In Praise Of Gays

Chely Wright

I have had several odd things happen to me in the past few weeks that made me think of the plight of Gay Men and Woman in America and indeed the world.

First of all let me say that I am a straight, white female that lives in the Northeast.  So I am already a member of a relatively privileged segment of society.  Strictly by accident of birth.

In the last several weeks two specific eye openers occurred.  The first was a bit embarrassing.  I was  looking at a church  website I saw that one of their staff's profile said that a woman was living with her wife and 3 children.  I at first thought it was a typo.  Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.....she was talking about HER wife.  OOHHH.  Okay, she is gay.

Then I was watching a movie about Chely Wright.  She is a well known country and western star that at the age of 40, finally came out as a  gay person.  The movie illustrated this woman's internal struggle with coming out in a homophobic industry and risk loosing her fans and indeed, possibly her career.

I cannot imagine what sort of torture it must be to live with a very important part of your fundamental being, hidden.  Chely happens to be a very successful performer, but what about the average person.  The secretary at your doctors office.  The cashier at the local pharmacy.  The paralegal at your lawyers office.  How many of these folks cannot openly talk about their loved ones for fear of prejudice or some sort of retribution?

It seems that one has to first come to terms within their own heart about their sexuality.  Once they have been able to accept that they are gay, how do you tell family and friends?  It is no surprise to me that "gay enclaves" exist, such as Provincetown, MA.  These are areas where a gay person can walk with their loved one hand in hand and even kiss them publicly (like straight people do) without being stared at or denigrated.

I think that gay men and women have a lot more pressure on them, by virtue of an act of God, that made them be more attracted to their sex.  So along with the normal pressures of everyday life, gay folks have an additional strain that straight people cannot comprehend.

Yet despite this pressure there are so many highly productive gay people in every aspect of our society.  Doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers, athletes, that list could go on and on. This illustrates an ability to go beyond what life has dealt you and succeed.  I think it shows courage of a nature that is just not in the average straight folks vernacular.

If you would like to support the greater understanding and acceptance of gays worldwide, you may want to check out Love and Pride.  It is a company owned and run by gays, for every body.  Every purchase from Love and Pride goes to support organizations such as The Matthew Shepard Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, The Mercury Phoenix Trust, and Marriage Equality USA.  So do a little public service while you shop.

Click on this banner to be taken directly to their website.