The Grim Reality of Homophobia

[Left Leanings]

I was recently receiving 'help', in dealing with my misuse of drugs, namely canabis. I made it known in some of the groups and classes I attended, that I was bisexual. The response I got from some of the more 'macho men' (and one in particular), was horrific.

This one expects to some degree. But the organization that was helping me, is a big name in the field of drugs and alcohol rehabilitation. And when I had the temerity to complain about my treatment, the manager there - a touchy-feely vegetarian and teetotaller - backed the homphobe 100 per cent. As did the regional manager of the organization.

Shouldn't be this way, should it? But that's the grim reality. It was simply a numbers game. Had the manager backed me, and disciplined the homophobe, then he and his coterie of mates (he was popular and well-established at the charity), would have walked, and left the charity with fewer on its books.

Pathetic.

[The Young Pioneer]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience in a place that is supposed to be safe and supportive. That IS pathetic.

I'm bisexual and when dating girls (let's be honest, I like girls better, been engaged to a girl, never a guy ;) ), I have felt the discrimination as well. One year I went to a Human Rights Campaign function and the protestors were horrible. I was 17 and it was my first real gf so it was a terrifying experience. Sad truth of society today, and that took place in one of the more liberal areas.

I think it's probably harder for guys so I am sure you have experienced some traumatic things. Hopefully there will continue to be changes on this stance.

Regardless of one's political feelings for Obama, I LOVED how he included gays in his inaugural address. I'll never forget it.

Hugs for you.

[Azraella]

I feel your pain. I am incredibly queer and I have experienced some incredibly cis-sexist and hetero-sexist shit for being open about it. My husband get's it worse because hir own parents think ze is a "flaming faggot and sinner", the sick irony? Ze is a Christian and probably one of the most virtuous people I know.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Progress for Queers can only come about through militant struggle and determination.Marriage will not end anything and we must remember that countering the virulent anti-queer agenda will be among the only real paths to equality.

Your experience is a sad reality within the world.Most people still equate queers with drugs abuse so any who engage in such activities are more likely to be brutalized by the ignorant bigots.Legalizing all drugs (soft and hard) would be one of the panacea,I believe,to this particular event;lessening the public phobia should do something.

[Tablo]

What people need to do is be more vocal. During my day, if I hear someone make a homophobic remark, I call them out. It generally isn't okay to be openly homophobic depending on the area you are in and you should be backed up by other people when you call out the homophobes. Strength in numbers also helps in these everyday confrontations. If you have a friend or two backing you up then it helps. The general idea is to promote a culture of intolerance against homophobia where it isn't even allowed a platform.

Don't argue with drunk people though. A couple of my gay friends almost got the shit beat out of them because some drunk guys had a problem with them.

[L.A.P.]

Dude, fuck going to rehab for weed. Are you choosing to go through this treatment or is it being imposed upon you? I'm really sorry to read this.

[leemadison11]

I hate today's society where people have no sense of tolerance, funny as it may seem but the kids when i talk to are more mature, understanding, accepting and tolerant. Our present is gone to dogs for sure but our future seems pleasant to me thanks all these kids i have had a talk once.:)
Its really ironical to see Vegan, Atheist, Monotheist, PETA supporters and all other who have strong defense regarding their ideology and they would often ask people to be liberal and tolerant, but when some one talks about sexual orientation, most become homophobic. (I have a sister who is a proud lesbian, but she didn't reveal it to other for almost 8 years, it was really building up tension among her and her partner, it was only after i and some of my gay friends whom i brought ahead to make her feel better, that she got the confidence to stand up for her rights, i was little disappointed to have no support from parents at first but thankfully all is great now).

[Die Rote Fahne]

Rehab for weed? Uhhh...wut...

But yeah, there's no reason why this should happen, and if you have a local ACLU I would contact them immediately to deal with the organization. It's one thing for another member to say it but for the bureaucracy of the organization to defend it is a whole new story.

[Left Leanings]

Thanks all for your replies. I have sorted my own weed problem out. I smoke the odd spliff every now and then, but mostly I leave it alone. And yeah, homophobia sucks. And it IS present in so-called 'enlightened' and 'tolerant', liberal circles.

I really apprecitae your responses. This is a buzzing start to my time here on the forums :)

[dodger]

What people need to do is be more vocal. During my day, if I hear someone make a homophobic remark, I call them out. It generally isn't okay to be openly homophobic depending on the area you are in and you should be backed up by other people when you call out the homophobes. Strength in numbers also helps in these everyday confrontations. If you have a friend or two backing you up then it helps. The general idea is to promote a culture of intolerance against homophobia where it isn't even allowed a platform.

Don't argue with drunk people though. A couple of my gay friends almost got the shit beat out of them because some drunk guys had a problem with them.

Sound advice......drink yes a problem...always. Unbelievable sailed to Sardinia48hrs, arrived...siesta chilled out 4 males in 40/50's had a dam good feed drinks went to various bars. On the way back happy as Larry., one of our number homes in on some gay fellows, young, died blonde hair, punkish. Where the hell did that come from? No problems on sailboat. Right out of the blue, I told him straight don't ever do that to ME again. Whhat the f*** WERE YOU THINKING OF? THE OTHERS RALLIED. One of our number Bob, Italian the other Cypriot Greek read him the riot act. Shit they were a nice crowd just enjoying the night. We had him sussed....he was a headache on the way back. I am glad we did not remain silent and scuttled his plan for a confrontation. We saw one of them in the market next day bob apologised to him and asked him to pass on our sorrow that it had happened. he was very gracious and we spent a few hours with him...minus the idiot...needless to say the idiot never got a second invite back on the boat.Goes to show you don't know them, like you think you do. vino veritas.

[Os Cangaceiros]

Rehab for weed?

Sometimes that's what you have to do if you get arrested for weed.

Except it's usually not "rehab", just some class where the teacher spouts bullshit propaganda (in mine we were told that AIDS is a real risk from smoking weed, because you could be smoking it with an AIDS patient with chapped lips.) :rolleyes: