Scholastic Reverses Decision to Exclude Gay Friendly Book from Fairs
Published October 27, 2009 @ 09:15PM PT
During the past 48 hours more than 4,000 Change.org members joined in calling for Scholastic Books to reverse their decision to exclude a book from Scholastic's popular book fairs, simply because the book featured two moms raising a child. The book in question is Luv Ya Bunches by best-selling children’s book author Lauren Myracle. If this book isn't on your must-read list yet, it should be simply for its ability to spark conversations about the role LGBT parents play in our society.
Late today we got word, after discussions with Scholastic representatives, that the company has decided to reverse their earlier decision and include the book in their spring book fairs. That's an awesome victory from one of the biggest and most influential educational book publishers and book retailers in the world, and it sends the clear message that there's absolutely nothing wrong with two men or two women raising a child.
You can read Scholastic's full statement right here. The statement doesn’t speak to the reasons they initially excluded Luv Ya Bunches from their book fairs (which was because Myracle included same sex parents and refused to include a heterosexual couple when that was requested by Scholastic), but it does make clear that not only will they be including Luv Ya Bunches in their spring fairs, but they have also affirmed that they “are committed to a review process that considers all books equally regardless of their inclusion of LGBT characters and same sex parents.”
That’s great news, and we applaud Scholastic’s commitment of not discriminating against books with LGBT characters moving forward. It’s also worth noting that their response is part of a larger trend where companies have to act fast in order to respond to the calls from activists to respect equal rights. This is the fourth occasion in less than 6 months here on the Gay Rights blog in which companies have changed their ways in response to actions from the Change.org community. Whether it's ROCKSTAR Energy Drink, Tim Horton's Coffee, Live Nation or Scholastic Books, the message here is pretty clear: people will not tolerate anti-gay business practices, regardless of the intentions behind them.
Any company, like Scholastic, that wants to attract a large mainstream group of customers needs to not only reject anti-gay policies, but also to instill a corporate culture that will prevent the “lapses” and “mistakes” and encourage thoughtful decision making in the first place.
The author of Luv Ya Bunches, Lauren Myracle, perhaps said it best: "Over 200,000 kids in America are raised by same-sex parents...It’s not an issue to clean up or hide away."
In just 48 hours our community did a great job coming together to send that very message. Special recognition should also go to Dana Rudolph at Mombian for initially alerting the community, School Library Journal for raising awareness across the web, GLAAD for their support, and the Family Equality Council, the National Youth Advocacy Coalition, and Democratic Underground for writing about the controversy and linking to the petition.
This was a victory for us all -- not only for getting a business to respect LGBT rights, but to send a larger message about the dignity of LGBT families around the globe.
(Photo courtesy of Playful Librarian's photostream on Flickr.)
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Comments (57)
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Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.
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Wonderful! That is some good news. Thanks to everyone, Scholastic had a change of mind and heart. Now I trust Scholastic a little bit more now and the 'innocent child' in each of us must be so grateful.
Posted by Ivy M on 10/27/2009 @ 09:40PM PT
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Excellent!!! Another victory!
Add one more brick to the path of equality.
Part of my faith in humanity has been restored and, at this point, i need all of that I can get.
It may not seem like it was a huge step, but it was. The fact that we were able to change a company's action in such a short amount of time is a clear demonstration that we are gaining more sway within the community.
And I'm sorry, but I can't help it. I told you that we already won Tammy B. Why don't you try to go raise your kids yourself, instead of expecting other people to do it for you.
Posted by Paul Hockhousen on 10/27/2009 @ 09:44PM PT
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Great news. I can't wait to see the next flame war start on this thread. Paul you got the shotguns, because I am bringing the tequila.
Posted by Chris Marshall on 10/28/2009 @ 12:24AM PT
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Its a deal
Posted by Paul Hockhousen on 10/28/2009 @ 07:13AM PT
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This is great news indeed and another blow struck for equality...
Congratulations to us all. :)
Posted by Thomas McHugh on 10/28/2009 @ 12:37AM PT
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Yeeeee-Haw, Chris, Tom, and Paul. Let the games begin!
I am very happy to see that Scholastic has reversed an unfair, bigoted decision in favour of including all families. More and more those who espouse hatred and exclusion are going to find that their views have become out moded in favour of love and inclusion.
Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 10/28/2009 @ 12:54AM PT
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That is great news. Another step forward in us achieving equality.
