Speak Out : We Have to Stand Up!
(This post was written by a member of Adam4Adam. If you too would like to collaborate by writing an article or an opinion, please submit your text to blog at adam4adam.com)
Over the years, I have posted small random comments under the name Tiger. In light of everything that’s going on, I feel like it’s time I stood up. I will also be enclosing a photo to symbolize that I am not going to run or hide
My name is John, and I am a 30 year of male living in Houston, tx. I’m normally very shy and very apprehensive when it comes to approaching people. On top of that, I’m also very short, (5’3″) which combined with my demeanor makes me very easy to look over.
I have spent so much time trying to be politically correct in every sotuation, but no more. The shooting at Pulse has affected me in a way I could never have imagined.
Some of my friends and family are afraid, and rightfully so. Someone did come into our sanctuary and literally hunted 49 of our brothers and sisters like they are nothing more than animals waiting for slaughter. At first, I reacted with pure anger and outrage. I first thought, who does this guy, or any bigot think he is to declare that we deserve to die simply because of who we love? Pride is supposed to be a time for the LGBT community to celebrate our freedom to love and the joy and beauty that it is to feel comfortable in our skins! And in a few hours, some asshole took that away from us! We have people in houston afraid to celebrate OUR holiday because they don’t want to have a repeat of Orlando.
The message I want to share with everyone is that we need to stand back up! We have to show the world that no matter what will happen, we will still love. We will love deeply, fiercely, and from the bottom of our souls, because we are still men and women. I’m not standing by quietly anymore while we get bullied, pushed and kicked around just because someone doesn’t agree with the life that we live.
We cannot give up! If we do, all of their lives will be in vain. It will mean that we acknowledge that 1: we are wrong for falling in love with our TRUE soul mates and 2: that we really aren’t strong enough to be true to who we truly are. Bow, which is the bigger sin: lying to ourselves, or loving a member of the same gender?
The hate that exists in this world is nauseating, and right now, it is forcing us to make a choice: to cower in fear or to fight it head on with the love that builds up within our hearts. My choice is to love, and to be honest with what everything inside of me is telling me to do.
To every homophobe in this world, to every bigot, to every bible thumper who quotes Adam and eve not Adam and steve: I am standing up, looking at each one of you in the eye and I am saying directly to your face that I will not run. You will not change me. And unlike whar you have shown us, I will love.
Tiger
I agree that no one or group should be attacked for their color, religion, or sexuality. But he was not a “bible thumper” but a Koran Thumper. Until our politicians get it – some Islamists take the Koran admonition to kill gays and other infidels – this will continue! We need to identify the enemy.
Believing that responding with love is the answer is codependence and dysfunction speaking loud and clear.
Radical Islam was behind Orlando and the response needs to be that Radical Islam must be eradicated.
You cannot love terrorists into being good just as you cannot love a reprehensible man to goodness.
I am not against Muslims, but I do not see Muslims decrying the violence done in the name of their religion. I do not see Muslim countries destroying ISIS.
Silence is consent.
I will not roll over and love those who want me dead.
Good for you Tiger, more of us needs to unite in numbers to make us strong and undefeatable against the haters in this world to show the world this is our country as much as it is any hedero’s if not more, we have had to fight and ignore and be ignored for what we believe in, I doubt most str8t’s would have as much fight, after all the str8t’s are considered to be the norm of the world, whatever that is any more. I know you will be a great leader in your area to unite all our brother and sisters together to go back to some normalsy in our lives.
What ISIS wants is exactly the kind of religious war being proposed here in the comments. A war between Islam and the West is the best kind of recruiting tool for them. (The only piece I can agree with is the need for other Middle Eastern countries to do more to combat them.)
American Muslims are not the same as those elsewhere. In addition to helping radical Islamic groups recruit, this sort of rhetoric puts the far more moderate Muslims here in danger of being attacked in hate crimes of their own. I don’t want that done in our name.
There are lots of things we can do to stop these shootings and attacks from happening as often as they do, but focusing solely on his religion is just cutting off our nose to spite our face, causing more problems without solving any.
