. In the small city I grew up in I never once met an openly gay person - they kept themselves well hidden for simple survival I'm sure. If I had heard of a gay bashing I probably would have thought the person deserved it for foolishly letting their shameful secret be discovered.

It wasn't until I moved to a large city where circumstances forced me to meet openly-gay people that I finally smartened up. Suddenly I had neighbours, co-workers and customers who were openly gay. What a shock to discover that these were not caricatures but regular human beings who deserved the same basic respect and civil rights I'd always taken for granted.

I woke up to the fact that homophobia was as bad as racism and other destructive human faults. I realized I'd been part of the problem and resolved to change my thinking - which I did.

Being gay or bi is not just a matter of whom one sleeps with. It also clearly means one is part of a group who's been historically oppressed in Western society and is still very actively oppressed in most of the world. It's not right to just shrug and call sexuality a non-issue that no longer deserves discussion.

I'm a straight married man who has personally evolved on this issue over time - and don't understand why many other straights can't seem to grow up and be accepting of gay or bi people.

Years ago I was a typical teen male in that I had a big streak of homophobia in me. Around my peers I thought nothing of making ugly jokes about gays and called them by the usual hateful names. In the small city I grew up in I never once met an openly gay person - they kept themselves well hidden for simple survival I'm sure. If I had heard of a gay bashing I probably would have thought the person deserved it for foolishly letting their shameful secret be discovered.

It wasn't until I moved to a large city where circumstances forced me to meet openly-gay people that I finally smartened up. Suddenly I had neighbours, co-workers and customers who were openly gay. What a shock to discover that these were not caricatures but regular human beings who deserved the same basic respect and civil rights I'd always taken for granted.

I woke up to the fact that homophobia was as bad as racism and other destructive human faults. I realized I'd been part of the problem and resolved to change my thinking - which I did.

Being gay or bi is not just a matter of whom one sleeps with. It also clearly means one is part of a group who's been historically oppressed in Western society and is still very actively oppressed in most of the world. It's not right to just shrug and call sexuality a non-issue that no longer deserves discussion.
Thanks for that inspired post Garaj, if only more people had similar views to you. Then there would be no need for debates about Homophobia or Gay Equality. Thanks mate :)

Do the results of the poll surprise anyone :?:

I completely aggree with Lunatic Goofballs!
Being gay myself I get so pissed off that people make it everything about themselves. The only reason people are so cautious of homophobia is because some people spend half their lives speaking about their sexualities. Straight people don't go around introducing themselves as hetrosexual and going on and on and on about their sexuality and demanding their rights as a straight person. I'm not saying homophobia doesn't exist in the world, I'm just saying that the more people go on about it, the more it annoys people. I can't stand some of the gay community because all they go on about is how they are so proud to be gay and how they are discriminated against and how they want their rights. Since when did sexuality become everything in some people's lives?

Homophobia is one of those things i've always been annoyed with. I myself am a Christian but am disgusted how other so-called "Christians" like George W. Bush play the family values crap. He obviously ignored Jesus' accepting message and went back to Leviticus and Paul rant on about that, and the funny thing was in Leviticus, it also says slavery and child slavery are appropriate. I'd say that is a dated idea, lacking real credibility. Of course, in Canada, where I live, gay marriage is being legalized in most provinces now and I think that it's something that needs to be done. No, I am not gay myself and infact am a strong conservative BUT this issue is not one that needs to be met with Bible thumping but with reality. Times have changed.

Homophobia is one of those things i've always been annoyed with. I myself am a Christian but am disgusted how other so-called "Christians" like George W. Bush play the family values crap. He obviously ignored Jesus' accepting message and went back to Leviticus and Paul rant on about that, and the funny thing was in Leviticus, it also says slavery and child slavery are appropriate. I'd say that is a dated idea, lacking real credibility. Of course, in Canada, where I live, gay marriage is being legalized in most provinces now and I think that it's something that needs to be done. No, I am not gay myself and infact am a strong conservative BUT this issue is not one that needs to be met with Bible thumping but with reality. Times have changed.

It's kinda funny that 61% of people (as of now) rated themselves an 8-10, ie "proactively supportive." If you were an 8-10, you would be out there lobbying for gay rights, petitioning, writing letters to the editor, etc.

