What does it mean to be "Straight but not narrow"?

[Modem Butterfly]

To my mind, being straight but not narrow means that the individual, though a heterosexual, is open-minded and accepting of persons of other sexual orientation. But what is open-minded and accepting? I once had a conversation with someone who has a "Straight but not narrow" bumpersticker who told me that he felt that gay people shouldn't try to have marriage rights. That sounds pretty freaking narrow to me, but he felt that it wasn't because he feels that gay people shouldn't be otherwise discriminated against.

So what are your feelings? I'm interested to hear from people of all sexual orientations and gender identifications. Thanks!

[LiberalVoice]

1. huh?

"he felt that it wasn't because he feels that gay people shouldn't be otherwise discriminated against." Who the hell is he to decide what rights they do and don't deserve? You are right...It is pretty freaking narrow.

[Modem Butterfly]

5. Well, we're in Georgia..

...so I guess thinking that gay folks shouldn't be burned at the stake is considered to be open-minded by some folks!

What's the code for "cynical half-smile"?

Seriously, this individual believes that gays and lesbians should have the right to live without discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare and taxes, but not marriage. It's a strange place to draw the line, but that's where he's drawn it.

[Fleshdancer]

2. Anytime someone says the word "but" when discussing equality...

then it's a sure sign that he/she is NOT open minded. Why does this guy even bother with the bumper sticker?

[mdmc]

3. support gay rights, but not gay.

...

[TOhioLiberal]

4. Straight but not narrow...

...is what I consider myself. I am straight but not narrow-minded. No Discrimination, period. I count many gay people as my friends. I am 'gay-friendly.'