You are preaching to the choir here. We have to decide now how we will be treated. No longer will we stay silent while laws are being put in the books, that say we should be forced deep in the closet, stay in fear, and stay scapegoated. Just like Tiger iam a Man who doesn’t say much, but in this case iam Pissed Off, that yet again innocent People are being hunted down, and killed for whatever the reason they feel that they choose. Well enough is ENOUGH! What we need is to begin to fight back from this kind of Terrorism. Let’s not let copy cats think they can walk into places where we are and attack us. I stand with Orlando! and wherever we need to be strong, and set at clear message, that we won’t go quietly into that goodnight. I know in my heart that iam not alone in my RAGE!
Well said Tiger!
Its is time no matter where we live, or what others say. We have rights just as much as everyone else and deserve a safe place to live and exist like everyone else.
Keep posting 🙂
The thing that I fear most, is that ‘man’ you speak of was not a ‘bully’ but instead an internalized-homophobic mess. He was not shooting others but instead killing the parts he hated in himself — and all that was taught to him, in THIS society, which prides itself on it’s diversity, but secretly teaches its children to HATE the unknown. As sick as he (I will not use his name, cowards do not deserve remembering) was, we really need to stand up to those who rise from his ashes: the homophobic minister who praised him, the people who secretly believe their agenda is to stamp out what they fear or do not know.
This BATTLE begins with us — I agree with the author of this article: We must live OUT our lives, and be visible. However, there is MORE we can do than that, we must be BETTER THAN THEY BELIEVE WE ARE, we must take up their challenges, such as showing Christians what it truly means to be Christian: avoiding name-calling, turning the other cheek, and showing LOVE and COMPASSION when others do not, and even if we aren’t Christians. WE should be the ones to set the standards. I am not Muslim, but I am hurt everytime I hear a Muslim demeaned by gossip, hatred, or even just a joke, because in reality, that is where ALL this starts, and I know wonderful gay Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs — SEE, it is NOT easy to learn to be GAY (well it is for many, because we have developed into a society where we JUST ARE), a ‘you do your thing, and I’ll do mine’society, however, I grew up in a world where the gay community was displayed as freaks in the media, and vilified as sinners in my faith, and marginalized by the rest of society who didn’t understand ‘THEM.’
THEM — I grew up knowing I wasn’t THEM, and for a long time it caused me great turmoil because I was a good person, not evil, not a sinner, not ‘them’ — thankfully I stumbled across a few positive models of ‘them’ for it saved my life.
I know we are not supposed to call each out on our crap — but here goes: YOU WANT TO TEACH THE WORLD A LESSON? BE BETTER THAN THE REST, AND BE THE STANDARD EVERYONE WISHES TO SEEK — I see beautiful men here, and I read the blogs, but other than the “hide the sausage” politics, I often read horribly offensive words like: DONT CONTACT ME IF (add demeaning commentary on ethnicity, height, weight, status, etc here) or, ONLY SEEK ‘Straight Acting’ — see if we ACT straight, then that means STRAIGHT IS THE STANDARD, and pardon me but the BEST gay guys I know became great MEN by being THEIR BEAUTIFUL SELVES. Rich in the best of masculinity and femininity, accepting of themselves AND others. They have achieved the highest level a person can, they are true self-actualized individuals (look that word up). Until we begin to SET the standard, we will always be judged by ‘theirs’ and not ‘ours’ — imagine how many teens would push aside suicidal thoughts and burst from the closets because BEING GAY is now ‘beautiful things’ represented by the BEST society has to offer, a world of self-actualized men and women who MAKE A DIFFERENCE, instead of acting like the ones who do not. Imagine if that man could have killed the self-loathing he felt inside, instead of turning it outward? NO, imagine if every gay person in our world turned our best ‘self’s forward and responded with love and compassion in the face of hatred, BE OUT and BE KIND, BE SELF-ACTUALIZED! The world is watching, but more importantly the next generation who doesn’t know how to come out is watching YOU
You can love, love deeply and raise slogans and start movements with hash tags from #lovewins, #nohate, #gaynproud and #orlando all you want but things won’t change. I do agree every one has the right to live as they wish and no one has the right to force others to conform to their beliefs, but if you’re waiting for people to bend your way you’re going to have to wait a very long time.