Well I'll have you know I have done the latter and I do speak out against those who would condemn gay people. Although I admit I should do more, it is not always so clear cut...ashamed to say that it makes me a bit of a hypocrit.

Since when did sexuality become everything in some people's lives?

When you are harassed and taunted and beaten up at school because you're "the gay kid"

When at work, your boss treats you like dirt because he suspects your're "one of them"

Because you are stared at and told you are immoral for holding your boyfriend's hand in public or give him a small kiss because you love him

Most homosexuals (mainly guys) did not make sexuality their entire life...society did.

Well I don't like the idea of homosexuality but I will allow gay marriages, cuz the government should but out of our personal lives and marriage.

or in the words of some person:
"Keep the government out of the bedroom!"

I'm against homosexual marriage, but I have no problems with my gay frineds. As long as they comliment my perky ass they're ok in my books.

Do the results of the poll surprise anyone :?:


no, not for this site

And by the way, homophobe would suggest I have a fear of man, so don't even try.
OK, when myriad is used to discribe ten thousand of something, naughty used to describe something completely evil and when the word 'forsooth' is commonly used again. I'll stop using 'homophobe' to describe people like you.
Even Archeotechus's attempt at an etymological definition would be incorrect. As the prefix is Greek (both men and women can be homosexual, just as both can be heterosexual), the literal interpretation of the word is 'fear of sameness'. As Bottle and yourself have indicated, however, its meaning in contemporary usage is quite different.

I'm in the 8-10 range--I've protested publicly; I've written letters to my congresspeople and to state reps; I've blogged about it and argued online about the necessity for equal protection for same sex couples.

It's a pretty easy call for me--the only reasons ever really provided in opposition are religious ones, and the US is a secular state.

6-7. If you want to be gay, go ahead. If you want to have the same rights as hetro relationships, I agree. I don't actively rally for it though.

Do the results of the poll surprise anyone :?:Actually I'm kinda surprised that so many people suport gay rights. I have to put myself in the 3-4 category and might easily consider myself in the 1-2 category. I have nothing against homosexuals/gays/alternative consenual sexualities excluding pathological pedophilia, but I just cannot support the creation of a new category of entitlements, sorry rights snigger snigger for them. Nor can I justify using the power of the government to punish those segments of society which are opposed to homosexuality/gays/etc.

Do the results of the poll surprise anyone :?:Actually I'm kinda surprised that so many people suport gay rights. I have to put myself in the 3-4 category and might easily consider myself in the 1-2 category. I have nothing against homosexuals/gays/alternative consenual sexualities excluding pathological pedophilia, but I just cannot support the creation of a new category of entitlements, sorry rights snigger snigger for them. Nor can I justify using the power of the government to punish those segments of society which are opposed to homosexuality/gays/etc.I wasn't going to go into this, but since you bring it up, two questions. What new entitlements are you talking about and how does the equal treatment of homosexuals punish those segments of society who disagree with the lifestyle? Seriously, I'd like to know.

It's kinda funny that 61% of people (as of now) rated themselves an 8-10, ie "proactively supportive." If you were an 8-10, you would be out there lobbying for gay rights, petitioning, writing letters to the editor, etc. My experience is that it's a minority that's actually taking action. Most people just sit around on their butts discussing gay rights, and posting on message boards. Can you really call yourself an 8-10 if all you do is talk about it?

It's possible that posters here are in fact active in their support; they may have taken a stand at work or school; how do you know they haven't? We aren't very reprsentative of the whole society here, you know. This is a self-selecting group.

Do the results of the poll surprise anyone :?:

With so much pro-"gay" propaganda peddled by the media and the educational system nowadays, it's refreshing that there are some people, at least, who can still think independently and who are opposed to equality for these repugant degenerates. At least everyone hasn't been brainwashed by the liberal system. :D

With so much pro-"gay" propaganda peddled by the media and the educational system nowadays, it's refreshing that there are some people, at least, who can still think independently and who are opposed to equality for these repugant degenerates. At least everyone hasn't been brainwashed by the liberal system. :D

I will have you know that I don't take heed of the leftist media (except to use against them later on hehe in debate) but what I feel. I am a conservative and believe in conserving the sanctity of marriage...but feel that homosexuals have the right to the same benefits as married couples and should be permitted civil unions at least (legal ones).

And who said conservatives don't have a heart? :D

...right...that's it...bad minority group, bad! no more welfare for you!

gays are people too....

