There was a to-do in our capital city of Columbia,SC yesterday regarding a proposed gay/straight club in a local school.
I sent the following comment to our State newspaper:
"As the parent of a child who I don't yet know will grow up to be gay or straight (she's three) I definitely support such a club. I believe God loves all of his children and we should be preaching acceptance not rejection. There is too much hate and negativity in this world as it is. I would love it if the South would shed some of it's backwoods narrow-minded reputation in favor of open-mindedness and tolerance."
I posted my full name, would have gladly posted my address and telephone number too.
I am never ashamed of what I have to say and anyone who knows me definitely knows I support gay rights. I am striving to instill those values in my child and never pass up a chance to pass on the message to anyone else either regardless of age/sex/creed/religion etc.
Some of my family members are very close-minded and my open-mindedness disturbs them (as their close-mindedness disturbs me). They love to try and bait me and argue but I am a pretty smart cookie and can usually get over. I love to see the steam coming out of their ears when I hand them a little bit of rope and let them hang themselves.
Happens every time so far.
You see I am a FIRM believer in "wrong never truly wins".
Maybe a small battle but never a war, my friends, never a war.
I just hope the kids in Irmo win the right to have their gay/straight alliance.
Hey, I say "to each his/her own". As long as no one is hurting any one else, what's the big deal?
Back when I was a my late teens (17, 18 years old) my boyfriend and I lived together along with his sister and her partner. We all got along great (until me and my boyfriend split up...then she hated me...STILL hates me as far as I know but now, I couldn't really give a rats ass over it...;)
That's just like religion....it drives me APESHIT when someone tries to shove their religion down my throat (I have a sister-in-law whom I love dearly but she drives me NUTS sometimes about religion).
I mean, we are ALL trying to get to the same place, no matter what you call it, right????
Whoa...way more info than you were looking for this early in the morning, huh?
I say DON'T HATE APPRECIATE!!!!
what a mess that situation is! how ya feelin'? :)
you GO patti girl! good for you on standing up and speaking up. my youngest daughter belongs to one of these clubs. change comes with by teaching our kids. you are doing your part, hon.
;)
~m
Stacy PQ- Nope always glad to hear from you - the longer post the better!
Man- You go boy! You are one in a million
Lee- I know it is in your neck of the woods :( I'm doing okay hon!
M- You are so right and I want Madison to know that too. If I could I would have been there picketing on their behalf.
I was told that I was to open-
minded and that my brains would
fall out. HA!
I've put a security guard (who's a
real jerkoff) in his place SEVERAL
times and he hates it. I just laugh
and go on.
Have a great weekend!
HUGS!!
YOU GO PATTI!!!!!!! I can not stand intolerance and closed mindedness. A good 75% of my co-workers are gay or lesbian. They are some of the nicest, kindest, most intelligent people I know. I believe God loves all his children too. Not just the ones of a certain religion, color or sex orientation.
I love this Patti. Love it. Thank you for sharing.
Laurie- Yep we are two of a kind and i'm proud of us hon!
Daisy- Amen sister and treat that man of yours extra special on his birfday Sunday hear?
Pissy- I know you understand hon! Intolerance is a horrible thing.
To each his/her own.
:)
Love, love, love you!!!!
:)
You Go Girl!
P.S. I am so sorry that I missed participating in the survey yesterday! :(
I would have chosen the "monkey sex" one... ;)
I agree with you completely. I have some of those close-minded relatives, too, (are we perhaps related and didn't know it? LOL!) and I've just reached the place of not caring what they think. I am who I am and accept others in that same way. But if they stick noses in and start trying to change me or others, then I speak up!
A school yearbook in a town not far from me, Clovis, NM, has raised a roar, too. They featured a couples/relationships section with pictures. Two lesbian couples were featured, and the town is reacting. My question to the townies is "WHY???" Those who are all excited should understand one thing .... "It's NOT contagious, you dweebs, you're still safe in your state of intolerant stupidity!" sheesh.
Thank you, I feel better.
Thank you! One more reason to love you:)
Good for you Patti! I can't get over how stupid some people are. There are "real" issues in this world ... and to me, this should never ever be a question or cause a ripple. Thankfully, here, my daughter's school has a gay/lesbian alliance/club ... and I think it's great because these kids have a place to go and feel safe and understood. When I was in school, there was no such thing, and yet I had several gay friends in school -- well, I didn't know it at the time. I know school life was hard enough - and to be hiding a sexuality .. gack!! I hope they get their alliance.
Hey Patti!! Just had to pop on here and respond to your well wishes for our anniversary overnighter. Loved the "Gary and Cheryl sitting in a tree." LOL
I think you can probably guess my position on this whole issue! :-)
I am a very devoted Christian, but yet I am very tolerant and try and teach my children that we are told to love, not judge. Even if I do not choose to live that lifestyle, it is not my part to condemn. I have plenty of family members and friends who also think I am very close-minded...I just choose not to argue with them. It's not worth it.
Have a great weekend!
Sorry..family and friends who think I am TOO open-minded. LOL
TMP- and that is good enough for me!
Casey- Love you too honey, muah!
Tigeryogiji - Thanks hehe... somehow I knew the wild monkey sex one would be popular with my crowd
Lynilu- Maybe we are related somewhere tee~hee I applaud the yearbook for allowing those lesbian couples their picture too. It's only fair.
SFG- (who is pregnant and hormonal people so look out!) You hit it right on the head sistah! "Judge lest ye not be judged" is one of the good ones!