Muslims do not decry the violence because, while they may disagree with killing an innocent life, the vast majority of them believe it was ok, that these people were homosexuals, sinners, etc. If you’re waiting for Muslims, Conservative Christians, Arabs, Anti-gay Americans to sympathize then you’re going to wait a very very long time. You can change your Facebook picture, Instagram post, hash tag the cap out of your status….people are not going to change their culture for you.
As a Middle Eastern myself, I know Arabs’ opinions about homosexuality and their cultural conservatism. Yes Arabs have migrated here to the US and yes they say that killing is anti Islam but in their homes, they do not sympathize with gays. They still marry their daughters the traditional way. They still go after their songs to marry and shrug off the possibility that he may be gay. And you can tell me all you want about Fatima who works where you work and how she’s very peaceful. You can tell me all you want how open minded Mohammed is at work…but culture is culture and it won’t change.
Again, just because I am saying this doesn’t mean I am okay with someone killing gays just because he believes it’s just to God. The American law is the American law. Crime is a crime. And policy is secular and today, because of policy, we have gay marriage. But most Arab households and even American households are against it and disapprove of it.
John, my advice to you is take care of yourself. Take care of your job. Have opinions and beliefs and sticks to them and live by them. Always learn.
I just want to elaborate on a part above. Arabs have migrated here, and they have jobs, pay taxes and are very successful. All of this is because it’s the law. It’s the American law. They also want to live good lives, buy a house, etc.
But if you gave Fatima, Mohammad, etc the choice to vote for gay marriage they will vote against it or not vote at all because they don’t want to have anything to do with it. Culture is culture
this is a great peace. I wish you could get it out in public to a diverse audience.
I agree with what you say here, but why are you leaving out the obvious? The attack was just as much about radical Islam (if not more so) as homophobia. The shooting was horrific; I’m not disputing that. But did you know that our people get thrown off buildings to their deaths in places like Iran and Syria simply for being who they are? You better believe it doesn’t make front-page news over there…and all indications are that the attacker himself was either gay or had “gay tendencies” (whatever that means), and he was obviously comfortable in gay crowds (he was seen to frequent the Pulse club before the attacks and acted friendly around gays in the years leading up to this attack). So, yes, you make some great points; we should be even more out-in-the-open and unafraid to show ourselves as who we are as a result of this event; but we cannot ignore some of the core factors that facilitate this bigotry in the first place. You made a special point to criticize the Bible in your post (and believe me I’m anything but Christian and therefore un-offended), but curiously have left out the arguably greater evil that’s motivating the TRULY dangerous (and not just Westboro Baptist “church”-esque offensive) bigots out there-Sharia Law and Radical Islam. Come to think of it, the rest of the Left seems to be leaving this out of a lot of their reports too, instead focusing on gun control and other SECONDARY factors…my conclusion? This event was so bad that’s it’s high time we set aside trivial Democrat/Republican, Left/Right distinctions, and pay attention to ALL of the factors that are contributing to the suppression and marginalization of our people WORLDWIDE………..
Radical Christianity has done just as much damage.
I believe that we must face hate with love, conquer shadows with sunshine, counteract shame and ignorance with pride and understanding.
MATT I agree 100%. The Muslim community leaders always say how sorry they are.But yet they want us to change who we are in the USA. If they don’t like how we live in the USA PLEASE go back to where your religion is wanted.we all have to adapt to our surroundings. We do NOT believe in or preach of killing others for their views of life. Even if they are different than ours
I agree with the other posters. This terrible tragedy was the result of a crazed Muslim terrorist/psychopath carrying out what he believes his god has instructed him to do to those who do not adhere to his faith. There was NO BIBLE THUMPING here and even if there had been, no where in the New Testament or the Christian religion does Jesus or His Father say go out and slaughter innocent persons…for any reason. The majority of Muslim controlled countries consider homosexuality a crime, punishable by long prison sentences or death…do not confuse this with admonitions of even the most conservative christian churches, who believe that men should not have sex with each other…and do not equate love with sexual acts…you can have sex with or without love and love without sex. It is the cock sucking, butt fucking, fisting, anus licking, etc that I think people cannot get their heads around…give them time…I know that some heterosexual couples also practice these same acts, but for the most part do not talk openly about them or have “parades to celebrate” what most people considered at best weird and at worst perversions…Those murdered and wounded in this act of terror were killed primarily because they were Americans living in their home country and for an ideology that does not accept ANY American way of life that does not conform to their perverted, twisted and anachronistic and barbaric sharia laws…none of us are safe regardless of our sexual orientation, the very fact that we live in America is reason enough for these guys (islamic terrorists) to hate and try to destroy us.