People should be treated equally....bottom line.

And by the way, homophobe would suggest I have a fear of man, so don't even try.
OK, when myriad is used to discribe ten thousand of something, naughty used to describe something completely evil and when the word 'forsooth' is commonly used again. I'll stop using 'homophobe' to describe people like you.
Even Archeotechus's attempt at an etymological definition would be incorrect. As the prefix is Greek (both men and women can be homosexual, just as both can be heterosexual), the literal interpretation of the word is 'fear of sameness'. As Bottle and yourself have indicated, however, its meaning in contemporary usage is quite different.

Yes, literally it means "fear of the same."
"Homophobic" is a contrived left-wing construction intended to condemn those who disapprove of homosexuality, a kind of reverse stigmatization by the politically-correct. Sad but true how the language is ruined for the sake of degenerates...

Yes, literally it means "fear of the same."
"Homophobic" is a contrived left-wing construction intended to condemn those who disapprove of homosexuality, a kind of reverse stigmatization by the politically-correct. Sad but true how the language is ruined for the sake of degenerates...

Funny how you seem happy with homosexual from homo-, comb. form of Gk. homos "same" + Latin-based sexual.

'Homosexual' is a barbarously hybrid word, and I claim no responsibility for it.

The language is full of appallingly constructed words however homophobe has been in use since the late 60s, it is clear what it means. I suggest you get over it.

Yes, literally it means "fear of the same."
"Homophobic" is a contrived left-wing construction intended to condemn those who disapprove of homosexuality, a kind of reverse stigmatization by the politically-correct. Sad but true how the language is ruined for the sake of degenerates...

Funny how you seem happy with homosexual from homo-, comb. form of Gk. homos "same" + Latin-based sexual.

'Homosexual' is a barbarously hybrid word, and I claim no responsibility for it.

The language is full of appallingly constructed words however homophobe has been in use since the late 60s, it is clear what it means. I suggest you get over it.

I'd rather not "get over it". "Getting over it" is just another meaningless expression derived from Freudian psychobabble, a lazy, typically-American construction on a par with the "grief process" etc. I suggest you learn to speak serious English, without recourse to cliches. Thanks!

Did I write "psychobabble"? Oh well.... :wink:

Do the results of the poll surprise anyone :?:Actually I'm kinda surprised that so many people suport gay rights. I have to put myself in the 3-4 category and might easily consider myself in the 1-2 category. I have nothing against homosexuals/gays/alternative consenual sexualities excluding pathological pedophilia, but I just cannot support the creation of a new category of entitlements, sorry rights snigger snigger for them. Nor can I justify using the power of the government to punish those segments of society which are opposed to homosexuality/gays/etc.I wasn't going to go into this, but since you bring it up, two questions. What new entitlements are you talking about and how does the equal treatment of homosexuals punish those segments of society who disagree with the lifestyle? Seriously, I'd like to know.

I'd put myself at 6-7 but I do agree with what was originally said by Squi. I think that there are no 'rights' that are denied to homosexuals simply based upon their preference. For a better understanding of this, one would have to look at the difference between rights and privileges. A right would be something that is more or less universal (the right to free speech, religion, pursuit of happiness) and a privilege is more of something provided by the government (driver's licenses, marriage licenses, social security.) In the case of 'gay rights,' one would have to assume that gays are being denied the fundamental rights that everyone has under the Constitution, which just isnt true. Gays are allowed to vote, to protest, to hold citizenship, not to mention the fact they are allowed to be gay. It sounds silly to mention that last part but some places do not allow that even. That list is supplemented by every other right given to every other citizen of the United States. Now to argue that they dont have the same privileges, that would be true. To argue that they are discriminated against, would also be true. To argue that they somehow deserve to get a license from the government for marriage is debatable. It's like the argument we Californians get for illegal immigrants obtaining driver's licenses. The proponents go so far as to say they 'deserve' the 'right to drive.' Now what was the first thing you had drilled into your head about driver's licenses when you were 16? Its not a right, its a privilege. The moment the activists stop bandying about the term 'gay rights' and start addressing the important issue, which is gay acceptance and tolerance, I think they will start winning more and more people to their cause.
The government isn't saying gays cant get married. They're saying they arent entitled to the same set of benefits that straight couples get. This is what Squi was trying to say I think.
I'd love to see this happen to some extent, personally. I have a gay uncle and he has been living with his friend for over 10 years now. I'd love to see them reap the same benefits of a married couple. Unfortunately it would mean the changing of a good number of laws and that will take time to sort out.

