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Unexpressed Homophobia
Written by
Ash |
Personal Stories
June 2008 |
I am not out to anyone and I don't know if I ever will
be. There is nothing about me that looks like what a
“typical lesbian” is supposed to look like. What is a
typical lesbian? I know. I just meant to say that I have
never experienced direct homophobia. I’ve never been
called a “dyke” or a “lezzie.” I’ve never been beaten
up, never been kicked out of places.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t live with unexpressed
homophobia every day. If ever I were to come out, I
wonder what my parents will say, how they will suddenly
change. Will I still recognize them? I wonder what the
guy in the “dikken” where I buy all my groceries will
say. I wonder what my best friend will say, if he will
still like me at all.
They haven’t said anything yet, but they don’t need to.
Their homophobia is already in me. They have already
cursed at me and hit me and shunned me. Maybe I am being
harsh in my predictions, but I know one thing for sure.
Silence IS homophobia. Not providing a safe space for
your lesbian daughters, friends, and colleagues to come
out IS homophobia.
Endorsing any form of inequality is homophobia. Being
quiet about your views on gay rights – even when you
personally have no problem with gay people – IS
homophobia.
Silence IS homophobia. |
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