Homophobia

I hate it when people use the term “fag” to talk about someone who is homosexual. When I went to high school, a performing arts high school with a higher gay population then my college, the use of the term “fag” wasn’t used as liberally as I’ve heard it used in the past 2 years. I find the term offensive, but I never say anything to stop anyone from using it because I do not want to hear people attempting to defend themselves. I hate hearing people get backed into corners and awkwardly shielding themselves from seeming like rude ass holes.

I’ve noticed the people who often call homosexual people fags are those who think that homosexuality is something that can be corrected, or spread like aids.  The idea that homosexuality can be fixed assumes that someone would want to change the fact that they are homosexual, as if everyone’s identity is wrapped around their sexuality. Sexuality is a part of you, yes, but it doesn’t determine whether you prefer red to blue, or who you define yourself as (At least I hope).

Of course, even as I write this you bring your prior opinions toward homosexuality, and my 2 short paragraphs don’t dream of attempting to change your beliefs. So let me continue, with MY opinions.

If you know my brother, then you know at a young age he already displays effeminate characteristics. (Kind of like that kid on Ugly Betty.) Let me stress acting effeminate doesn’t make a guy gay. (The hot body of Thomas Jane makes men gay…RAWR!!!!.jk) His dad is convinced that pursuing my brother’s interests in the performing arts ,like dance, are making him gay. Trust me he’s not the only little boy’s father who thinks activities associated more with girls will make his son gay. My brother likes to sing and shimmy shake along with the intro to Hannah Montannah so yesterday no one was surprised to see my brother dancing. His dad walked in and yelled something along the lines of not wanting his son turning into a “fag”, after that statement, my brother cast his eyes to the floor and turned Hannah Montanna off. I realized the fear of homosexuality isn’t suppressing people from being gay, but making people more ashamed of being themselves. In the event that my little brother is gay, I’d want him to know his family is somewhere he doesn’t have to be afraid of being himself. Sexuality shouldn’t have enough power to drive wedges between families.

Too much power is given to a person’s sexuality in today’s society. In the scheme of your identity, sexuality determines a small part of who you are. The fear of “gayness” before a person is gay shouldn’t have the power to scare someone away from things they enjoy because they are afraid of being perceived as gay. I guess all I’m saying is sometimes I think we give our sexualities too much power over who we are.

 

Challenge #7 10:41 AM