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OT - What/'who' made you non-homophobic?
tiawahcowboy:
Oh, as far back as I can remember I have almost been an androphile.
I never actually knew that I knew anyone who might be a homosexual until I was in college in the early 1960s. And, I had no problem being friends with them; because in reality, some were even popular while on campus. Those "some" folks were involved in the college theatrical productions and I was, too. I just did not act like they did. During my Junior Class year, the "Au-Gu-R-Du-Lo" drama club and the National Honorary Dramatic Fraternity held a talent as a fundraiser and it was open to students to participate. I was in the drama club (got in the other later) and when the talent judges were tallying up the votes, 5 us did an all male comedy skit based on "Romeo and Juliet." Romeo was played by a slim guy and Juliet was a large man (he was the only one of us who did not live on campus). My purpose was to be there for scene changes and my costume was more or less unisex and I tossed rose petals around. The other 4 of us had been friends since we were Freshmen and lived on the same floor in the dorm. None of us even thought of ourselves as homosexuals; we were just guys who knew how to act like "queens" on stage.
My closeted roomie, Darrell, during my Sophomore year and Junior Year, was a friend with the other 4 guys, too. We did not find out that each other was gay until Sep. '86.
I was not raised to be homophobic in the first place; although I was in denial of my exclusively homosexual by sexual orientation until after I was 41 years old. We were just taught not to judge people.
Oh, as far my feelings toward myself were concerned I had a combination of both homophobia (fear of the same) and heterophobia (literally, the fear of being different) until after I left the closet.
opinionista:
--- Quote from: JudeW on May 31, 2006, 01:05:42 pm ---This is a thread I had started on PT and JennyC was looking for it.. ;)
I thought to post it again (with the answers) to allow others to give
their reply.
~ j U d E
[I hope it's compatible with this board..]
OT - What/'who' made you non-homophobic (homophile)?
by - wang_jude (Fri Mar 10 2006 09:51:03 )
Hope it's not too inappropriate of a question to ask or/and to put on the PT board.
I'm always wondering with peers my age (36) and younger, why some are still so hung up about gay/bi/lesbian people and others are not at all. What is it that makes you homophobic, or not? Sometimes I ask question and I realise that someone who's obviously not homophobic at all, at first, does have boundaries concerning the issue, when it goes further, like for instance gay/lesbian couples marrying or having/adopting children.
So what would you say? Why aren't you homophobic (assuming none of you here are! )
1: because of your own sexual orientation - gay/lesbian (would you be as 'acceptant/open' had you not been gay yourself)?
2: very open parents/relatives, liberal education (or are you non-homophobic despite your parents being homophobic - just out of Trotz!)
3: other (do share if you feel like it) (I'd include me here..)
I have hope in future generations, but I do realise, that children (not including teen-agers here, because they are a weird species anyway! ) are not spared when it comes to racist/homophobic attitudes. I'm amazed when I hear children say the most nasty things about people that are 'different'. I blame the parents/adults, but can the circle be broken?
[not easy to phrase this question right, so do apologise, if you think my question is inapt, wrong or out of place]
--- End quote ---
I don't know why I'm not homophobic. My parents are in many ways liberal people, but my dad is homophobic as many hispanic men over 50 years are. But maybe it is because I have travelled a lot, met a lot of people from different backgrounds, upbringing, situations and so on. Then again it could be because I'm hard of hearing and I know first hand how it feels to be percieved as different. Or because I grew up within an atheist family and didn't have a catholic or religious education whatsoever.
Whatever it is, I've always have this notion that everyone has the right to do whatever they want with their lives as long as it doesn't interfere with other people's freedom or rights. Who you sleep with or who you fall in love with is nobody's business but yours. As for gay marriage and adopting kids, I have two friends who's parents are lesbian. They grew up with two moms. They're wonderful individuals and lead a normal life. If gays want to be parents, society should allow them to be.
YaadPyar:
Wow - this is so great to go back and read. Memories, memories, memories. I remember this thread. I remember my post and the responses and other posts. One of the most intersting ones on the old board. I still enjoy reading it over, and everything on it is just as meaninigful. I hope folks are inspired to add their stories if they haven't already!
Kelda:
--- Quote from: YaadPyar on May 31, 2006, 04:03:59 pm ---Wow - this is so great to go back and read. Memories, memories, memories. I remember this thread. I remember my post and the responses and other posts. One of the most intersting ones on the old board. I still enjoy reading it over, and everything on it is just as meaninigful. I hope folks are inspired to add their stories if they haven't already!
--- End quote ---
Ditto! I can't believe that was back on PT!!
DeeDee:
You know, when I was younger, I never knew there was such a word as homophobic.
Being brought up in New York City, by two very special parents hatred and bias were not part of my childhood or adulthood.
My parents were fierce liberals (that's right, it's not a curse word). We were living among blacks, jews, asians and many other races and were taught tolerance and understanding. Hanging out at discos in the 70's, (don't roll your eyes, young'ens), gay men were my best friends. It was as natural as platform shoes and bell bottoms.
I actually pity the ones that know hatred as a part of life.
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