Did I write "psychobabble"? Oh well.... :wink:

:lol:
Let me rephrase then.
I suggest that you come to terms with the limitations of modern language.
:wink:

Homosexuality is a disease that needs a cure.

Homosexuality is a disease that needs a cure.

:roll:

Wow what a... political... topic! Good work :)

I don't mind gays, in the same way that I don't mind any other guy I met on the street. In all regards I can think of, they should have the same rights as straight citizens, male & female (aside from a few things, imho).
However, to say they're 'just like everyone else' is like putting your head in the sand. Men & women have differences; Christians, Muslims, Buddists (etc, resp.) & atheists have differences; greenies, nazis, conservatives (etc, resp.) have differences; the list goes on forever. Balancing the whole lot is the beauty (??) of politics.
I have to admit though, if a homosexual person did 'crack onto me' physically, I probably would get a bit more than agitated, esp. if I was drinking (a dignity thing). I know a few gays and I don't mind them, although a slight homophobia sets in when they get a little too close.


Cheers for now

I kissed a bisexual once, but i didn't inhale..

Out of all the realms that I’ve been to, this is the only one where people have the time to care about other people’s sex lives. Most people have better things to worry about than ones sexual preference. You see, this is what happens when you actively hunt down all your demons, you start looking at other things like they’re demons. Then you want to get rid of them, and if you do, you start seeing new demons. That’s just one reason why we are currently reintroducing demons from other worlds. When the time is right we’ll let them loose and then you wont have much time to worry about someone else’s sexual preference. :twisted:
__________________________________________________
Out of all the demons in this world, none is more frightening than man

6-7 here.

Gay, lesbian, bi, straight, those're all human beings and deserve the rights of any other. I'd protest against amending the Constitution to the detriment of homosexual rights to marry, but that's nowhere near being put into action.

6-7 here.

Gay, lesbian, bi, straight, those're all human beings and deserve the rights of any other. I'd protest against amending the Constitution to the detriment of homosexual rights to marry, but that's nowhere near being put into action.

Out of all the realms that I’ve been to, this is the only one where people have the time to care about other people’s sex lives. Most people have better things to worry about than ones sexual preference.
Having an opinion doesn't mean the same thing as 'taking the time to care'. Having an opinion on the homeless, for instance, doesn't mean you've gone around at night interrogating them & gathering statistics.


Anyway, sleep time for me now, so </politics>.

I'd put myself at 6-7 but I do agree with what was originally said by Squi. I think that there are no 'rights' that are denied to homosexuals simply based upon their preference. For a better understanding of this, one would have to look at the difference between rights and privileges. A right would be something that is more or less universal (the right to free speech, religion, pursuit of happiness) and a privilege is more of something provided by the government (driver's licenses, marriage licenses, social security.) In the case of 'gay rights,' one would have to assume that gays are being denied the fundamental rights that everyone has under the Constitution, which just isnt true.

I can only speak to the United States situation, but I can say that it is becoming more and more true. Current rulings in the government have made it okay to fire an employee simply because of their sexual orientation. States are now amending their State Constitutions to legalize discrimination against a certain subset of human beings and citizens. Gays and lesbians are increasingly becoming scapegoated for all of society's ills and, more and more, we are seeing people give their tacit approval to this. Compound this with frequently hostile work places for homosexuals, hate crimes that go unpunished and, in some cases, uninvestigated and a general attitude of, "Well, they're funny on that Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" show, but I wouldn't want to live next door to one," and we're pushing people back into the closet and erasing a movement towards equality. This hurts all of society. We're back to men feeling that they have to get married because it's "expected" of them, so they do and then sneak out on their wives and have promiscuous gay sex. A recent rise in the number of HIV cases among southern colleges has illustrated that many black men can have frequent unprotected sex with other black men, but don't consider themselves at risk, because they don't identify "gay" do to negative stereotyping.

Perhaps it's not the most pressing problem at the moment, but it certainly is becoming one quickly.


Gays are allowed to vote, to protest, to hold citizenship, not to mention the fact they are allowed to be gay.

But frequently, due to societal ignorance and misinformend attitudes, they aren't.