Melissa- I will never ever understand it either. I have had girls who are gay tell me they had a crush on me (in school) and my response was "I'm flattered but i'm straight". I still had sleepovers etc. Never felt threatened ... for what?! Nobody is out to force their sexuality on anybody. Of course there were other girls who were all "Oooooh you let so and so spend the night at your house, did you sleep in the same bed? You know she's gay right". Oh I was a bitchy thing hehe... (WAIT - WAS!???)
Pack of 2- Awwww thanks.
Wendy- Wow I am so impressed that your daughters school has such a club. I knew people who were gay in school too and hid it, it makes me sad when I think back but I did always try to be as accepting without forcing the issue as they obviously didn't want to.
Cheryl- Ha ha... you know me I love to tease! I hope you have a wonderful, fantabulous get-away (and I know you will). I was pretty sure you were cool on the issue as you are with everything else. :) but hey, I would still respect and welcome everyone's opinions as long as they are polite about it.
You are smart - very well said!!!
Have good weekend - Kellan
Hey there, just wanted to let you know that I just sent you an email (in response to a comment you left on my blog).
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Enjoy your weekend!
You are the greatest!!
My family is a lot like yours. I believe in the live and let live philosophy. There's plenty of room for all of us here.
I wholeheartedly agree with you!
As the cousin of a gay man(who happens to be one of the kindest, most wonderful people in the world) I say AMEN!
I think in a world like ours today, if you can find love--no matter with who or what gender--you are one of the lucky ones.
Your cool points just went up even more with me Patti! Rock on!
I wholeheartedly agree with you!
As the cousin of a gay man(who happens to be one of the kindest, most wonderful people in the world) I say AMEN!
I think in a world like ours today, if you can find love--no matter with who or what gender--you are one of the lucky ones.
Your cool points just went up even more with me Patti! Rock on!
...and I so did not mean to post that twice. Sorry ;)
In my experience there are so many people out there that don't know what it means to be gay, I think that creates fear. Knowledge and acceptance do go a long way.
Well said Patti!
In Grade School I had fantastic teachers who instilled in each of us that "there are red people, white people, black people, green people and that prejudging someone is uncool. I have said this before, but I look for people who have goodwill in their hearts and want to contribute to a better society. But then, I'm called simple-minded! A thoughtful post, Patti!
Kellan- Thank you that's a great compliment coming from such a great writer as yourself!
Dawn- I still haven't got your email and it's Saturday evening...
Caroline- Awww thanks honey!
Mike- Amen brother, you said it!
Kristy- Thank you, that was very sweet to tell a 41 year old she is still cool :) Bless your cousin
MJ- You are right, but you have to stop being afraid to learn and some people just don't get it.
Wendy- Thank you sweetie
Michael- Simple minded - no way. Kind hearted - YES! I try to look for people with some good in them too. It takes some digging sometimes i'll tell ya!
Your comment to the paper was fantastic! I think everyone should just mind their own business.
Chickie- Thank you I definitely think everyone needs to mind their own business too. Wanting to help is one thing, butting in on a bad note - QUITE another.
Hi Patti
I totally agree with you, I tend to think live and let live. Where I live in brighton it is quite a capital for all.
People are human whatever. You go girl X
A very well put post! I am in total 100% agreement with you! Live and let live. All people deserve the right to live free, and happy.
I wish more people would teach their children from a very young age about diversity, tolerance, acceptance, and that we should love and respect ALL people...we all come from the same place...and have the same basic needs. Families come in all shapes, sizes, colors and kinds...so do friends and neighbors.
I can't wait to share the world of diversity with my child - if/when our adoption goes through. We'll be a diverse family ourselves...an American wife, Canadian Hubby adopting an Asian baby...I love it. God works in beautiful ways!
Good for you, you should always speak your mind without fear.
I think the biggest beef I have is with Labels.
Why should there have to be Labels for people who are gay or straight, Black Or White, Democrat or Republican.
I think in the end what's important, is what's right.
YES!!! You tell 'em, Patti. My son goes to a school where several families have 2 lesbian parents, and nobody thinks twice about it. My son is lucky to be in such an environment.
Hugs,
Betty
You said a mouthful sister!
If it makes someone happy,no matter what the situation is....DO IT!
Our days are not promised to us....and to spend each day miserable because you are worried what others may think,is hogwash!
You made a REALLY good point!
We need to instill these values in our future generation...
Go Patti!
Ohh p.s~am I being a weiner for wishing I was on your link list?LOL
I stalk you,ya know?hahaha
It would be a total honor.....am I worthy MG? :-)
Hugggs
I wish I'd had a Patti in my school. :)
I continue to be touched and surprised at how smart, compassionate and tolerant bloggers seem to be (for the most part). The overwhelming agreement of your readers is amazing. But then again... they're *your* readers.
~S
Shabby Chic- Thank you! It's good to know people are of a like mind in different parts of the world also.
Retro Girl- I love it too, how adorable will y'all be? American Wife, Canadian Hubs and Asian Baby. A lady in church Sunday had the most adorable little Asian girl about 4 or 5 and I thought of you.
Walker- You are so right, Labels. Hmmmm on canned goods. Fine, on people, not always so fine!
Betty- Oh boy I can't imagine that down here and yet i'm sure they exist. I would definitely go out of my way to befriend a gay couple at my child's school. I feel they would be really ostracized here in itty bitty ol' Darlington SC.
Tammi- No, sweetheart I said some time ago I had a problem with my blogroll and asked people to let me know if they didn't see themselves. You will be right back on pronto! I need to see how little a'million is doing anyway!
Shephard- Thank you sweetie, I wish i'd been in your school. NO, I wish it wasn't necessary, you know what I mean?
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