This morning I ate breakfast with two friends, one who knows I am gay and one who does not. As we were talking about future vacation ideas, the "knows I'm gay" friend said she would like to support AIDS research and prevention by riding in an upcoming bike tour. The "doesn't know I'm gay" friend replied, I have better things to do that bike with 5000 homosexuals. It would be like having a target on my back. Me, in tight spandex? With a bunch of gays? They'd all be after me. I don't think so.
?????
Stunned into silence, I hardly knew what to do next. So I just let the comment die on its own, not saying another word. There were so many choice responses. Like, Don't flatter yourself. or What the hell does that mean? or As if people riding to stop AIDS don't have anything better to do or any more maturity than to check out your package.
I guess what makes me most upset was that we had just all been in church together. And I didn't stand up for myself, or for all the other gay men and women out there to break down a stereotype. Should I have said something, no matter how uncomfortable the result? I honestly don't care that he insulted me personally. But he hurt my brothers who are gay. Brothers whom I love. Brothers that I know so well, who are so much more as gay men than what this friend has made them out to be.
Why does this road have to be so hard? Why must I fight battles that involve ignorance and unkindness?
1 comment:
Hi Journeyman,
It's a hard and exciting journey - but a necessary one for you to be on. At some point, it is right for you to care that he insulted you personally. He insulted you personally. And part of this journey will lead you to a place of realizing that you - all of you - are worthy of respect.
I'm glad you're heading West because maybe that'll lead you to California and our two journeys will cross paths.
Bless ya!
Eric
TWC
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