It sounds silly to mention that last part but some places do not allow that even. [quote]

Yes, some country just outlawed homosexuality completely, which made me chuckle.

[quote="Fwaaa"]
That list is supplemented by every other right given to every other citizen of the United States.

But that's just the problem, the rights granted to every citizen of the United States are not protected for homosexuals and are becoming increasingly spare.


Now to argue that they dont have the same privileges, that would be true. To argue that they are discriminated against, would also be true.

So you admit that they do not have the same standing as every other citizen of the United States but you do not see the problem with this?


To argue that they somehow deserve to get a license from the government for marriage is debatable.

On what grounds? They pay taxes, shouldn't they have the same legal rights and protections AND privelledges (frankly, I think this whole privelledge vs. right thing is pure sophistry, but whatever).


It's like the argument we Californians get for illegal immigrants obtaining driver's licenses. The proponents go so far as to say they 'deserve' the 'right to drive.'

There is a sizeable difference between a law abiding, tax paying, contributing homosexual citizen of the United States and an illegal immigrant.


Now what was the first thing you had drilled into your head about driver's licenses when you were 16? Its not a right, its a privilege.

That all citizens have, barring medical or particular reasons. It is a privilege and it can be revoked, but any moron can get a license to drive. Yet, in this country, a couple that has been together for the last 50 years is refused the privelledge to declare that love in the manner of that choosing and to even sit at the bed side of their partner as they die. Frankly, I don't see the comparison.


The moment the activists stop bandying about the term 'gay rights' and start addressing the important issue, which is gay acceptance and tolerance, I think they will start winning more and more people to their cause.

Unfortunately, I think you're right, which is a sad commentary on our thought processes in this country. People are more worried about words than ideas.


The government isn't saying gays cant get married. They're saying they arent entitled to the same set of benefits that straight couples get.

Actually, this is false. Unitarian ministers are currently being prosecuted in New York for marrying same-sex couples, a bonding allowed in the Unitarian church. This clear conflict of church vs. state is not being addressed. The government is also considering legislation to amend the Constitution of the United States to include discrimination based on a completely arbitrary quality. That, at least to me, indicates that the government is indeed saying gays can't get married. Finally, where is the right for allowing heterosexual couples a set of rights denighed homosexual couples? And don't bring up some sort of sanctity of marriage argument, because anything that two complete strangers can do in five minutes in front of a shady preacher in a neon temple in Vegas can't be all that sanctified.



This is what Squi was trying to say I think.
I'd love to see this happen to some extent, personally. I have a gay uncle and he has been living with his friend for over 10 years now. I'd love to see them reap the same benefits of a married couple. Unfortunately it would mean the changing of a good number of laws and that will take time to sort out.

It would be nice if committed partnerships of whatever gender could receive the same support and understanding across the board. That's why activisim is so important, not only on this issue, but on so many others. It's also important to not forget that, in a certain context, we are talking about "rights" and not "privelledges" here. If the NeoCons get their way, the amendment to the Constitution will turn marriage into a right which will then be denighed to a portion of the population based on a characteristic that they have no more control over than hair color. This can not be allowed, regardless of one's personal views on homosexuality. Should this happen, it will be more proof that the experiement in freedom that was the United States has been allowed to wither and rot and we are merely hypocrits interested only in our selves and our own small slice of the world.

Having an opinion doesn't mean the same thing as 'taking the time to care'. Having an opinion on the homeless, for instance, doesn't mean you've gone around at night interrogating them & gathering statistics.
I know that, but this is the only world I've been to where people actually pass laws or try to pass laws against people who prefer to share a bed with members of the same sex. Opinions are fine, but as soon as someone tries to make it into a law it goes beyond just being an opinion. They're trying to force their opinions on others.
__________________________________________________
Out of all the demons in this world, none is more frightening than man

jesus, enough with the gay topics? :)

((bump))

Wow what a... political... topic! Good work :)

I don't mind gays, in the same way that I don't mind any other guy I met on the street. In all regards I can think of, they should have the same rights as straight citizens, male & female (aside from a few things, imho).
However, to say they're 'just like everyone else' is like putting your head in the sand. Men & women have differences; Christians, Muslims, Buddists (etc, resp.) & atheists have differences; greenies, nazis, conservatives (etc, resp.) have differences; the list goes on forever. Balancing the whole lot is the beauty (??) of politics.
I have to admit though, if a homosexual person did 'crack onto me' physically, I probably would get a bit more than agitated, esp. if I was drinking (a dignity thing). I know a few gays and I don't mind them, although a slight homophobia sets in when they get a little too close.


