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Separate but Equal?

Those who remember the fight for civil liberties of African-Americans and for women may well feel a certain recognition at what the gay community is currently experiencing. As the generations change and the youth of today are much more accepting of a homosexual lifestyle, gays are taking to the streets and the courts to demand basic rights in regards to their relationships.

 

The most prominent example is of course the right to marriage, a right which seems so unlikely to be challenged but which nevertheless is hotly contested. Currently gays can enter into a “civil union” that entails many of the same rights as those enjoyed by a married couple, yet this raises memories of the old “separate but equal” practices of discrimination. Those who oppose gay marriage argue from a definitional standpoint, asserting that marriage means a union between a man and a women; yet, what is really at stake is the societal recognition of a homosexual union as equally legitimate to a heterosexual one.

 

Considering that this nation that has overcome racism and misogyny nevertheless still faces discrimination on both counts, there is no doubt that a complete change in attitude with respect to gay marriage may take a long time to effect; yet, the very fact that this nation has made such great strides in these areas in such a short time should be cause for hope. America is a country of tolerance and progressiveness, ideals its naysayers would do well to remember.

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Relationships Tagged With: , ,

Attend a Pride Parade, Show your Support!

Toronto Gay Pride Parade 2007 

Image via Wikipedia(sourced toronto pride parade)

A “Pride Parade” is an event that normally takes Place around June and is used to show support for LBGT(lesbian,bisexual,gay,transgender)culture, oftentimes having demonstrations for gay marriage. Pride Parades are for everyone who supports and takes part in LBGT culture. Most Parades take place around June, to commemorate the “stonewall riots.” The First Pride Parade took place in New York City,NY in November of 1969. Many organizations who oppose the LBGT lifestyle are also invited to hold opposing demonstrations in opposite parts of town.

Lesbian,Bisexual,Gay and Trans-gender peoples are not the only ones who can attend such parades. Associations like PFLAG(Parents for Lesbians and Gays) and GAA(Gay Activist Alliance) Churches attend as well, like Metropolitan church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist, and United Church Of Christ churches. Parades can be celebratory, with floats and loud music. this is only in towns that are more open and supportive though, as regularly pride parades happen to be political in their nature. Many  who support gay marriage politians use these parades for their political brackets.Pride Parades are held all over the world, even in countries like Israel and Russia.

Celebrities also have taken part in pride parades, many in honorary positions, such as Lady Gaga and Andy Cohen. Many celebrities who have partners and lead a homosexual lifestyle are proud to be participants in pride parades all over the world.  Cities all over the world and in the United States have their own Pride Parades, In order to find out if there is a Pride Parade near you, ask your city mayor, or look online!

Filed Under: Experiences, Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

The Bisexual Dating Dilemma

Whether you are a male or female bisexual, dating can get a bit sticky from time to time. There is always the dilemma of which sex that you will be dating and how they will react to your sexual identity. When a bisexual individual tries to date a heterosexual there can be some disappointment for both parties. Being open and honest up front is always the best advice because if the potential partner has an issue with it, then that person is definitely not going to be the one for you. Finding that information out ahead of time will save yourself from wasting time trying to be something that you are not. Most bisexuals have already spent a great deal of time hiding who they are from the world and it shouldn’t be necessary with a partner.

 

You also cannot change the way that others feel towards you. Just the same, they cannot change who you are either. This is especially true for bisexuals and trans-genders. Some people in this world just will not accept anything that is different from them and it will be a waste of your time in trying to make them accept you. Our society and media have made large strides in changing some of these unwanted views and poor behaviors towards homosexuality, though there are still ones that continue to cast judgment. You do not want to go out with these types of people anyway.

 

There are ways to find similar individuals though, within dating websites, support groups and personal classifieds. Seeking out those that will accept the fact that you are of bisexual orientation or even bisexuals themselves are the best bet for happiness. Luckily for the future generations, today bisexuality is much more widely accepted and not nearly as taboo as it had been in the past. You can find the one of your dreams by discovering similar interests and values, not by their gender necessarily.

 

 

Filed Under: Relationships Tagged With: , , ,