Love does not get it done with terrorists. Our votes do. Demand your representative in DC gun control plain and simple. Gun control!! March on Washington, write, call, ACT UP and demand Gun Control laws enacted now
Hate is always going to exist. This stand up thing annoys me quite frankly. Yes the deaths of the people in Orlando is a tragedy. If we as humans stop making us verse them. Be it race, sexuality, religion would help. It kills me all of the sexually different groups are stand up for ourselves. However can any one of you sit there and say another one of us hasn’t degraded us? I’ve been called fat, gross, ugly and creepy by people not brave enough to show their face to transgender people. Now if we can’t even treat each other with simple respect what does that say about our community? Bad people exist in all groups and will. The universe must have a balance . we need to strive to be better people as humans and not segregate ourselves. I also am not convinced that this was religious extremist as well. The story developed weird and seems fishy. Lies are everywhere in a digital world and age. I understand the fear after these events however these things can happen on a street or while at a store. No place is ever truly safe. I know I will get a lot of flak for this just treat each other well despite difference of opinion. Attacking physically and emotionally are last options.
So Tiger, did you feel this level of outrage when innocent people where NOT gay were slaughtered? How about the children in Newtown or the movie goes in Colorado? Just curious. Or does your outrage only extend as far as your rainbow? The fact you used “bible thumber” clearly shows you have a deep seated hatred towards a group you don’t agree with. Why is that ok? Frankly I find the hatred gays display towards people of faith nauseating. I find suing or demonizing businesses owned by Christians nauseating. I never hear Christians wanting to kill gay people. They simply don’t agree with our lifestyle and wish to keep separated from it. Nothing wrong with that. That’s not hate. You post would have a shred of credibility if it wasn’t bogged down by so much blatant hypocrisy.
This article speaks to me on too many levels. First, I am so deeply saddened by what happened in Orlando it was a shameful act committed by someone who was so ashamed of his own sexuality that he did this under the guise of islam probably to make his own father feel proud of him. I do not believe this was ISIS or ispired by some misguided belief in what the Koran may or may not say.
This could have been just as easily been done by a hyper-strict southern Baptist with emotional problems. If it had we would not be attacking the Christian religion, but it is so easy to point the finger to terrorism when we are all so grief stricken and looking for answers.
Secondly, this was an attack on the gay community for whatever the reason. I don’t understand why when ever the gay community is attacked either by a crazed gunman, a preacher on a corner, a judge in in a small town court or some politician trying to get votes that we all rally around the pride flag. The gay community is no worse or better than the straight community,we are bigoted, racist, we body shame each other and we focus too much on the superficial.
finally I do believe love is the answer, although history will tell us that it will not solve our issues, it is the right way to act. So love each other, love those you would not. Don’t fall into the trap of blaming one group for this, this was one man and one gun that did this. If you must act the go to the source, boycott anyone or any place that sells or advocates the ownership or use of any weapon.
But of course we won’t and in a month it will all be backpage news until the next time.
The problem, real problem for militant gays, about Orlando is this horrific act was done by an insider. The attacker was known by those who frequented the club. He was a guy known on a number of gay dating sites.
Oh, yes, and he had ties to Islam.
Oh, yes, he was “straight”. He had a wife.
A terrorist?
A gay hater?
Gay?
Or was he just seriously mentally ill?
Will the gay community come out with such angst, be in such pain, offer streams of condolences, the next time a mentally ill person attacks a club … or a church … or a school … or a coffee shop … or a theater?
Doubtful. It hasn’t in the past. The “community” was virtually silent over the tragic acts in recent years. Why? It’s “all about us. WE are THE victims.” And, besides, mental illness isn’t a cool, hot, trendy topic we can march about or protest about.