Cheers for now

in other words:
You are unique, just like everyone else.

Hrm... I did something bad to a friend of mine a while ago. Without even thinking I sent him (and a lot of others) this: http://custurd.b3ta.com/spidermanwillmakeyougay/
The man is gay. Needless to say he had a dummy spit...

Hrm... I did something bad to a friend of mine a while ago. Without even thinking I sent him (and a lot of others) this: http://custurd.b3ta.com/spidermanwillmakeyougay/
The man is gay. Needless to say he had a dummy spit...
What was he worried about...if he was already gay?
Eh...I probably shouldn't say something like that...it'll make people mad...
I've just always found it best to deal with...pretty much everything....with a sense of humor. I don't really see people in clumps...like...everyone's different...but they're all the same (except for those people who try to all be the same- I have to admit I have an unfair sterotype of your average popular girl/guy...like the girls who wear their fuzzy boots with short skirts or the guys who wear their collars up!! :x like I said..unfair)
In high school, half of my male friends were gay (9/10 of my friends were guys) And I was definitely known to have crushes on a few girls, though nothing ever came of that...Anyway, what I'm getting at, is that the government should give all people equal rights, because they shouldn't even ask questions. When you're walking up to the polls to vote, when you're applying for a marriage license, I don't think it's the government's place to ask what gender you are (though it may be apparent) Maybe they should hire more blind government workers...
But I do think everyone should be able to joke about themselves. Of course some jokes are over-the-top to the point where they are no longer jokes because they're too offensive to be funny. But seriously, if you're going to be offended, find a worthy opponent- not someone making fun of spiderman! (if anyhting, be upset about what they did to spidey!)

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

However, the other day I was most disgusted to be accused of homophobia by ultra gay activists who do not even know me.

Immediately because I class myself as conservative, I was branded homophobic. This is simply not true.

Stereotyping of heterosexuals by radical gays is something of a bother. Thankfully I am a nice person, but a lot of people might change their minds when many gays go around claiming that anyone who doesnt share their exact views is a homophobe.

Tolerance works both ways. Don't ever judge a book by its cover.

In high school, half of my male friends were gay (9/10 of my friends were guys) And I was definitely known to have crushes on a few girls, though nothing ever came of that

Did you ever get accused of being gay because you had many gay male friends?

It's kinda funny that 61% of people (as of now) rated themselves an 8-10, ie "proactively supportive." If you were an 8-10, you would be out there lobbying for gay rights, petitioning, writing letters to the editor, etc. My experience is that it's a minority that's actually taking action. Most people just sit around on their butts discussing gay rights, and posting on message boards. Can you really call yourself an 8-10 if all you do is talk about it?

The key term in proactive is "active". Ragesh has a point.

Isn't the fact that we are prepared to say how we feel in support of gay rights a little bit more than accepting?

I don't post all that much...but i have on I am Proud to be Gay - sent tgs to people to discuss their point of view etc. Don't usually do that. Ok - it isn't going to rallies but hey - i have a lot of work to do :)

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

However, the other day I was most disgusted to be accused of homophobia by ultra gay activists who do not even know me.

Immediately because I class myself as conservative, I was branded homophobic. This is simply not true.

Stereotyping of heterosexuals by radical gays is something of a bother. Thankfully I am a nice person, but a lot of people might change their minds when many gays go around claiming that anyone who doesnt share their exact views is a homophobe.

Tolerance works both ways. Don't ever judge a book by its cover.Just remember a couple of things--you were called homophobic by ultra gay activists, and anyone who is ultra-anything is generally intolerant. It comes along with being an extremist. I wouldn't sweat it.

But more importantly, if you are truly conservative, realize that your movement in the US has been taken over by homophobes and bigots and unless you and the other true conservatives do something about it, you will be tarred by their conduct.

Just like the right wing media tries to make every liberal into a PETA/ELF/ANSWER psycho-nut job, the conservative side is being represented by the likes of Michael Savage and Fred Phelps. Difference is, when one of our folks crosses the line of decorum, like Ted Rall did a few weeks ago, we smack him down. Your guys get raises because the people in charge actually believe the crap they spew. The McCain wing of the conservative movement is losing control, and that's an unfortunate thing.

