Hop Against Homophobia

When I first found out about the blog ‘hop against homophobia’, I thought it was a fabulous idea, fabulous, supportive and needed at a time when opinions and perceptions of same-sex relationships are evolving. I’ve heard this term, have read and seen both positive and negative comments about it.

I guess it’s fair to admit that I don’t understand what’s wrong with the idea of ‘evolving’, except in the political arena, where Democrats and Republicans are in a battle over the legalities of same-sex marriage. Recently, Barack Obama, the President of the United States has come out in support of same-sex marriage. To Mr. President, I say, thank you! Thank you for making a stance, and, yes, dare I say, thank you for evolving on this very important issue.

For the record, I’m a supporter of same-sex relationships. If a couple is in love and want to get married, I say go for it and live happily ever after! Isn’t that what romance books are about? Granted, I write m/m erotic romance, as well as m/f and BDSM and there's a good chance that my contemporaries will become wilder. But today's post isn't about what I write as much as offering my support for love, specifically lovers, husbands, wives, happily ever after, regardless of whether they're traditional or same-sex.

At the same time, I’ve read some astoundingly negative comments against evolving, from those who are straight and those who are not. Some of the negativity resulted after voters in North Carolina came out against same-sex marriages. This had to hurt! It hurt me and I’m a staunch Democrat living in a state that’s already legalized it. But the outrage I read on Facebook and Twitter, the insults flung at the voters, including attacks against race, the poor and hypocritical intolerance of someone else’s view, saddened me, too.

How can opinions change if we’re attacking one another? How can homophobia be a thing of the past? How? Patience, tolerance, understanding and being open-minded, regardless of someone’s lifestyle, color of their skin, or socio-economic level. Misconceptions and hatred toward homosexuality can only be corrected or changed one victory at a time. The President's support is a victory. Parents who recognize and love their children, regardless of their sexual preferences, is a victory in overcoming homophobia. Sometimes change can take a while. That's okay, one a time is better than none, eventually more and more will come around.

As I sit and write this post, I’m watching The Ellen Show, which has won multiple Emmy's! Years before Ellen started her talk show she had a situation comedy on TV. Remember when she came out at the show’s conclusion? I’d wondered what would happen, how she’d handle the pressure. It's a good chance she received backlash and feared complete rejection. Well, guess what, obviously she showed the world that her talk show could be successful. Look at the good she does, look at the numbers of people she's helped and continues to help. More and more Hollywood and Broadway actors are coming out, more so, accepted and rewarded.

The other day, I saw a blog article on the ‘net about a certain teen musician’s recent wardrobe malfunction. Basically, his loose-fitting pants fell down during a concert. Okay, it had to be embarrassing for him and this post isn’t meant to draw attention to him, so I’ll let you all figure out who it was. But the comments were brutal. Utterly brutal, featuring the most anti-gay, racist, sexist, nastiest comments that I’d ever seen.

I was stunned! I’d thought that I lived in a more tolerant country, that bigotry and racism and intolerance of sexual orientation were changing. Obviously, there’s still work to do. 

Someone’s sexuality or sexual orientation should not be a political issue or cause for hate or ridicule and bullying. Tolerance, understanding, education, showing those who may be anti-gay or same-sex marriage that there’s nothing wrong with it is the place to start. Those in the GLBT community deserve equal rights. Let’s hope that more people will evolve and be brave enough not to bash another, but to embrace our differences and celebrate equality and happily ever after for all!

Admittedly, it's a pleasure to post about this topic. I hope readers come out and share their point of view. As part of a multi-author, multi-blog hop, the 'Hop Against Homophobia' is a week long event and my blog partners at Sex Scheming Geniuses are all posting. You may even see a repeat of this post there. Prizes are being given away, including a digital copy of Playing Doctor, my m/m erotic romance from Ellora's Cave Spectrum. A blurb and excerpt were posted here on this blog a few weeks ago, take a look in the archived section.

Until next time, be open and love freely,

Frances Stockton