All of us need to stand up when we witness acts of mental illness. This is a cause we need to be brave about, one we need to do “the difficult thing” about BEFORE there is another tragic event. One we just shouldn’t be silent about.
I don’t go to str8 clubs/bars an bother them
why do they come to ur bars/clubs ?
Any type of religious “extremism” should stop. But when will we start to call out the Christian man who shoots up a Planned Parenthood as a religious “extremist”, or those Westboro or whatever idiots with their “God hates fags” signs?… it’s all terrorism. And it’s rooted in hate. No matter the origin of the hate. I don’t fall in to fear. I am not afraid. Nobody will scare me into an ideology nor scare me into changing my own or myself. I’m sick of this. #NoMoreFear
I’m look for firned
What kind of God would order the murder of innocent people? Answer is a,” God that was invented when a con man met a fool”. The famous American writer Mark Twain said those words. I am a homosexual living in the USA. The US Constitution rules in our nation. Not some God(s) invented by men. I no longer have time in my life for anyone that would think of me and/or people like me as less than equal. I am trained and willing to defend my freedom, if needed.
The problem is that people, MATT on here as one example, want to distract from what happened by screaming “RADICAL ISLAM!!!” As if gayness had nothing to do with the scenario. This is as out-of-touch with reality as the “bible thumpers.” Most of the radical right say, “This is not about gun control, it’s about RADICAL ISLAM.” How convenient to be able to “unthink” this into one slogan like that. So, yeah, he called 911 at the last minute and shouted some gibberish. His own nut-job FATHER said, “This had nothing to do with religion.” So instead of pinning it on whatever makes it easier for you to ignore whatever you want to ignore, why not acknowledge that it’s not that easy? It’s not Radical Islam, you Trump-troll, it’s all of the above. A deeply troubled, violent man gets a gun too easily and was pissed off by seeing two gay men kissing. His fleeting familiarity with Islam was used at the last minute in an attempt to justify and glorify his act and his own likely death. Radical Islam, my ass.
I find some short guys to be cute and shyness a good trait. Thanks for the article.
Good luck fighting ISIS head on with the love that builds up within your heart. I’ll take my chances running like hell down that rainbow road.
Well said Matt!
There will always be evil in the world, and that evil needs to be confronted and eradicated! Wherever and whenever!
Miami, I know he wasn’t a Bible thumper. But this hate toward us isn’t just from Islam. Even Christians are succumbed to the very same hate toward us, but the only difference is the the fact that there isn’t a war against Christianity. Hate is the same in every form and I’m just calling it out.
Matt,
I’m saying that I’m choosing to love who I want to love, and I’m not running from them or who I am.
I find it very confusing that you don’t think love is the right response, but when it came down to the church shootings last year it was the best response. Maybe violence should have erupted in Charleston and we should have watched Charleston burn completely to the ground. Or maybe we are part of the problem; we only hurt when tragedies affect us. I am just as plagued and traumatized by any other massacre as this, but will not let my anger be fruitless…
Hi John (Tiger), how are you planning to, ‘Stand up?’ What are you going to do differently to show that you are standing up?
When did bible thumpibg christians start beheading , shooting,throwing gays off of rooftops? You militant gay assholes go demanding people allow and condone your lifestyles but you ram it down their throats instead of being discreet and keep your bedroom play in the bedroom…but no. You parade about the red herring claim that they hate you, they don’t, they hate your lurid and indecent behavior when its in everyones face, you parade a mindset and pass it off as a legitimate social problem, but it is not. You refuse to look at the truth of what i say and instead scream “hater!!”..
If the gay community would just take their act and behavior behind closed doors or inside clubs and keep it discreet, there would be no problem. You make our lives of LGBT that we choose to keep down low near impossible because in the end you are attention whores who cannot define yourself by anythung else apparently than dick and ass and carpet munching pussy eaters. Well if you cannot be seen as anything else BUT for those reasons, the rest of the world is not the problem. Your single dimensional perspective is why you are singularly hated, where you feel entitled to offend others with your decisions and behavior but be deaf blind and politically exempt from responsibility for inciting the hatred towards you because of your offense to the majority…GET A GRIP!!!
Emil : what kind of douchebag are u? We dont wanna keep our lifestyle in the bedroom or clubs! We want to be able to kiss like any straight couple or hold hand of our lover in the street. FML! Are u a user of a4a?
