I think you bring up an excellent, and valid, point. It's one that's been often debated within the gay community--and obviously I come down on the marriage side. However, I understand the fear of assimilation. I understand the idea that marriage can be seen as just another heterosexual construct that gays don't need in order to define themselves or their relationships. In fact, by refusing to admit to the need for marriage, gay culture becomes something special and remains autonomous and distinct from the mainstream.
But, I don't neccesarily think that marriage equals assimilation. What I think IS important is the fight for our status as human beings, which, by denying us the right to form legal unions, is put into question.
Feel free to debate me further (when it's not so late). *rubs hands in delight*
Oh, good point about the stereotypes. I won't watch Will and Grace, and I get all twitchy when I see that token, quirky gay neighbor or best friend. I don't know those people, either. I'm certainly not one of them.
Those are hetero sterotypes that have been perpetuated, I think, to ease a lot of fears that the mainstream has regarding gays. Particulary gay men. Bravo doesn't do a docudrama on circuit parties, do they? (I would watch that.) That's a part of gay life that's swept aside in favor of a safer, cleaner image.
The civil rights issue is what it boils down to, you're right. Being able to adopt a child, being able to visit your loved one in the hospital, etc. A civil ceremony is all I'm arguing for. The legal benefits are all that matter.
And no, we can't live those sterotypes. We can't compromise who we are, just to make the majority feel warm and fuzzy. That's what a lot of our fight is: To be able to be ourselves without shame or fear.
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Do we have an Estimated Date of Arrival for Said Controversy?
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Come be up with me when you can dearheart.
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(The comment has been removed)
But, I don't neccesarily think that marriage equals assimilation. What I think IS important is the fight for our status as human beings, which, by denying us the right to form legal unions, is put into question.
Feel free to debate me further (when it's not so late). *rubs hands in delight*
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Those are hetero sterotypes that have been perpetuated, I think, to ease a lot of fears that the mainstream has regarding gays. Particulary gay men. Bravo doesn't do a docudrama on circuit parties, do they? (I would watch that.) That's a part of gay life that's swept aside in favor of a safer, cleaner image.
The civil rights issue is what it boils down to, you're right. Being able to adopt a child, being able to visit your loved one in the hospital, etc. A civil ceremony is all I'm arguing for. The legal benefits are all that matter.
And no, we can't live those sterotypes. We can't compromise who we are, just to make the majority feel warm and fuzzy. That's what a lot of our fight is: To be able to be ourselves without shame or fear.
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