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

I think you contributed more than NS' own homo militia. :P

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

I think you contributed more than NS' own homo militia. :P

:lol: I am officially the leading gay rights activist.

Where's my trophy? :P

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

I think you contributed more than NS' own homo militia. :P

:lol: I am officially the leading gay rights activist.

Where's my trophy? :P

You're not even gay, but how do you look in a cowboy hat and assless chaps? *giggle*

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

I think you contributed more than NS' own homo militia. :P

:lol: I am officially the leading gay rights activist.

Where's my trophy? :P

You're not even gay, but how do you look in a cowboy hat and assless chaps? *giggle*Aren't all chaps, by definition, assless?

I only ask because this came up in a poetry workshop a couple of months ago--another poet had the term "assless chaps" in the poem and there was a big debate over it. And no, I'm not kidding. :lol:

Gays are allowed to vote, to protest, to hold citizenship, not to mention the fact they are allowed to be gay. It sounds silly to mention that last part but some places do not allow that even.

Oh, how interesting...since there are other nations who don't allow a person to be who they are, they ought to be grateful for whatever we decide to give them! You're right, rights are absolutely relative to whomever has them, by that criteria alone.

Is that the best you can come up with? Please try again when you have an argument independent of humanity's intolerance of "the other."

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

I think you contributed more than NS' own homo militia. :P

:lol: I am officially the leading gay rights activist.

Where's my trophy? :P

You're not even gay, but how do you look in a cowboy hat and assless chaps? *giggle*Aren't all chaps, by definition, assless?



Hmm... I'm not sure. I'm not *that* into leather...

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

However, the other day I was most disgusted to be accused of homophobia by ultra gay activists who do not even know me.

Immediately because I class myself as conservative, I was branded homophobic. This is simply not true.

Stereotyping of heterosexuals by radical gays is something of a bother. Thankfully I am a nice person, but a lot of people might change their minds when many gays go around claiming that anyone who doesnt share their exact views is a homophobe.

Tolerance works both ways. Don't ever judge a book by its cover.Just remember a couple of things--you were called homophobic by ultra gay activists, and anyone who is ultra-anything is generally intolerant. It comes along with being an extremist. I wouldn't sweat it.

But more importantly, if you are truly conservative, realize that your movement in the US has been taken over by homophobes and bigots and unless you and the other true conservatives do something about it, you will be tarred by their conduct.

Just like the right wing media tries to make every liberal into a PETA/ELF/ANSWER psycho-nut job, the conservative side is being represented by the likes of Michael Savage and Fred Phelps. Difference is, when one of our folks crosses the line of decorum, like Ted Rall did a few weeks ago, we smack him down. Your guys get raises because the people in charge actually believe the crap they spew. The McCain wing of the conservative movement is losing control, and that's an unfortunate thing.

Well I am not American, but conservative politics in Australia boasts a number of homophobic people. I wouldn't paint the entire conservative movement as anti-gay and in fact there are a number of gay conservatives (being gay doesn't mean you cannot support individualism, free enterprise etc).

However, just because somebody doesn't support gay marriage that does not constitute homophobia.

Homophobia is a fear of gays. Refusing gay marriage is not tru to that accepted definition.

I believe that homophobia is an obsolete term. I am not sure if people fear homosexuality as much as they oppose it. Opposition is different to fear in principle. Although much opposition can be said to derive from fear.

It is complex, but I think there needs to be a new definition or if we want to be politically incorrect, we could just use the word "intollerant".

But back to the ultra-gay activists, well I find that many gays brand conservatives as bad. However, should you try and befriend gays then people begin to say things. It is a lose lose situation in many areas.

Not so long ago I told a closeted gay guy (conservative for the main) when he told me he had many gay friends that it is not something he should tell others if he wants to be considered straight - although that is a bit difficult considering he is stereotypically gay :roll: Image is everything.

Tolerance will first have to come from within both the gay community and mainstream society before tolerance of each other can occur. Since it is unlikely that this can happen (given extremities on both sides), the future of gay rights and acceptance in society does not look good.

This is not to say gay rights is a lost cause. What I am saying is that extremists on both sides must be addressed before anything else.

But how does the gay community calm ultra-gay extremists and how do heterosexuals calm anti-gay activists?

