SI was recently described as being a role model for LGBT youthnice compliment, but a role model I am not. Neither do I want to be. It makes me sound cuddly and safe, like a bunny rabbit. I'd rather be a rabid fox.
As the next generation of LGBTs flies out of the closet, I'm sitting back and taking a breather. However, it's not for long, as much work needs to be done to rid this country of fascism and an education system that has clearly failed. Just for today, I'm lying by the pool in the California sun with a jug of orange juice, a copy of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, and enough marijuana to bring down a charging buffalo. ( Role model for LGBT youth? I think not. )
It's time for me to reflect. As a senior gay activist, my greatest joy has been meeting such a diverse group of people, all nationalities and from all walks of life. My greatest disappointment has been that after years of trying to convince society at large that homosexuals are just the same as everyone else, I've come to realize that we are. We have the same prejudice and phobias as everyone else.
This goes some way toward explaining the Log Cabin Republicans and Caitlyn Jenner's support of No. 45. I have strong opinions about Jenner that are best left on the cutting room floor.
It's a little disappointing when LGBTs don't support LGBTs: Elton John performing at Rush Limbaugh's wedding; Jodie Foster and Barry Manilow, closeted their whole life, then married their partners, after the rest of us fought for the right to marry. It's hard to know what they were thinking all those years. What were they frightened of?
It's disheartening. As the next generation of activists will find out, we have always danced the Two Steps Forward, One Step Back Cha-Cha-Cha.
"Two steps forward, one step back cha-cha-cha,
Two steps forward, kick 'em in the balls, one step back, cha-cha-cha.
Two steps forward, sucker punch to the stomach, one step back, cha-cha-cha.
One step forward, a punch in the kisser, one step back, cha-cha-cha."
I'm not advocating violence. However, when dealing with stupid people, a carefully applied shovel to the back of the skull can leave a deep and significant impression on their minds. Just kidding! ( Role model for LGBT youth? Not me ).
I've always believed someone coming out of the closet should fight for the rights of other LGBTs. Otherwise, what use are you? No use at all. It's your duty to campaign for that trans-person in a small town in Kentucky, that gay boy in a lunatic Christian household, and that Mormon lesbian imprisoned in a cell by nonsense.
It's not about politics. It's about love, diversity and being a human being. It's about waking up and embracing new ideas in this beautiful world we live in.
Reflection over. Sometimes we need to take a day offotherwise, we burn out. Now back to the pool, the California sun, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes and marijuana. ( For sure, I'm a terrible role model for LGBT youth. )