Embrace Diversity

The other day, I had an argument with a friend I've known all my life. I'll spare you the details; they're all pretty insane. However, it all culminated to him saying I forced my homosexuality onto others.

This really hurt. What exactly did he even mean? He said "When you meet someone, the introduction is 'I'm Paul, and I'm gay.'"

Let me ask this: what's wrong with that?

First off, there are so many thing that straight people cannot ever understand about being gay, no matter how much they want to. I don't care how queer friendly they are, if they don't live with it they don't get it.

Being gay doesn't make us different from anyone else. It's society who tells us we are different. And if you celebrate that "difference" you are either applauded or attacked.

I hate to sound pessimistic, but society is not ready to accept homosexuality. One day it will be, but that day is a long way off. And until then, pride is the only weapon we have. I wish I didn't have wear my rainbow gear, and I wish it didn't mattered, but it does. And that's why gay pride is so important.

A very wise person once told me that tolerance is just as bad as hate. Tolerance says we know it's there, and we can't stop it. So don't tolerate diversity. EMBRACE IT. Shout out the world.

Before I came out, I was on self-destruct. My secret tore me up inside and left long-lasting wounds. When I finally announced and embraced my difference, I began to heal. The only way I can heal is to continue to embrace my difference.

So, ladies and gentleman, pride isn't about pissing off straight people. It's about letting yourself heal. And while being out isn't an option for everyone because of their location or living situation (especially if you live in rural areas like myself, I'm just too hard-headed to hide,) for those of us who are it's an amazing experience. That's one of the reasons I refuse to date closeted people. Until you can learn to embrace your diversity, you can't have the self confidence of an out and proud person.

And straight people, if you think that being out and proud is "forcing your homosexuality" onto people, think of all the all the gay couples you see everyday. There are few. This is something we as homosexuals need to be happy and at peace. If you disagree with being gay, it's not my business. I can't change you. And because of that, I need to wear my rainbow bracelet.

EMBRACE DIVERSITY. REMEMBER, IT'S NOT WHAT PEOPLE CALL YOU. IT'S WHAT YOU ANSWER TO.

Love,
Paul, The Rural Rainbow.