Well as luck would have it, there have been a lot of
comments about the blog I posted yesterday about Chik-Fil-A and their day of
appreciation. Most have contained nothing but positive feedback, but there has
also been a little bit of confusion. So much so that I feel it is best to set
the record straight.
My true intention of writing that blog was to shed light on
the fact that people take things way too far in my personal opinion. Yes,
Chik-Fil-A doesn’t support gay marriage. But is it necessary to have a
ridiculous day of appreciation for the cause? What I think is ridiculous may
seem inspiring to others. Yes I am gay and I want to one day be married
legally. But is it necessary for me to protest by showing up in front of
Chik-Fil-A and make out with another man?
We’re all entitled to free speech. Simple as that. I may not
agree with other people’s opinions. I may not think the same way, but we’re all
entitled to protest, boycott, picket, and so forth whenever and wherever we
want. That’s what makes this country so great.
| As extreme as all of that sounds, there are people who believe in all of this... |
It’s hard for someone like me who has NEVER liked Chik-Fil-A
to begin with to have such a strong urge to boycott. For me, not going to
Chik-Fil-A pretty much all of my life is enough of a boycott. I’m not going to
boycott something that I already DON’T do. However, a dear dear friend of mine
presented me this morning with a well-written article about another gay man who
has grown up eating Chik-Fil-A and the disappointment he feels when he realizes
that part of the money in his own pocket that is used to purchase his
Chik-Fil-A meals is going towards campaigns and political groups that support stopping
bills allowing gays to legally marry.
It’s a religious issue, it’s a political issue, it’s a
social issue, and it’s controversial, yes. As a gay man, I in no way wanted to
give the impression that I thought Chik-Fil-A’s appreciation day was good. That’s
their right though to do so. I also in no way had the intention of making it
seem as though I didn’t support gays who were protesting and boycotting the restaurant.
It’s a true joy to hear even straight people (and yes
even The Muppets themselves) to fully support this cause. That’s
their right. I wasn’t trying to step down on anyone for that.
What I find to be the most frustrating is that gay people
have spent so many years trying to break away and dispel so many stereotypes and
myths that are within. Do you remember when people thought gays were
responsible for AIDS? Or even how all gays are child molesters? Or that being
gay is a disease that can be cured? Not to mention that some extreme
conservatives think all gays are dress-wearing, sex-craved, drug-taking,
flamboyant men. True, there are some like this, and that’s a little part of the
culture, but there’s so much more to us. But for me personally I’ve always had
a strong opinion about making out in public. I think it’s unnecessary and not
fair to people who don’t want to watch. You’re in public, have some respect for
others (and may I just say this especially goes for
straight people, not just gays). Just like smoking in public. If
it’s an area that says smoking is allowed, then by golly go for it! But if it’s
not, then don’t blow smoke in my face when I’m walking across the street. If it’s
an area that says making out is allowed and viewers are allowed to watch, then
y’all go for it then. But for the sake of those like me who think it’s unnecessary
and uncalled for in public places, please be courteous and respectful for those
who don’t wish to see a tongue fight going on when I’m trying to relax and eat
dinner with my family on a nice night out. Again, that’s just my personal
opinion.
Since the time in 9th grade when I first wrote
about gay marriage for my honors English class, I’ve always been a firm
believer that gay people fighting for their rights to marry one another is a
lot like the civil rights movement of African-Americans in the 1960’s. Some may
call that extreme. Some may say its spot on. But hey, that’s my personal
opinion. I’m just practicing my freedom of speech in stating that. I think this
picture says it all. (I think the point gets across without saying "stupid", but you get it...)
And for all those who went out to Chik-Fil-A who said they
supported the cause by showing up at their customer appreciation day: you may find
this little snippet very interesting too.
 |
| Again, I wouldn't go so far as to call them bigots and anti-gay. But again, you get the idea... |
I have nothing but love for everyone, as long as we can try
our best to be civil about what we do. Protest, boycott, stand up for what you
believe in, but don’t be so hateful and aggressive. I do believe
whole-heartedly that the LGBT community needs to stick together and fight the
good fight still. But I don’t think that making out in front of Chik-Fil-A is
going to be the solution.
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