Letter to Heterosexuals

[Leftsolidarity]

This is an article I'm working on for my school newspaper. Thoughts?



Heterosexism in our culture makes it so that one could feel ashamed, embarrassed, shunned, and makes one feel that they need to hide their own sexual orientation. There is a misconception that to be open about being queer is to somehow be “in their face” to heterosexuals. The only reason it seems this way is because our culture sets heterosexuality as the norm and looks at any deviation so critically that if someone isn’t ashamed and submissive because of the fact that they are queer, but instead is proud and accepts himself/herself, they are “trouble-makers” or something of the like.
So if I say that I am queer and do not apologize, or if I’m with another male and do not look ashamed, I am not “rubbing it in your face.” I am trying to enjoy your privilege of not having to hide or tell myself I am less of a person because of which gender(s) I like. Just because I refuse to put myself lower than you and reject the idea that your sexual orientation is somehow superior to mine does not mean I want to start drama or want attention. I want to be acknowledged as a human being; regardless of my sexual orientation.
In a long list of privileges you enjoy, one of them is that your sexual orientation isn’t viewed as an insult. The hallways don’t ring of “That’s so straight” or “You’re such a hetero.” They are filled with “That’s so gay” and “You’re such a homo/fag.” When being who you are is viewed as an insult there is no way to really feel comfortable or accepted. You might try to use the excuse, “But they are only words.” You would be wrong, though. They are words that show the underlying mentality that being queer is a bad thing and that heterosexuals are superior. Your bigoted and hateful language is a tool that reinforces homophobia, heterosexual superiority, and ultimately anti-queer violence.
The problem of bullying does not even need much written about it. We all know it is happening and we see it all the time. From verbal harassment to physical, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transsexual, and Queer (LGBTQ) youth suffer along with heterosexual youth who may not conform to what is expected of their gender. Tolerance is great and we need far more of it but it should never be applied to bullying, hate, and bigotry.
What we need is a proactive way of dealing with homophobia, bullying, and heterosexual superiority in our school; not a lazy and reactionary way of dealing with these problems, as we do now. We need a more queer-friendly environment, which involves education. LGBTQ struggles and historical figures get no mention in our classrooms. Health/Sex education is geared toward heterosexual students, leaving LGBTQ students with questions and a feeling of seclusion. We need to view hate speech and bigotry against other sexual orientations the same way we view it towards other races and genders. We need a student organization for LGBTQ and queer-friendly heterosexual students.
There are queer students at school. We are just like everyone else and we demand and deserve the same respect as all other students. We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Awesome letter,I loved it! Maybe add in a segment about how the heteronormity of society was the reason that many queer teens continue to commit suicide?

[Leftsolidarity]

Awesome letter,I loved it! Maybe add in a segment about how the heteronormity of society was the reason that many queer teens continue to commit suicide?

Yep, I actually have been working on adding facts on that. I just have limited computer access lately.

[Game Girl]

Brilliant letter and so full of truth! We seriously need more good people in this world to combat bigotry.

[dodger]

"We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it."

WE'RE HERE, WE'RE QUEER, NOW BUY US ALL BEER!!..*.or else!


Might get you more traction Leftsolidarity,

Happy to say as an observer of the gay males here, they are not isolated, far from it. They have huge bunches of female friends, that's their secret. Support network, sounds contrived, it's much more than that. Suffice to say any attempt to bully a young chap because of his sexuality would be unthinkable. The girls would turn on the bully(s)), make them look small, I would ask if bully and gay were now 'an item?' Subject them to a line of questioning how long the romance had been secretly going on, when and how had it been first consummated, call Wifey over and tell her to change rooms over so they can both be together. Quite the old matchmaker when I turn my hand to it. I have never had to 'intervene' beyond that. Originally the building housed boys downstairs and girls above, strict segregation. What has evolved and the youth can take credit, it is mix an' match. Far more healthy. Girls and gays share rooms, parents approve. Thought safer. We are a happy crowd here and we would not have it any other way. Out in the wider world, who can say what gay boys will face, but here my 4yr old grand daughter knows to respectfully address a gay boy as ATAY,,,which means older sister. An old gay male Ma'am or Auntie. Now we never taught her to do that , she picked up the vibe herself. In the same way as when I asked her why she was in such a stroppy mood, she turned around put her hands on her hips and told me "My menstruations have started!!". Jesus no need for me to patronise that little lady or gay boys for that matter, left alone they do just fine.