Tiger cool screen name. Now try David. Seems more fitting for a man your size who is about to take on many Goliaths.
@Emil: Much of what you say is true. You need to cut down on the inflammatory statements.
@Blog: “Douchebag” … not appropriate for a Blog to use in response to a post, even if he does find that post offensive. Especially, not appropriate in a place where “we” demand that “we” be accepted for who we are and our views. Using terms such as that with “divergent” posters is a great example of what “Douchebag” means when he says “ram it down their throats”.
And “we” are amazingly free in the US today to hold hands and kiss “just like straight couples”. But even with straight couples, very few people want to see them groping and lip locking on and on in public. I live in a highly conservative area. Even here, most people will not take issue with discreet acts of love in public … by anyone. Most, but not all.
“We” need to accept the fact that “we” will never convince “all”. Maybe it’s time “we” suck it up “get over it” as “we” ask others to do.
unter0500: You are against everything we post on this blog including myself, so I’m not surprised by your comment here. And no I will not suck it up or be quiet until everyone is equal, gay, straight, women, muslim, everyone!
Really, you resort to calling me a douchebag? Do you see straight couples acting like the gay population does in the streets? Really? When people have no shame to take their sexual conduct into discreet settings what do you expect? Do you see anywherw outside of Mardi gras (and then only in new orleans) a full blown orgy in the street? Where does the gay population do that? Every freaking where! People dont want that crap in their faces…most folks have a little decency and restraint. They dont want their kids sexualized by strangers butt rutting and giving blowjobs in the street. Straights dont cruise parks…what gives? This is that seeming and unseemly entitlement blindness i mentioned. Goddamn, the gay population demonstrates the very hedonism that is over the top lurid conduct and then you scream hater at everyone, me included because you take it a personal affront…maybe you SHOULD, it probably fits, so wear it. Then top it off, en ANY criticism is made you turn your argument from the reality of ths conduct to such fake behavior like holding hands. NEWSFLASH.NOBODY CARES IF YOU HOLD HANDS OR KISS. THEY DONT WANT TO SEE GRAPHIC FULL ON GROPING AND OUTRIGHTS SEX ACTS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. You can see the lurid conduct everytime recently the LGBT community is covered in the news, they all go acting like chimps in the zoo when the get the cameras attention and free publicity. They revel in it and the exhibition factor. The more in your face it is the more they do it. Yeah i am a user of a4a, and im am very down low and not out. I dont have to be an attention spectacle and i keep my business low key and private where it belongs for many reasons. The most militant gays attack people for being down low and restrained to some decency. Ive personally have been accosted because i wont go parading my interests and business openly. What the hell is wrong with you? As i said, you define everything about your lives solely concerning your genitals and sex. Its not about relationships or people thats just more of the fake act, but it is all about dick in the ass and nothing more.
Exmil : why do you put everyone on the same boat? Some gays are married for many years and in closed relationship, some are single, some are even virgin. I never go in parties, I never went in an orgy, I had a 3 some when I was 19 and it was the only time. Do you know when is the last time I fucked? 3 weeks ago in Greece. So stop putting everyone on the same boat and categorizing us a sex perverts like Westboro baptist church.
I see straight guys kissing in metro, every day. I see heteros holding hands or waist every day in the street. I don’t know what you’re talking about when u say orgies in daylight or in the street, I dont know where u live, but that sounds exaggerated!
And I will not respond to your comments anymore, I think you are extremely disrespectful against gays and make me want to throw up!
Dave
To answer some of the questions asked. Taking a life of any kind is wrong. Period. ESPECIALLY that of a child who has not had the chance to explore the world in his own right. So in other words, yes I was enraged to see how someone can do that to 20 children. Finally, the point is that hate is blind of religion. I included the Bible Thumpers because I myself am of Christian faith and the hatred is still there.
I’ve started researching gay rights groups in my area and I am going to become active in them. On top of that, I am studying politics more. I want to be more informed in the decisions that I make that involves not only the contry, but also within my city and state. We have to stay united and keep fighting for the rights that we deserve as not just Americans, but as human beings.
