We are Americans too.

[SpencerH]

Originally posted by MrFun

I was hoping this thread would stay on-topic about cultural contributions made by non-heterosexuals (of any country, I guess).

From your posted article

"The unhappy tradition continues today. The Bush administration spends billions spreading freedom abroad while at home it devises legislation to deny equal rights to gays and lesbians. What is it with you people, anyway? Are you so insecure about the way you handle marriage that you're scared gay folk will show you up? Trust me, we will make as much of a mess out of matrimony as you do. Just give us a chance. "

The gist of the remainder of the article is obviously true and it is therefore somewhat passe as a subject for comment.

[orange]

seriously now!

[chequita guevara]

I like Harvey more than I like Devine.

[Jac de Molay]

Originally posted by orange
would you prefer they did it with shame?

Why, exactly, is that so awful?

Explain to me how dressing in drag, and engendering a major stereotype of gays, somehow drives the message home that gay people are "just like us" and deserve the same rights and benefits?

I don't think John or Joan Q Average are going to look at a man in drag (and a butt-ugly one at that), and somehow develop a more favorable attitude toward gays with regard to society and its institutions. It's a stunt, and a sad counterproductive one at that.

[Whoha]

A guy in all red with a beard is not an American...

[lightblue]

So how exactly is it a surprise that a lot of actors/writers/singers are/were gay?

[orange]

Originally posted by Jac de Molay
Explain to me how dressing in drag, and engendering a major stereotype of gays, somehow drives the message home that gay people are "just like us" and deserve the same rights and benefits?

Because there is nothing wrong with dressing in drag, and it shouldn't be so taboo

I don't think John or Joan Q Average are going to look at a man in drag (and a butt-ugly one at that), and somehow develop a more favorable attitude toward gays with regard to society and its institutions. It's a stunt, and a sad counterproductive one at that.

It's not a stunt though. It's just a person doing something that shouldn't be such a big deal. Why is it such a bad thing, exactly?

[atawa]

They got fired?

[Sava]

I laughed when I saw that guy dressed as Mrs. Clause... I knew that intolerant gay haters across the country were cringing and crying

[MrFun]

Originally posted by lightblue
So how exactly is it a surprise that a lot of actors/writers/singers are/were gay?

It would be a surprise I think for many heterosexuals that these guys contributed to the same American culture/values that these heteroes embrace.

[Jac de Molay]

Originally posted by orange


Because there is nothing wrong with dressing in drag, and it shouldn't be so taboo

Not to you or me, maybe. But again, explain to me how perpetuating a stereotype of gays as effete crossdressers on a "family" holiday persuades folks to believe that gays are just like everyone else. Answer the question.

[MrFun]

Different people will find different ways to express themselves.

Just like straight people acting crazy and silly at Mardi Gras.

[Jac de Molay]

That's not an apt analogy. There aren't harmful stereotypes that straight people are prone to act "crazy and silly"

Maybe African-American men, during holiday parades, should take Harvey's cue and start dressing as gangstas and pimps to promote the achievements and acceptance of African-American men in society.

[orange]

Not to you or me, maybe. But again, explain to me how perpetuating a stereotype of gays as effete crossdressers on a "family" holiday persuades folks to believe that gays are just like everyone else. Answer the question.

That's exactly the point. Who says that anyone is trying to persuade folks about anything. That's exactly why it wasn't a 'political statement'. It was just a guy playing a role in the parade, like so many others do.

It's not about perpetuating a stereotype, it's about simply living. Why should that person have to think about how others will view it?

[MrFun]

Originally posted by Jac de Molay
That's not an apt analogy. There aren't harmful stereotypes that straight people are prone to act "crazy and silly"

Maybe African-American men, during holiday parades, should take Harvey's cue and start dressing as gangstas and pimps to promote the achievements and acceptance of African-American men in society.

Geez -- I did not know that you were such a PC fanatic that you take festivities so SERIOUSLY.