Posted by Martin Martinez on 10/28/2009 @ 04:29AM PT
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That's excellent! Way to go!
Hey by the way, did you see in the headlines today that President Obama signed a bill including gay people in the list of those against whom hate crimes are prohibited in the military?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20091028/pl_bloomberg/axnv56zsyf4a
I know it's off topic, but just another mark of the progress people are making toward civility in America. Now if we could just get them to include children in the groups of people against whom assault crimes must never happen ...
Posted by Christine Clarke on 10/28/2009 @ 06:23AM PT
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Excellent news. It's nice to read something positive!
Posted by Chris . on 10/28/2009 @ 07:47AM PT
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I am happy about this for the children !
Posted by Pamylle Greinke on 10/28/2009 @ 08:28AM PT
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awesome
Posted by Yune Quintero on 10/28/2009 @ 08:40AM PT
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Tammy....I hope you didn't miss the news today! :-)
Nice hanging with all you folks the last few days...we've all had a little hand in helping right one wrong today. Cross this one off our list.
Melissa
Posted by Melissa Griebel on 10/28/2009 @ 08:55AM PT
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This is great! And people wonder how we can get the Hate to CHANGE! I am BLASTING this out on fb and twitter ... telling all to join CHANGE.Org.
Posted by Lee Dorsey on 10/28/2009 @ 09:40AM PT
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Wow, I have never seen the results of my efforts so clearly and quickly. And a small bit of my faith in humanity is restored!
Posted by Kristen Ridley on 10/28/2009 @ 09:59AM PT
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Michael,
you guys have done great work with the petition, but claiming "VICTORY" is premature. 2 Problems remain. Scholastic has still not admitted nor discussed the fact that they asked the author to de-gay her characters, telling her that if she did not, they would not carry her book in their fairs. That's a problem with their system, and they need to addres that openly and transparently. I'm happy to read in your article above that they “are committed to a review process that considers all books equally regardless of their inclusion of LGBT characters and same sex parents.” But that wasn't included in the statement, and it doesn't acknowledge that they made a mistake with their request to Lauren.
The second issue that remains is that they've accepted the book into their MIDDLE school book fairs. A book about 5th graders. A book that the publisher says is for 9-13 year olds. But they're not putting it in their ELEMENTARY school book fairs, where the readers would be. Everyone in the book industry, and every parent, knows that kids read UP, not down. It should be included in their Elementary school book fairs, where all the other books for 9-13 year olds are.
Until these two issues are addressed, I hope that you guys continue collecting signatures.
Thanks for all you do,
Namaste,
Lee
Posted by Lee Wind on 10/28/2009 @ 10:18AM PT
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This whole thing really bothers me, especially the idea of including it in ELEMENTARY book fairs... I think parents have a right to teach their kids what they believe is moral and immoral, and I honestly believe homosexuality is immoral. Although you might yell and screem and call this 'intolerant', I think you're being unfair...The religious half (quarter?) of our country also holds these beliefs, and they have some validity.
I'm all for gay 'rights'. In other words, a person shouldn't be treated disrespectfully, fired, or killed for the immoral actions that they do. What bothers me, however, is the attempt to force people to accept a lifestyle that they feel strongly is wrong. Trying to create children's books that promote this lifestyle is an intentional effort to spread a certain belief system.
Would you be upset if this company refused to sell biblical books at their elementary school fairs? books explaining to children that they need to accept Jesus as their lord and savior to get into heaven? Until you are fine with both books being publicly promoted, I honestly think you're being a bit hypocritical...
That's my two cents. other than this issue, I think change.org is an awesome website, and I know all of you are compassionate and caring people, so keep it up.
Sincerely,
Ely Loew
Posted by Ely Loew on 11/03/2009 @ 01:31AM PT
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Ely,
while I think you're wrong about homosexuality being "immoral," that's not the issue here, and I won't debate my right to be authentically me with you.
I do want to say though that your comparison of this situation with "biblical books" promoting Jesus misses the mark. If Scholastic had told an author that they needed to change a character's parent's born-again religious views in order to get it accepted into their book fairs, you can be sure that I would be right there in front, calling them on that act of censorship. And if my child read that book with the character's born-again parent, I'd use it as an opportunity to discuss how the world is full of different people who believe different things - and isn't that amazing. I don't fear my child's exposure to the "other."
