why do you oppose Prop 8?

[rackmount]

I was just reading something from rm re prop 8, on why she doesn't dig that straights qualify that they are straight when supporting gay rights.

why do you qualify?

i don't often qualify, but i only do when talking to someone i don't know, or with whom i disagree, which is not often. i _think_ the idea is that i assume that people only are against gay marriage because they are fearful. the craziest most vocal people are fearful of TEH GAYS themselves and are never going to come around, so it doesnt matter what i say, one way or the other.

but i think a distinct population of people are against gay rights because they are fearful of other straight people, or just haven't thought about it, and when they do, are made uncomfortable because they might be branded gay (which is a very real possibility, remember junior high?) so, it's not so much about gay people as about other straight people. these are people i think CAN come around eventually. so i qualify with people i think are like this as a way to say, "i'm straight, and it's not so hard to be pro-gay rights as a straight person. you'll be FINE."

Comments

[violetisblue.livejournal.com]

I don't mind people qualifying, to me it says, "This issue may not affect me personally but I still think it's the right thing to do." Also, some people will listen to a fellow straight person before one of TEH GAYS, so whatever works.

[billetdoux.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was gonna say that too. I think many of them may think it adds moral weight to their beliefs, cuz they're not self-serving.