Are gays "Second class citizens?"- Page 2

[Q]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:01pm

Madbrian - I would say those people were never second-class human beings. I certainly feel that way about myself and others.

However, the undeniable fact is we are not accorded equal rights - so, by definition alone, we maintain a second-class status as citizens.

[Yawper]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:09pm

Only the poor, middle class, and blue collar workers in this country are 'second class citizens.'

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:09pm

Why are you bitter queens so sensitive these days?

The bitchy queen act is so 90s. Why don't you try something more original?

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 1:24pm

It is so on, Bonnie Hunt.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:10pm

I take Bonnie Hunt, for the win.

And yes, to answer the question, many in the straight community (speaking generally as a member of the straight community, and based generally on conversations with other members, not a scientific survey) do treat gay couples different from straight couples. They are not afforded the same legal rights and protections as straights. Some still mistakenly think being gay is a choice, not something you just are, so they are reluctant to recognize or embrace a "lifestyle" that could change when a gay man or woman finds the "right" path.

For some, it is just a general discomfort with homosexuality, or premised on the teachings of their church, while for others, it is (I think) in a attempt to "prove" they are straight.

For many, I believe, the fear or the discomfort can be overcome by education and awareness. Many still believe the stereotype of the gay man being only about hookups and sex, not realizing that just as with the straight community, the gay community is full of diversity and differences. Slowly, as they see gay families living around them, raising children, and really being no different from them, except for the fact that they love someone of the same sex, the fear and discomfort begins to fade.

When I start explaining to friends and family the differences between, for example, civil unions and marriage, especially with regard to rights and benefits, suddenly, many people's objection start to fade. Or, asking if it was their child who wanted to commit him or herself to a same sex partner, would they deny their own child the ability to marry, then then opposition softens.

But, when you have laws on the books that prohibit gay and lesbian couples from adopting or marrying, you are clearly being treated differently, and given less rights, than your straight counterparts.

I honestly think gays and lesbians are considered second class citizens today, but in some states, that status is changing. Not fast enough, but it is changing.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:39pm

I prefer to be called "coach" or "tourist" rather than "second class." It sounds nicer that way.

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:40pm

Who wants to be called 'tourist?'

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 2:41pm

It beats "second class."

It's all I'm sayin'.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 3:15pm

If gays were tourists Manhattan would have been renamed Disney City by now.

[Q]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 3:18pm

"I prefer to be called "coach"

I've done that before . . . and he was the 'wrestler who skipped practice'
Updated On: 11/15/08 at 03:18 PM

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/15/08 at 3:29pm

That's first class Falcon right there.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 12:13am

Q, I love your new avatar.

[Schmerg_The_Impaler]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 7:57am

Oh wow, I didn't even notice it until you pointed it out. I think I assumed it was the Jolly Green Giant making out with Apollo until I looked closer. I love that avatar.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 10:05pm

What is it? Two chicks making out?

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/16/08 at 10:07pm

I assume your sole intent is to annoy people or get a reaction.

If so, Cruel does it much better.

Because if you really have to ask, then, well, that kind of speaks for itself.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 1:19am

Rude. I was just asking. Clearly it's Lady Liberty and some girl with the balance thing. I just don't get it so I asked. You people need to stop assuming things about me. It's called benefit of the doubt and not taking everything so seriously all the time. Now anyone want to be a big boy and answer my question?

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 1:36am

Perhaps then you should not make it quite so easy to assume things about you. You have a series of posts which demonstrate you are no longer entitled to the benefit of the doubt. I see most everyone ignores you, which perhaps is the best path.

And, to answer your question, it is the Lady Justice. She is a common symbol for justice, and the "balance thing" are the scales. You will often see her in front of courts.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 1:48am

I have never made it "easy" for someone to assume things about me. Show me these alleged posts, because I have no idea where you feel justified in saying that.

And the thing about courts was really rude and totally uncalled for. Just cause I post funny things on here that people take seriously and get all offended over doesn't mean I'm going to go to court? And you have no place to come here and attack me when you're gonna try to say **** like that. RUDE...but feel free to reply

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 1:55am

So, now it appears your sole goal is to generate a reaction. Either that, or you have some serious issues that need help. Good luck whatever the case may be.

[BroomstickBoy]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 2:08am

I sure as hell feel like a second class citizen.

I've lost my job in the local school system here because I'm gay. And as far as I know, from what I've been told, they can do that and get away with it without explanation.

And from what I understand, it's known that the county is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in terms of gender, race, religion, etc and sexual orientation is included and I've not read anything that states that the county doesn't include sexual orientation in the discrimination policies..... even though Georgia doesn't protect the rights of gay and lesbian workers, from what I've read on lambdalegal.com.

Granted I could find another job, but why let discrimination win?

So I damn well feel like a second class citizen.


Yeah I posted on the "oh shut up" thread but I can't stop bitching about it. It's the weekend, plan to solve this problem goes into motion tomorrow! :)

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 2:17am

Walk in front of the principals house and hold a guys hand!

I'll volunteer.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 11/17/08 at 3:38pm

I have never made it "easy" for someone to assume things about me. Show me these alleged posts, because I have no idea where you feel justified in saying that.

And the thing about courts was really rude and totally uncalled for. Just cause I post funny things on here that people take seriously and get all offended over doesn't mean I'm going to go to court? And you have no place to come here and attack me when you're gonna try to say **** like that. RUDE...but feel free to reply

Well, from that post, it's pretty easy to assume you are either unobservant and ignorant, or you simply wish to antagonize others through deception. Or all of the above.