I don't usually get on my soap box, but...

[dosciencetoit]

I don't usually use LJ to spout political or social views, though anyone who's met me in real life knows I'm not afraid to speak my mind, discuss the topics, and learn.

That said, I kind of felt compelled to bring this to the flists attention. I found out about it on facebook here, but the gist of it is:

It's been decided that on October, 20th 2010, we will wear purple in memorial of the GLBT youth who have committed suicide in recent weeks/months due to homophobic abuse in their homes and schools. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and thats exactly what we'd like all of you to have with you: Spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Wearing purple on the 20th in no way means you're a homosexual. It just means that you support the LGBTQ community, and that you are against homophobia.

Please wear purple on October, 20th 2010. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools.

I think it's disgusting that in this day and age people can't feel accepted because of who they're attracted to or who they happen to love.

I've been a huge proponent for gay rights since I understood what LGBT stood for, and I've had the privilege of being surrounded by very queer positive communities. I've made a point of surrounding myself with like minded people and groups. I'm willing to call people on their bullshit, my own family included. I've been vocal about it to the point of extended family members and friends questioning my orientation (jokingly or not).

On October 20th, I'm likely going to scrawl a written message on my purple shirt when I wear it, and I encourage you all to do the same.

Race, gender, sexual orientation, or creed: none of it matters.

People are people.

Comments

[larantula.livejournal.com]

I have never understood why people can't just accept other people being different -.- That's one of the reasons I canceled my membership with the human race a long time ago.

We used to have a gay guy work here and my department proudly displayed his rainbow flag every day. ( He quit to work for the local LGBT)
It gives me hope :)

You know how I feel about this :) I'll be there with purple bells on.

[fleshlycherry.livejournal.com]

The phrasing of this sentence bothers me.
Wearing purple on the 20th in no way means you're a homosexual.

Re: You know how I feel about this :) I'll be there with purple bells on.

[notragicmercury.livejournal.com]

I questioned taking that part out (personally), but I didn't feel right changing the original message.

That said, I kind of get it. There are people out there who don't support the LGBT community for fear of being labelled themselves. It's not right, but it helps to get more people involve by including the disclaimer >.>

Re: You know how I feel about this :) I'll be there with purple bells on.

[fleshlycherry.livejournal.com]

I get not wanting to change the original message and I think that the community needs all the support it can get...but...I, personally, would take exception to someone who felt the need to emphatically inform me that they weren't gay even though they were wearing a purple shirt, y'know?

[fleshlycherry.livejournal.com]

So I totally forget when I was getting dressed this morning. I blame the sniffles :( I'll change before I go to book club tonight though.

Also, Adventures in Windsor: One of my co-workers didn't know what homophobia was because she'd never heard the term. What the ever living fuck?