[KR]

Yeah, because every heterosexual is like that:rolleyes:

[Leftsolidarity]

Yeah, because every heterosexual is like that:rolleyes:

This isn't an attack on heterosexuals at all. It even talks about starting an organization with queer-friendly heterosexuals. This attacks heterosexism, not heterosexuals.

[Bad Grrrl Agro]

Loves it!

[kurr]

Or you could actually contribute something about working class struggles.....Just a thought tho

[Leftsolidarity]

Or you could actually contribute something about working class struggles.....Just a thought tho

Because LGBTQ things don't matter in an aggressively homophobic school....

There isn't even really a working class community that goes to my school. Some, not much. This is an extremely wealthy, white, christian area. Anyways, I have put stuff in about class struggles and other things like that.

Sorry if I'm trying to throw in a word for LGBTQ students.

[El Chuncho]

This isn't an attack on heterosexuals at all. It even talks about starting an organization with queer-friendly heterosexuals. This attacks heterosexism, not heterosexuals.

You didn't really do yourself a favour by writing a ''letter to Heterosexuals'. It just sounds like an attack on another sexuality. You address heterosexuals as if they all think that homosexuals are in their faces. They don't. You should probably have just written to homophobes instead.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

You didn't really do yourself a favour by writing a ''letter to Heterosexuals'. It just sounds like an attack on another sexuality. You address heterosexuals as if they all think that homosexuals are in their faces. They don't. You should probably have just written to homophobes instead.

He did when he said the letter attacks heterosexism...

If they feel it as an attack than they will now how it feels to have their sexuality called into question: I see no wrong in his letter.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Or you could actually contribute something about working class struggles.....Just a thought tho

...as if that wasn't what he was doing,albeit in a more subtle way...

http://kasamaproject.org/2010/02/12/queer-liberation-class-struggle-and-the-limits-of-intersectionality/

[Tenka]

You didn't really do yourself a favour by writing a ''letter to Heterosexuals'. It just sounds like an attack on another sexuality. You address heterosexuals as if they all think that homosexuals are in their faces. They don't. You should probably have just written to homophobes instead.

Though heterosexists don't tend to see themselves as homophobes or heterosexists, as far as I know. "Heterosexuals" in the title is a better way to get their attention.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Though heterosexists don't tend to see themselves as homophobes or heterosexists, as far as I know. "Heterosexuals" in the title is a better way to get their attention.

They are homophobes though since as a heterosexist,believing that being heterosexual is superior to all other forms of sexuality,is,by default,inherently homophobic.I can liken it to when White Nationalists/Supremacists try and say they are not racist but because they believe that their skin color makes them "superior." Same basic logic. Ultimately a phobia denial if they honestly do not believe they are any kind of phobic.

[Leftsolidarity]

You didn't really do yourself a favour by writing a ''letter to Heterosexuals'. It just sounds like an attack on another sexuality. You address heterosexuals as if they all think that homosexuals are in their faces. They don't. You should probably have just written to homophobes instead.

That is because this talks, in some cases, in first person to a fake heterosexist (is that the proper word?). That's most likely not going to be the title (I still don't have anything against my original title) because it was editted today and it was changed up a bit. Tomorrow I'll post up the newer version.

This attacks a, not always concious, prejudice sometimes held by heterosexuals. That is why it would by talking to heterosexuals. Like I pointed out earlier too, I mention queer-friendly heterosexuals.

Heterosexism and homophobia are different things and need to be addressed in different ways. My school definitely has a major problem with both. And I don't think a straight out homophobe will care if I address a letter to them about how mean they are. They're homophobes, they don't care.

[Agent Ducky]

Nice letter. My one thing I'd suggest is take out the word "reactionary" because a lot of people, especially young people, don't know that word at all and misinterpret what it means.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Heterosexism and homophobia are different things and need to be addressed in different ways. My school definitely has a major problem with both.