The issue here is an author being pressured to make their characters conform to someone else's idea of what is "Proper." That's wrong. Like every other book, if you don't like it, don't read it. But don't prevent other people from having access to it.
Lee
Posted by Lee Wind on 11/03/2009 @ 08:38AM PT
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Ely, I agree with Lee. I have a little granddaughter and I love to buy her books. I find that many books for kids are objectionable, not to mention some of the cartoons. As a consumer, I'm aware that I can speak the loudest simply by not buying those books.
For my grandbaby, I don't buy books or toys that feed into stereotypical male/female role models, such as Barbie, Bratz, or any of that trash. I would not have any problem, however, with a book that depicts different people living different lifestyles, because I feel that encourages children to be loving and accepting of everyone.
I don't have a problem with books about any religion, but I do get frosted about books that say that "only this way is right and everyone else is wrong." I agree with part of what you said, that "parents have a right to teach their kids what they believe is moral and immoral." If I were gay, I wouldn't want my kids being taught that I was a bad person for being who I am. I would want them to learn love and acceptance.
Posted by Romy Carver on 11/03/2009 @ 09:24AM PT
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Thank-you Lee. I agree. No one seems to notice that what was once stated -" people are born gay", and, "it is not a choice", has now become obviously debunked. It is false information. Anne Heisch (sp?) was straight, then gay, then staight.Sexual immorality rules the day. Oral sex is now an accepted practice among our youth. This stripping away of morality is devastaing for society as a whole. We are headed toward Sodom and Gommorah. This is all very sad and no one seems to notice or to care. Who you sleep with is a CHOICE, unlike ethnicity. Our children do not need to be infused with this anything goes attitude. It will only serve to hurt them. It already has.
Posted by Robin Mauro on 11/03/2009 @ 10:19AM PT
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I agree in a sense, Lee. But it is a step in the right direction, and it would be great for everyone to reinforce Scholastic's decision to make a step in the right direction. I found their contact info for anyone who would like to thank them for reversing their decision and encouraging them to make the book available to 9-13 year olds. They'll be more liikely to make the right choices in the future if they're encouraged after that first little step.
to email: http://scholastic.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/scholastic.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php
phone: 1-800- scholastic (1-800-724-6527)
Either way, it's great news for everyone who strives for a hate-free world.
Posted by Romy Carver on 10/28/2009 @ 10:40AM PT
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Do we even know what these people are printing in our children's schoolbooks? Who's monitoring this stuff? I don't have rug rats, so no way to know.
I did tell Scolastic yesterday in my note, that if they think it's okay to do this, what else are they doing?
Someone needs to review our schoolbooks for accuracy.
Posted by CherokeeGirl for Change on 10/28/2009 @ 12:17PM PT
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Anyone with a child can review their textbooks when they bring them home to do homework or at Back to School Night/Open House at the beginning of the school year.
Anyone else who's interested can look at the major publishing companies for student textbooks and see what's being offered. They all have websites, the vast majority offer online previews, and one or two also will send demo copies to interested parties. Or you could go to your local library and see if they have any in stock, I know that the one near me keeps copies of the most commonly used textbooks so that kids don't have to lug heavy bags back and forth.
I'm not sure about your area, but the publishers most commonly used where I am are Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, and Prentice Hall. The biggest problem is that many texts are state-specific so my 9th grade bio book in California was slightly different from the one my partner had in Ohio even though they were the same base text from the same publisher in the same year.
Posted by Tobias Fangor on 10/29/2009 @ 11:50AM PT
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FINALLY an attempt to get rid of some kind of censorship. Elementary and Middle school kids are wonderfully open and interested in everything that is around them. When they are encouraged to be accepting of others, through literature and guidance, they will become more accepting and tolerant adults. Children are not born to hate; they are taught it, by their parents, by society, and by disciminatory laws.
At least this is a step in the right direction!
Posted by Barbara McNamara on 10/28/2009 @ 12:21PM PT
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Scholastic Books has done the correct by repealing their policy which didn't allow books with same-sex parents from being displayed at book fairs. It's good to hear that these books, which are opposed by intolerant conservatives with no credible reason, will be availible to children for reading. Scholastic Books is a large company, so it must be accountable for its tolerance towards the LGBT community. Banning unoffensive LGBT books is unjustified.
Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 10/28/2009 @ 02:33PM PT
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Qapla'
Posted by Scott Nicolson on 10/28/2009 @ 03:23PM PT
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I don't get the point. Is it not considered discrimination?
Posted by dave Williams on 10/28/2009 @ 10:34PM PT
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So much for your moniker, Cherokee Girl for Change. Is change supposed to be only for heterosexuals and their children? The book teaches children tolerance for others. Are you saying that tolerance is good for everyone but GLBTQ people and their families? I don't think so.
We are tired of being excluded and our kids made to feel second-best because their families don't have two opposite-sex parents. This book helps other kids to realise that there is nothing weird, wrong, or unmentionable about kids having two same-sex parents.
I urge you to think about your prejudice.
Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 10/29/2009 @ 02:27AM PT
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I think you need to re-read the post by Cherokee Girl for Change - says 'If" they think it is OK to do this ...
Posted by Jill American on 10/29/2009 @ 09:13AM PT
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Why do you think I need to re-read it?
Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 10/29/2009 @ 09:21AM PT
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I may be wrong but I get the impression that cherokee girl actually thinks that scholastic doesnt just publish books but also writes them ???
Be nice if she would clarify her remarks there...
Posted by Thomas McHugh on 10/29/2009 @ 11:10AM PT
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Because she says: "I did tell Scholastic yesterday in my note, that if they think it's okay to do this, what else are they doing?"
I read that as meaning "if they are doing this what else are they doing ... wrong?"
Cherokee Girl?
Posted by Jill American on 10/30/2009 @ 09:11AM PT
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...that is how I read it
Posted by Chris . on 10/30/2009 @ 09:24AM PT
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That's great news!
Posted by Evie Applegate on 10/29/2009 @ 04:24PM PT
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This really is good news. As a former Head of a Middle School, I know how incredibly important it is for young students to see visions of themselves and their families whenever they can. Ths new decision will allow children to open a book and see themselves. It is exactly what schools should be doing.
apassionateengagement.blogspot.com
Posted by Ken Harvey on 10/29/2009 @ 07:22PM PT
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I came across this issue while researching something I found in my daughter's Health and Wellness for Fourth Grade book (McGraw Hill-MacMillian). In Chapter 2 it talks about families and lists 4 types not one of which a child that has a same-sex couple as parents can identify with.
Posted by Jill American on 10/30/2009 @ 09:15AM PT
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Reckon that means we still got some work to do...
Posted by Thomas McHugh on 10/30/2009 @ 06:55PM PT
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Scholastic published Harry Potter books - they didn't mind making billions off that series, when JK Rowling's main character, Dumbledore, was gay
http://www.newsweek.com/id/50787
"In front of a full house of hardcore Potter fans at Carnegie Hall in New York, Rowling, sitting on the stage on a red velvet and carved wood throne, read from her seventh and final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," then took questions. One fan asked whether Albus Dumbledore, the head of the famed Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, had ever loved anyone. Rowling smiled. "Dumbledore is gay, actually," replied Rowling as the audience erupted in surprise. She added that, in her mind, Dumbledore had an unrequited love affair with Gellert Grindelwald, Voldemort's predecessor who appears in the seventh book. After several minutes of prolonged shouting and clapping from astonished fans, Rowling added. "I would have told you earlier if I knew it would make you so happy."
Posted by Planet Spinz on 11/01/2009 @ 05:02PM PT
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And your point is ?
Even though miss rowling intended for dumbledore to be gay, you wont find any hint or direct mention of that fact anywhere in the 7 book series.
I think thats the only reason scholastic didnt act in a homohating manner concerning that series.
Posted by Thomas McHugh on 11/01/2009 @ 06:36PM PT
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Dumbledore was a victim of Rowling's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy it seems...
Posted by Kristen Ridley on 11/01/2009 @ 10:29PM PT
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I have written several comments open ended about the issues. None have been published on your web page. Is that censorship or simply a close-mindedness.....
Posted by Brian Earley on 11/02/2009 @ 07:04AM PT
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Hi Brian,
Definitely not censorship...this is the first comment I've seen from you. Feel free to write more.
