Look…. I am about as square as a square could be.
I know nothing about modern times, music, movies, television. If you change much in my environment I am apt to scream “Get off my lawn” and then take a long while until I readjust to my new, forced, surroundings.
I came out in 1985 or so. I knew I was “different” when I was 9, in 1978 or so. I’ve been thru the standard young gay life. I used to go to all the S&M (Stand and Model) bars in metro Detroit. I drank too much, partied too much and took too many risks as I grew up trying to “like” myself even though society (Especially Reagan at the time) told me I should not. I lost too many friends to AIDS. I took place in too many Pride marches to count. I have too many battle scars to give a hoot any more.
I am proud that our next generation, although not having it far from easy, has a lot more open and accepting time than I did. I am 50. I get confused with the new Pride flag and the many subdivisions our proud movement has realized our part of us. I sometimes use the term gay when I mean “everyone” in our movement, did I mention I often say: “Get off my lawn!”
But there has been one group of folks with us since the very start of our movement. Who have stood by us more than I would after being Mistreated and used and abused by folks such as Barney Frank. I am talking about our transgender brothers and sisters.
Not a day that goes by when I cannot find transgender individuals or their rights being attacked. We need to stand by them as they have use. Look, I am CIS, to say that I understand what is means to be a member of that community is not something I can do. But I can say that our brothers and sisters from that community are human, they are like us in that they cannot live, often, who they are. We all need to unite and during these difficult times in their community come together as one.
Screw Dave Chapelle. Screw anyone who thinks they can belittle or take a stance against the humanity of others in our community. The whole sports argument is a sideshow. Imagine how few people transgender folks in sports actually impact. So people use this as a side issue, to say “Hey, look over here” this is not right, these people are taking advantage …..blah blah blah. Meanwhile the real issue that impacts our youth. our next generation are transphobic laws and rules being passed well this side show tries to distract us. Keep our eyes on the prize. Stand with our allies. Their fight is our fight.