I read this over on Bilerico and it was very moving. I suspect many LGBTQ folk out there will be able to identify with much of this posting. It is well worth clicking on the link to read this entire post by Bil Browning.
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I have a problem with faggots
Filed by: Bil Browning
I have a problem with faggots.
"I look up in the tree. What do I see? I see a faggot trying to pee on me. I pick up a rock. Threw it at his cock." -- Balloon Boy and his siblings rapping in a YouTube video now removed from the site. (10/18/09)The first time I was called a faggot was in first grade. A stray dog had crawled under our porch and had puppies and I wanted to take my favorite one to school for show and tell. I carried a Boy-with-puppy.pngsmall black puppy the half mile up our gravel lane to the bus stop, but the driver wouldn't let me on with a dog. Bawling and screaming, I ran back home carrying the puppy with the bus driver and my brother in hot pursuit. Mom met us at the edge of our property, took the dog and sent me back to the bus with the driver. Still crying, I took my seat and the high school jock in front of me turned around and disdainfully said, "Shut up, you stupid little faggot. Boys don't cry." The entire busload of kids laughed at me and showered me with a chorus of "Faggot!"s. It took me three days to find out what it meant.
I didn't touch that puppy again. I insisted we keep the small brown one instead.
I have a problem with faggots.
In fifth grade we did a production of Swiss Family Robinson and I was picked to play the father. I was proud to be chosen for such an important role and practiced every night. During rehearsal one day, I was giving it my all and using hand gestures to dramatically illustrate the character's dialogue. While I earned praise from the teacher, when I took my seat again another boy two rows back whispered "Faggot!" loud enough for the class to hear, but not the teacher. The class twittered and giggled at me.
I couldn't say the words anymore. I would stand on stage, my cue long past, the words frozen by that single, whispered word. Another boy took my place and I was relegated to a non-speaking role. I pretended to be sick on performance night so I wouldn't have to watch him do my part. Me. The faggot.
I have a problem with faggots
"Faggot Kid! You don't know what real marriage is!" -- a teacher at Glen Waverly Secondary College to a student who questioned why the teacher was ripping down posters for a gay rights rally. (10/20/09)I started piano lessons in elementary school. I was a quick study and became quite advanced for my age.
Read the rest here:
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/10/i_have_a_problem_with_faggots.php