How are they different?

[Leftsolidarity]

How are they different?

Homophobia I view as more out-right and known anti-queer sentiment/action/policy/etc. While I view Heterosexism as more of a cultural barrier and mindset that puts heterosexuality as the norm and standard to judge others.

A homophobe might say, "Gays shouldn't be allowed to be together in public."

While a heterosexist might say, "Well, maybe they should try their hardest not to show that they are gay as to not offend others." Or some other not exactly homophobic view but one that puts LGBTQ people under/submissive to heterosexuals and tries to keep the social norm of heterosexuality.

Did that make any sense or no?

[Leftsolidarity]

Here's the updated version after me and my teacher went through it. Is it better, worse, what?




We're Here! We're Queer! Get used to it!
Heterosexism in our culture makes LGBTQ people feel ashamed, embarrassed, shunned, and like they need to hide their sexual orientation. And bigoted and hateful language is a tool that reinforces homophobia, heterosexual superiority, and ultimately anti-queer violence.
There is a misconception that openness about being queer is somehow being “in their face” to heterosexuals. Our culture’s norm is heterosexuality and people look at any deviation so critically that queers are often ashamed and submissive. If LGBTQ people are proud and accept him or herself then they’re often consider “trouble-makers” or something of the like.
So if I say I am queer and do not apologize—or if I’m with another male and do not look ashamed—heterosexism would say I am “rubbing it in your face.” But I am trying to enjoy your privilege. I don’t want to hide or tell myself I am less of a person because of which gender(s) I like. Just because I refuse to put myself lower than you and reject that your sexual orientation is somehow superior to mine does not mean I want to start drama or want attention. Instead, I just want to be acknowledged as a human being, regardless of my sexual orientation.
In the long list of privileges heterosexuals enjoy, one of them is not being viewed as an insult. The hallways don’t ring of “that’s so straight” or “you’re such a hetero.” Instead, they are filled with “that’s so gay” and “you’re such a homo/fag.” When being who you are is viewed as an insult, there is no way to feel comfortable or accepted. You might try to use the excuse, “but they are only words.” But that would be incorrect. Phrases like “you’re so gay” show the underlying mentality that being queer is a bad thing and heterosexuals are superior.
We all know bullying is happening; it’s ubiquitous. From verbal to physical harassment, LGBTQ youth suffer along with heterosexual youth who may not conform to gender roles. Tolerance is great and we need far more of it, but it should never be applied to bullying, hate, and bigotry.
What we need is a proactive way of dealing with homophobia, bullying, and heterosexual superiority in our school; we do not need a lazy and reactionary way of dealing with these problems. We need a queer-friendly environment, which involves education.
LGBTQ struggles and historical figures get no mention in our classrooms. Health and sexual education classes are geared toward heterosexual students, leaving LGBTQ students with questions and feelings of seclusion.
We need to view hate speech and bigotry against other sexual orientations the same way we view other races and genders. And we need a student organization for LGBTQ and queer-friendly heterosexual students, such as a Gay-Straight Alliance.
There are queer students at school. We are just like everyone else and we demand and deserve the same respect as all other students. Borrowing the slogan made famous by Queer Nation, “We’re here! We’re queer! Get used to it!”

[00000000000]

A great letter, I agree completely...especially 'gay' and 'homo' being used as insults. I call my younger step brother on it whenever he says it.

[KR]

Here's the updated version after me and my teacher went through it. Is it better, worse, what?
Better title.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Homophobia I view as more out-right and known anti-queer sentiment/action/policy/etc. While I view Heterosexism as more of a cultural barrier and mindset that puts heterosexuality as the norm and standard to judge others.

A homophobe might say, "Gays shouldn't be allowed to be together in public."

While a heterosexist might say, "Well, maybe they should try their hardest not to show that they are gay as to not offend others." Or some other not exactly homophobic view but one that puts LGBTQ people under/submissive to heterosexuals and tries to keep the social norm of heterosexuality.

Did that make any sense or no?

It does make sense but I still equate them as one in the same.