Posted by Michael Jones on 11/02/2009 @ 07:20AM PT
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Also, on Ely's comment, I agree that no one should be discriminated against, but we are closing our eyes to the fact that a huge portion of the gay community is notoriously promiscuous, especially gay men. I have a friend who i've known since my youth who is gay, and he has told me things I wish i'd never heard. This is a choice, and sexual immorality is infusing our society. Look at ANY gay parade. They said they aren't trying to "convert" people to this lifestyle, but they are promoting sexual promiscuity. People, especially our youth, do not comprehend the consequences of sex, from diseases, to pregnancy, to emotional devastation. I do not think that those who are "gay," and are in commited relationships, will be judged as harshly in the end as those who intentionally steal, like corporate heads, etc.. .For some, I think, it is a sin of ignorance, but we cannot deny that our society has become degraded, and the gay movement is a huge portion of the dwon hill slide. Who you sleep with is a choice, unlike the color of your skin.
Posted by Robin Mauro on 11/05/2009 @ 10:48AM PT
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It is NOT a choice and not every GLBTQ person feels the need to advertise their sex life. I am sick and tired of you wanting to say two committed people of the same sex cannot marry due to YOUR issues with the "ick" factor.
Don't blame heterosexual promiscuity on GLBTQ people. Some people no matter their sexual orientation, are promiscuous. Many are not. I have been married (yes, Canada does have a little thing called "marriage equality", thank the Goddess) and neither she nor I are or have ever been promiscuous.
Get over yourself. GLBTQ is NOT a choice. I am sick to death of hearing straights blame any and all problems they can find (or dream up) on GLBTQ people. We're not to blame when a teenage or unmarried woman can't keep her legs together. Find another scapegoat, Robin. The GLBTQ community is sick to death of the bullshit you fundies like to sling at us because you won't search your own hearts and souls to see what is wrong.
I also noticed the date on your post. Now that the bigots have had their way in Maine, did you find the courage to sling your garbage at us? Isn't there a freeper board that could use your "wisdom"?
Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 11/05/2009 @ 01:22PM PT
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Thank you for responding to that. I will respond later. Robin Mauro doesn't realize that Marriage is a Human Right...Not a heterosexual priveledge. Also, being gay is not a "choice." You are born that way and it is scientifically proven, especially where men are concerned, woman not so much.
Posted by Chris . on 11/05/2009 @ 04:32PM PT
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NO Chris, being born gay has absolutely NOT been scientifically proven. Check your facts. And society determines what is, and is not, marriage. And to "Loan Lighter" ( why not have the integrity to use your real name?) I know nothing of Maine. And I did not sling insults at you. Can you deny that gay men are notoriously promiscuous? If you do, you are lying. Who you have sex with, or if you have sex with anyone, is a choice. You have every right to do whatwver you want to in your own personal life, but don't impose your beliefs on the rest of society.
Posted by Robin Mauro on 11/05/2009 @ 08:50PM PT
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Robin,
It has NOT been proven that gay men are promiscuous. Check your facts. You have every right to do whatever you want to in your own personal life(to a certain extent), but don't impose your beliefs on the rest of society.
Posted by J C on 11/06/2009 @ 10:01PM PT
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It's Ioan, not Loan and I don't give a damn about your messed-up bigotry. You right-wingers always have to have someone to look down on. It's tacky (at best) to be overtly prejudiced against, but hey, the GLBTQ community is still fair game, isn't it? In any country that really stood for justice and equality, civil rights would not be put up for a vote.
I have been a lesbian ever since I could remember--even when I had crushes on girls in school. No heterosexual attraction whatsoever. None. But because you and others who are in the majority in this country think GLBTQ relationships are "icky" you get to tell my spouse and me that we are perverts and that because one of us does not possess male genitalia, I cannot get married. You and the rest of your bigot friends can take a long walk off a short pier.
I have spent the last 40+ years coming to terms with being a lesbian and finding someone with whom I can spend my life. I will go to my grave fighting bigotry such as yours, bigotry that says I should not have the right to commit to the woman I love and to have the rights and protections of marriage.
Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 11/05/2009 @ 09:47PM PT
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Robin, what are you, an ostrich with it's head in the sand? I don't need to check my facts. Why don't you lay off the keyboard and turn on the Discovery Health channel. For ten years now they have been conducting test on pregnant woman and they have been able to tell whether the fetus is going to be gay or not by the size of space between the right and left sides of the brain and also by the number of hormones flowing thru the water sack. Being gay has a lot to do with genetics, NOT CHOICE. And all of the participants in the study said that no doctor is going to mess around with their unborn child, "It will come out when it is ready and if it's gay then so be it." And don't throw your right wing crap at me, as far as gay men and being notoriously promiscuous is concerned, the same can be said for heterosexual couples. Why do you think over 50% of married couples end up in divorce? And you can't add LGBT people to that well documented percentage because we're not allowed to marry, therefore, that 50% plus is only people in your community. Also, having sex with someone in not a choice. It is a healthy requirement. Have you not watched Dr. Oz or the Doctors tv show, both shows have said people and couples should have sex at least twice a week just to keep the pipes clean. It's good for you! Robin you are the one who is imposing your own beliefs upon society. And if it truly is society that determines what a marriage is or isn't then that would explain your overwhelmingly high divorce rate. And if your going to rant on and on, atleast learn how to spell. You mispell words you typed to me and to Ioan. All you have to do is move your cursor over the persons avatar and it shows you the correct spelling. You sound like you need an anger management course!
Posted by Chris . on 11/06/2009 @ 04:45AM PT
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Chris, How do I unsubscribe ?
Posted by Brian Earley on 11/06/2009 @ 02:26PM PT
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Uncheck the box that says...
You are currently subscribed to receiving email updates when new posts are made to this thread. Uncheck the box to unsubscribe.
Posted by Chris . on 11/06/2009 @ 06:10PM PT
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Being born gay has absolutely NOT been proved. In fact, they are now teaching in colleges that sexuality is a continuum, and that very few people fall on one end of it or the other. Sounds a whole lot like choice to me. I know, that you know, that gay men ARE notoriously promiscuous, whether you choose to lie about it to make a point or not. And many in the lesbian roller derby crowd behave just like these men do. It's all about sex, and pushing the boundaries. If the shoe doen't fit, then don't wear it, but you know full well that what I am saying is true. I came over the hill to a public swimming hole and had the misfortune of seeing two men engaged in oral sex. Gay men have taken over a number of beaches, where families used to go, and they have no respect for anyone. I have never seen a hetero couple behave this way. (Not that they never do, and not that all gay men do-but a huge portion of gay men do.) A child could be coming around the corner. I did not sling insults at you. You have all of the legal rights as others with domestic partnership legislation, but that is not enough. And this site is also guilty of censorship, even though we are all adults here, unlike the children we are talking about, and the reading materials we are debating. If the majority of parents don't want to risk their child reading about the gay lifestyle, by picking up a book at a gradeschool fair, unaware, then that is their right. You can go and buy these children's books for your own children, if that is what you want to do. They do not have to be presented at a children's book fair.
Posted by Robin Mauro on 11/07/2009 @ 07:15PM PT
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Being born "gay" has absolutely NOT been proved. All the empirical evidence suggests many causes/reasons but nothing has been conclusively proved. "Gay" behavior is not the only reason for societies downhill slide. There are many immoral behaviors by "gays" and "straights" alike. But we, as a society, do not accept infidelity, violence, etc., as good things. You have your head in the sand. Many "gay" males practice lewd behavior, sex with strangers in public bathrooms, bath houses in S.F., etc. and call it good, and are asking society as a whole, to call what is bad, good. It is you who are imposing your beliefs on the rest of society. Society has been predominantly hetero since the beginning of time. Like I said before, you have the right to do whatever you want to in the privacy of your own home. No one is stopping you. But you do not have the right to shove promiscuous behavior down the rest of our throats, as if it is a good thing. And, if you expect that freedom of speech apply to you, then it also applies to me. I have just as much right as you do, to respond.
Delete Send Another
Posted by Robin Mauro on 11/07/2009 @ 07:37PM PT
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Excu-u-use me? I am a lesbian and I do not "push the boundaries. I am in a legal, monogamous Marriage with my hersband. I know other gay and lesbian couples very similar to myself and my spouse. Marriage equality would legalise those relationships, not those who choose not to marry. I lived near the O'Farrell Bros. Theatre in San Francisco. The live sex acts performed there were done by Heterosexuals, not homosexuals. You will find any excuse to blacken GLBTQ people. The truth is you HATE us, you hate what we do, and you will do anything you can to keep us and our marriages non-legal. We're gay or lesbians and we're all going to hell, so we need not be treated as humans, right? We don't deserve marriage, we don't deserve to visit our spouses in the hospital, our spouses do not deserve to inherit from us when we die...
