So, Gay People Are Bad Because?
Would someone tell me in logical terms why it makes sense to discriminate against gays?
I simply do not understand such bigotry.
I spent a chunk of the long weekend at a retreat for three GLBT advocacy groups where we planned how we were going to work together in the coming year for GLBT rights. So, I was in a room with a number of gay people whoare involved in loving, longterm relationships from all walks of life.
We had a dinner party Saturday night at the home of a highly trained,highly specialized physician who was recruited by Sanford Health. His partner is very accomplished in business and the arts. Joining us was a another highly trained, highly specialized physician who was recruited by Avera. Her partner is very accomplished in political organizing and fundraising.
Another couple who was there was someone from law enforcement and her partner, a teacher.
It was a delightful event with great food and conversation at one of most beautifully decorated homes in Sioux Falls.
Was the discussion about being gay?
No more so than a discussion about being straight at any other dinner party.
There were jokes and stories and discussions. It was all very “normal.”
I for the life of me cannot understand why so many South Dakotans are so freaked about about “those people.”
As far as I can tell, GLBT people are just like non-GLBT people—they just want to get through the day and live their lives.
About the only difference I can tell is that they sleep with another adult of the same sex. What anyone does in their bedroom between the sheets is their business, not mine, whether they are gay or straight.
To my fellow South Dakotans. There are gays in our midst. No one says you have to like their lifestyle. But why spend time, money, and aggravation making their lives miserable? Except for who they bunk with, they are surprisingly the same as you, worried about career,finances, relationships, even kids.
Hate is such a waste.
(Cross-posted to the KELOLAND Edition of SD Watch.)
Technorati Tags: GLBT rights, discrimination, gay rights, LGBT, Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
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Todd Epp
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Reader Comments (3)
Todd, in the last week you've written that South Dakotans aren't better than anybody else, we're child molesters, and we're murders.
Then comes this post where you want people to be kind and understanding and even state that hate is a waste???
I don't recall Todd stating that ALL South Dakotans are molesters and murderers. If you don't like what Todd writes, don't visit his blog. I'll put you in the narrow-minded category. :P
Seems to me any of these good folks would have been better to run a program against HIV in South Dakota than Leslee Unruh - oh, was she there? - but guess what, in 2005 she got $175,000. from Bush's DHHS to administer that very thing, an HIV prevention program. And never mind the vital usefulness of condoms for the gay community - and every other - in our fight against HIV.
In 2001 Unruh testified to the US House Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Human Resources:
__Condoms also can not stop the body from releasing oxytocin during sexual arousal. Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that creates permanent chemical bonds linking the person to their sex partner. Oxytocin allows men to vividly recall and mentally picture minute details of the sexual experience. In women, it creates an unbreakable linkage and emotional bond to their partner. Oxytocin explains why women will fight each
other on national talk shows to keep a boyfriend who is currently sleeping with other women. It also explains why he is able to sit back, grin and enjoy his memories while they fight. Condoms do not stop oxytocin bonding._
So what really IS her purported expertise on HIV and the gay community that would qualify her for $175,000.?