Well I have no problem with people being homosexual and have contributed to pro gay debates on NS in the past.

I think you contributed more than NS' own homo militia. :P

:lol: I am officially the leading gay rights activist.

Where's my trophy? :P

You're not even gay, but how do you look in a cowboy hat and assless chaps? *giggle*

:oops: HAHA No Comment <looks for hidden cameras :wink: >

You havn't seen all of the "I AM PROUD TO BE GAY" thread then :lol:

This is not to say gay rights is a lost cause. What I am saying is that extremists on both sides must be addressed before anything else.

But how does the gay community calm ultra-gay extremists and how do heterosexuals calm anti-gay activists?The simple answer is that you can't calm extremists--they exist, and in some ways, they serve a purpose because they push the envelope of discourse.

The leadership of the NRA, for example, is extreme in their defense of the 2nd Amendment, but without them, gun rights would have eroded much farther than they have. PETA is extreme in attacking animal cruelty, but without them, we ight still be killing off animals for entertainment in films.

So we can't get rid of them, but we can marginalize them to a certain extent. The mature members and leaders of organizations have to be able to tell the extremists--the Fred Phelps' of the world--that they're psychos and need to distance themselves from them. I really think that's about the best we can do--make sure that the world knows that the extremists are exactly that--extreme, and not mainstream.

The mature members and leaders of organizations have to be able to tell the extremists--the Fred Phelps' of the world--that they're psychos and need to distance themselves from them. I really think that's about the best we can do--make sure that the world knows that the extremists are exactly that--extreme, and not mainstream.

Agreed! <walks off wearing pink pants and a cowboy hat, wrist flicking all the way home>

:oops: HAHA No Comment <looks for hidden cameras :wink: >

You havn't seen all of the "I AM PROUD TO BE GAY" thread then :lol:

I think I remember an admission that you are merely curious about it... :?

Agreed! <walks off wearing pink pants and a cowboy hat, wrist flicking all the way home>

EEEWW! HE"S A FLAMER! :shock:

:oops: HAHA No Comment <looks for hidden cameras :wink: >

You havn't seen all of the "I AM PROUD TO BE GAY" thread then :lol:

I think I remember an admission that you are merely curious about it... :?

As much as I hate to admit it..."gay" clothes and things like cowboy hats are great.

I won't go into the pink shirt episode again...but let's just say people do judge you by how you dress.

Can I ask how a pink shirt makes a guy gay?

Agreed! <walks off wearing pink pants and a cowboy hat, wrist flicking all the way home>

EEEWW! HE"S A FLAMER! :shock:

I WAS JOKING!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

:oops: HAHA No Comment <looks for hidden cameras :wink: >

You havn't seen all of the "I AM PROUD TO BE GAY" thread then :lol:

I think I remember an admission that you are merely curious about it... :?

As much as I hate to admit it..."gay" clothes and things like cowboy hats are great.

I won't go into the pink shirt episode again...but let's just say people do judge you by how you dress.

Can I ask how a pink shirt makes a guy gay?
OMG A ******* METRO.. KILL IT!!!

:oops: HAHA No Comment <looks for hidden cameras :wink: >

You havn't seen all of the "I AM PROUD TO BE GAY" thread then :lol:

I think I remember an admission that you are merely curious about it... :?

As much as I hate to admit it..."gay" clothes and things like cowboy hats are great.

I won't go into the pink shirt episode again...but let's just say people do judge you by how you dress.

Can I ask how a pink shirt makes a guy gay?
OMG A ******* METRO.. KILL IT!!!

OMG NOES! A METRO! :shock:

Yes metrosexual...I know shameful aye. :cry: :cry: :cry: :roll:

im not gay friendly at all!!! vote yes on prop. 47 approving the clubbing of baby seals!!!!

I voted 8-10, but I am not "actively" supporting, I am more "quietly" supporting., so my vote should be 6-7. I think if you can find anyone to love in this world, then that is great, whether it is the same or the opposite of your sex.

Aren't all chaps, by definition, assless?

I'm a chap and I've most certainly got an ass! :lol:

Usually pretty gay friendly, until I see gay spam..."I am proud to be gay No 438" becomes irritating.
There are sites devoted to being gay, this one is supposedly devoted to politics.

I would consider myself about a 4. I see nothing wrong with gay people getting it together but I don't agree with gay marriage nor adoption.