@Blog. Again, you respond with insults. Agsinst everything? I’ve supported plenty here over the years. What I continue to have to rail about is the close mindedness, victim mentality and an “it’s all and only about us REAL gays” here. Some gays, yourself for example, really need to step out of the 70s and 80s locked gay mindset. Recognize that gays come in a variety of non-stereotype shapes and sizes. Recognize that society has come a long way. Recognize that that it’s to rethink the backward tools that are still being used, ones which perpetuate hate instead of celebrating acceptance. Move forward instead of being locked in the past.
Hunter0500: I wasn’t born in the 70s no idea what you’re talking about. But what I’ve notice (since I approve every single comments posted here) is that EVERTY day, you post comments negatively. Whether it is about music, orlando, gay pride, equality, etc. I dont know if you’re angry at life or anything but it’s very heavy to read your comments every day.
I even have to delete some of them by the way. So think about what you write before posting here. I welcome every opinion on this blog, many are against my opinion, which is fine, but sometimes some people go to far. I will not tolerate gays or closeted bi to tell us and anyone what to do or what to think. We want to kiss in public, we can, we want to hold our lovers hand in public, we can too, we want to show our sexy outfits during gay pride, we can too. Not because YOU or someone doesn’t like it that we can’t do it. Cool? I’m done with this thread.
@exmil – why the self loathing and hate for your brothers and sisters who do not conform to YOUR ideas of what gay people should be? I think you need some internal reflection on why you feel this way.
The whole religion argument is a smokescreen, guys. There is no shortage of “christians” and others who would gladly do what Mateen did, but most of them aren’t sufficiently motivated to actually do it or fear the repercussions of doing so.
The answer is not to be anti-Muslim, it’s not to be anti-religion or anti-straight. The answer is to proudly live our lives and support our families, friends and neighbors. There will be crazy self-hating people out there no matter what; what defines us is our response to those people.
After reading nearly every blog on this topic, I feel compelled to add my opinion.
It is my conclusion after several gut-wrenching sleepless nights of reading opinions and listening to National Media that the perpetrator of the Orlando hate crime had a history of domestic violence, yet wasn’t prevented from purchasing an assault weapon along with an insane amount of ammunition for that hand-held weapon of mass destruction. I have signed petitions to several Congressional Representatives in favor of Gun Control Legislation. Until recently I have been an advocate in favor of the Second Amendment. I myself have been victimized by gun-wielding lunatics over the course of a lifetime, and as early as eight years of age, in fact.
I work with adults who have mental illness and what disturbs me most in the workplace are clients with access to lethal weapons who have unresolved anger issues. I put my life on the line nearly every work day. I came perilously close to being a victim seven month ago when a client made a verbal slip with racial overtones and lost his life due to an act of aggression (by another client in residence with gender and race issues). It is only recently that these hate crimes involving multiple victims become muddled with a religious-based motivating factor, when in actuality the ‘Root Cause’ for so much lethal activity is Mental Illness.
The Mentally unstable in America are what needs help … not Political Correctness in the World Stage, which not even God can fix. Organized Religion was created to bring people together … not create division among earth’s inhabitants.
Let peace reign.
@Blog. Thanks for the great example of self-centered close mindedness.
Hunter0500 : You’re very welcome! try to be more positive in your comments and you won’t get replies like this from myself 🙂
@Blog So “Positive” means “agrees with my views” and “Negative” means “alternate views which are branded unacceptable”? There’s something seriously wrong there.
What I do here (and will continue to do) is to ask for a wider acceptance of who gay men are and a wider reflection of it on this widely-viewed gay site. One that’s inline with many of the guys you see in profiles and who post on the blogs as well. These gay guys just happen to not be into trendy fashion, or divas, or bubble butts, or $35 briefs. Guys who are not victims or who do not have to be the center of attention. Guys who don’t care what a guy looks like on the outside because they value the man inside. Guys who live their lives respecting others without demanding that everyone else get out of they way because they think themselves better or entitled or somehow special.
And that’s labeled “negative”. Something is seriously wrong with that.
Hunter0500 : No positive means, “I understand where you’re coming from, but I disagree”
Not like you say ” fuck fashion, fuck Beyonce, fuck Celine, fuck HIV, fuck fuck fuck” that is called an angry person. Instead of writing suck comments all the time, why don’t you write a post about something you like or something you want to share like MANY others do?
