|
Edited on Fri Dec-19-08 12:41 PM by mondo joe
I now some people think gays are only inconvenienced by homophobia.
Please be reminded that gay teens are 4 times more likely than hetero teens to attempt suicide.
GLBT teens make up 25 - 40% of homeless youth, one of the groups in our country most at risk for violence and abuse.
Gays are bashed, and murdered, for no reason but being gay.
And unlike most minorities, GLBT people typically go through this while at their most vulnerable alone. GLBT kids often have to fear that if they seek support for who they are, they will be treated worse, beaten and worse - even by their own parents.
And though some like to say "at least you can hide", please know that firstly, many CAN'T hide. Of those who can, hiding and closeting only increases the fear and isolation that leads to suicide and other self harming behaviors.
If you think "passing" for straight is a benefit, I assure you, you have not thought it through, or you'd know it does much more harm than good to the person dong it.
So when Obama chooses someone who compares gays to incest and child rape, GLBT people understand he is fueling an environment that kills vulnerable people. Ministers like Warren are bad enough, but having the seal of approval of the President - this President - makes t far, far worse.
Think for a moment of the hope stirred by Obama's election meant for millions of children who are racial minorities, who saw that despite everything, they could become President. And think now of the GLBT youth who have to know that at this historic moment, this president chose someone who says they are no better than old men marrying children, for a special honor. And think of the message it sends to the people who make those kids' lives a living hell.
You may not have thought of it in those terms, but there it is.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