You and others of your ilk have had the discourse for almost 2000 years now, based on your holy book and myths. Fine if you want to believe this sort of thing, but the time will come when you no longer have control of the discourse and that will be a glorious day for humankind. Please take your filth and slander and stick it where the sun does not shine. It is not the reality of thousands and thousands of those GLBTQ couples who do NOT match your stereotype and you know it.
Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 11/07/2009 @ 08:23PM PT
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I don't think you read the part about domestic partners legislation. "Gay" people should have the right to visit their loved ones in the hospital, etc. I do not hate you. I know you will not believe that, but I do not hate you. And I do not think you are a pervert. I am sorry that I have made you feel that way. In fact, I think you have a great mind, and that you are someone who I would be friends with if we knew each other in person.( I am sure you will not agree, so please don't bother with the insult)... but I am sincere. My feelings on the gay movement come from many, many, personal experiences with people who I have loved, and still love, and my observations of the effects of sexual promiscuity, for them, as individuals, and other individuals, and for society as a whole. My feelings also come from the actions of gay males, strangers, that I have inadvertantly encountered in public places- lewd, unaccepteble behavior. I have had many personal friendships with people of all those letters you mentioned, including transgender, and many of those behaviors, which went along with that lifestyle, caused much grief and pain, and disease, but no, all "gays" are not promiscuous. I know that. I am a human, and I suffer all the same hurts as you. I have seen the devastaion of many people's lives from having no boundaries. Sex can kill, and cause great harm, and yes, it can also be good for you. My problem with the gay movement is, that they flaunt it, sexuality, and promiscuity, as if they were jewels- accessories. As if there were no serious things to consider. I do not believe that that is how sex should be viewed. Can you honestly say when you watch a gay pararde that this is not true? This is how you, with all those letters, are representing yourselves, as a collective. No, I don't like it. I think it is wrong. And it has repercussions for the rest of society. If you have found a boundary, where your conscience is clear, that is between you and God. I am not the judge of you. Only God knows the extent of the good and the bad that we all do. My comments are on the inevitable larger societal consequences of the road down which we are headed, as a society. I do not mean it personally, although I understand that I cannot comment, without it being, feeling, very personal to you. robin
Posted by Robin Mauro on 11/08/2009 @ 01:49AM PT
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Well spoken Robin. I think people get in trouble when they think with their emotions and try to reason from their heart. The dialogue be mixed up, and coming to a true resolution prove impossible.
Human sexuality is a complicated issue without even bringing the reproductive side into it, which is to perpetuate the species in the best way possible. Communications arise from the way we interact which is part and parcel of our sexual identity. Thus in some way we are all homosexuals. Some more overtly than others, just like what games we like or what food we prefer. But what is the best, and most loving way to interact ? Each to there particular gifts, and they are myriad like the stars in the cold night sky. The dialogue still remains.
Posted by Brian Earley on 11/08/2009 @ 06:13PM PT
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Robin, you are prejudiced - pure and simple. I read every one of your posts in this thread and there is no other conclusion. You hide it with nice words, and with your 'concern' for society, but yet all you do, over and over, is create stereotypes and generalizations about a group of people. It doesn't matter what your 'personal experiences' have led you to believe - you are wrong - and every year that goes by proves time and time again that bringing gay people into the fold of civil liberties has only served to strengthen society. It may have fit your world view when gays were in the shadows, but we're not anymore, and my life, my husband's life, and our children's life is better for it.
It's funny... some people strenuously object to this ONE book being included that features ONE character with gay parents from a company that sells hundreds/thousands of books. It makes me wonder how people like you would treat my children in school or influence your kids to treat them. These same people love to say that personal 'issues' like these shouldn't even be brought up in the classroom in the first place. But can anyone tell me an elementary school that exists out there that DOESN'T refer back to a child's family... in pictures, in writings, in discussions? The answer would be 'no'. Think long and hard about how far you want to take your prejudices. It can bring us to a nasty place, far worse than the ones in the past when (insert group here) were treated like second-class citizens.
Posted by P W on 11/18/2009 @ 12:47PM PT
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Exactly! I find Robin to be very prejudiced. It's interesting that Robin's personal profile page is completely blank with the exception of her comments on this topic. No actions taken - NO NOTHING! He/She probably is not using his/her real name and is most likely a right winger who signed up just to bash the gay rights blog. A very discriminatory person.
Posted by Chris . on 11/18/2009 @ 01:20PM PT
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