@Blog Good show, I agree wholeheartedly
I understand where you’re coming from Hunter0500, but there is this thing called tact, and manners.
Social skill matter no matter how you live in any lifestyle. being a decent human being doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Takes more to frown than smile dude.
Gonne be a grump at least be lovable like Oscar The Grouch or something….
@Blog When exactly have I said “fuck” anybody. That’s your filter, your issue that needs fixing.
Hunter0500: “fuck” in the sense “I dont like”
@Blog And I posted that where? You won’t find it.I’ve repeatedly said “gay guys come in a variety of shaoes and sizes. Not just the stereotypical brand,” Have never said the stereotypical need to fuck off. I’ll continue to Stand Up and Speak Out until the “oppressed” receive fair and equal recognition on this site.
Based on the numbers of positive feedbacks I’ve gotten from some of the “oppressed” you just might want to give some attention to their numbers.
Hmmm..why do i feel like im prophetic about my comments… no sooner than i submit them, they are demonstrated to be true.
Hunter0500, i appreciate your viewpoint, i guess that coming from closeted bi guy (so ive been called now). I never knew a little self respect, personal restraint and discretion would be the new foul language on blogs….so much for progress in the 21st century.
I agree with the idea of responding to hatred and violence with love and compassion…. BUT sometimes what’s called for is giving people a taste of their own medicine!!! As a human being who has to the full range of human emotions I don’t know why I should subject myself to expressing less than all of them. And 2 wrongs don’t make a right but I ain’t gotta be right. Sometimes I am going to feel empowered and justified in being wrong and letting mofos have it! Cause living life from a place of love is beautiful and amazing. But there are times and people who are not deserving of my love and furthermore need to be bitch slapped! Cause I usually take the high road but on occasion I give myself permission to slum with the majority of people who are entirely comfortable with almost always taking the low road. That way the will learn there my be negative consequences to their actions and when there aren’t it’s not because there can’t be!!!
“United we stand, divided we fall.” If, we allow the oppressor to pic us all “fringe-groups” off, one at a time, we all fail each other, see.
“I did not stand for the Native Amer., I did not stand for the African, because I’m not, either of them, ect, ect, ect. Who will be left, you? Then who’s gonna stand for you when the oppressor comes for you?
When, when the hell will the majority of peaceful humanity learn this?
Alright. I’ve been a strong minded person on and off. Looking back at life; my given opportunities, circumstances, and viscos mentality in the approach in the world, I had been in comparison in strength to the most strongest of alloys. But on the inside, day in and day out, like earth where we can’t reach, my core was melted. Like tectonic plates from the meeting of the Pacific and the Atlantic, I knew that some day, like a volcanic eruption, my hearts insides would acquiesce flaccid spewings.
I write this today because what if tomorrow I get the news that just might end my strength all together once more.
I have been battling ending everything that I could want to experience in life, and the thought that I can be and feel a strong meaningful explossive happiness in life. A voice to be heard; to influence and inspire! Why I want this SO BADLY ! I COULD DIE HAPPY KNOWING THAT I HAD THE CAPABILITY TO HELP SOMEONE FEEL THE STRENGTH IN MY STRENGTH AND PASS THIS ON! To fight this WAR! To WIN! … to pass on the mindset of a good Strong individual from the outcomes that living, has sprouted for them.
I will let be heard my obstacles and triumphs. I feel I must express to the equally deserving minded individuals to preserve our well being. Soon. For now, I will enjoy the feelings of living with the the most important people that life has given to me.
LIFE!
What is the point of war, really ask yourself. War is an attempt to control by force a demographics actions by force. America has never seen War on its native soil, like in most European countries, and those European countries have never seen the things currently happening in the middle East on their native soil.
How can a world that has never lived with violence of this magnitude truly expect too gain control and stop something they don’t understand? The children born into this, this is all they know, they know not love. Hate is normality, hate is the only language spoken. Its taken decades to get here, it’ll take twice as long to get out.
I don’t pretend to know the answer, only that the answer has yet to be spoken. Who will speak it?