[FORUM] How integrated are non-heterosexuals in your community?

[rfmcdpei]

This morning from 10 am to 11:30, I listened to a special episode of Go, the CBC program normally hosted by out journalist Brent Bambury. This time, Go was hosted by Canadian actress Sandra Oh, who introduced some of the gayest music ever--Erasure, ABBA, Cher, Scissor Sisters, and so on--in celebration of a population that, as Bambury said,

Comments

[ext_193996]

I have to ask, though, is "assimilation" in this case all that bad of a thing, in that sexual orientation ceases to be a seriously relevant concern? I know that, personally, it doesn't make a hell of a difference to me, and considering that it's the twenty-first goddamn century there's no reason why anyone should care. How would you say that it's a problem, per se? I'm honestly curious.

[rfmcdpei]

Social networking, for one. If I hadn't been able to establish contacts with gay people in (say) Prince Edward Island or in soc.history.what-if through channels that I was lucky to find, I would have been at a very serious, perhaps catastrophic, loss. Here in Toronto, I've made many of my friendships with people based on the networks constructed by sexual orientation. If these networks disappear, well ...

[ext_193996]

Fair enough. I suppose I never really considered it in that context. To be honest, though, even here I think it'll probably be a long time before that sort of assimilation happens, if ever. Like you said, there's a deal of vested interest in the current support networks.

[ext_193996]

_Fully_ happens, let me amend. Rather than in degrees.

[jussi_jalonen]

Reasonably well integrated, which is not to say that there's no room for improvement. Also, integration has its flip side.

For example, integration turns the GLBT community into an interest group whose support the various political establishments will seek to co-opt for their own goals. This weekend witnessed the Pride Festival also in Helsinki, and the event was protected by Jutta Urpilainen, the leader of the Social Democratic Party. I'm not sure if I should take it as a genuine and honest gesture on her part, or instead simply as a cynical attempt to exploit the GLBT festival for political gain, seizing the opportunity to portray herself as an open-minded and tolerant person.

Yes, I've lost faith in politicians of every colour. Also, the idea of just some specific political parties, such as the Social Democrats and Greens, courting the GLBT vote appears somewhat counterproductive, especially at the time when there's a definite slide to the right

No one celebrates "Gay Pride" any more

[sandor_baci]

Go find yourself a GAY SHAME party. Much, much more fun. If you aren't transgressive what's the point of being homosexual? You might as well have a small dick.

And yes, my lesbian friends, that includes YOU.

Go SHAME ! ! !

Ooh, let me write that down

[sandor_baci]

Thanks for the heads-up.

Forgot to be earnest again... dammit. I keep DOING that!

[robertprior]

If anything, with the advent of legal equality, the major problem facing non-heterosexuals is the fact of their assimilation.

Please explain to me how this is a problem. If it is no one's business but your own what you do between consenting adults, then what need to maintain a separate cohesive identity?

I'm seriously missing your point here, Randy.

[rfmcdpei]

What I said here.