Posts
When I started writing this post, I wasn't entirely sure
what I wanted to write. I decided to do what I do with my stories and
just go. This week there is a huge group of authors, reviewers, and bloggers
everywhere who are posting to support the Hop Against Homophobia and
Transphobia. I think this is a wonderful way to show support within the LGBTQ community and I truly hope it makes the impact we all want to see it make. Raising awareness of the hatred still held within the hearts of so many to others outside of our community will someday bring about the one thing we still so desperately want... acceptance and equality.
While the United States and the people here have come quite a
distance from how it was thirty, twenty, even ten years ago, we still have a
long way to go as a society in accepting people no matter who they are. I'd like to see the distinction between marriage and 'gay' marriage gone. It's just marriage! No matter whether it's two men, two women, or one man and one woman. It's still just two people who love one another and support one another in times of hardship. Two people who want to spend their lives together and build a family. Isn't that all that matters? Why should anything else matter?
To kind of take a tangent off in another direction, I wanted
to express my opinion about something which touched a nerve for me recently.
There are some people in the LGBTQ community who believe if you aren't out on
the street dressed in a rainbow t-shirt with a rainbow flag marching in a
parade or protest and proudly screaming for equality you aren't a true
supporter. So because I'm not one of those who run out to every Pride festival
or rally or stand on the White House lawn yelling at the President and
demanding equality for all, I'm not allowed to say I'm a supporter of LGBTQ
rights? Who says? Who makes that determination? I write gay romance. I hurt for
those I see affected by the hatred still felt in so many hearts. I reprimand
anyone in my little bubble of a world who says anything offensive or snarky
about gay men and women. I CARE. I donate to LGBTQ charities. I openly and proudly tell
people what I write without a care of what they think. Why doesn't this count?
I don't see how there should be a distinctive way to support
LGBTQ rights. I guarantee you a ton of those people who voted YES on same-sex
marriage are like me. Are the ones saying if you aren't actively out there
demanding equal rights you aren't a supporter those people don't count as one
either? I think that's b.s. They are supporters
because if they weren't there wouldn't be those states which now have legalized
same-sex marriages. I don't believe you have to be shouting from the rooftops
to be heard. Sometimes a whisper is much more effective than a scream.
Maybe my post will anger some, but how is the judgment of
those whispering any different?
That sort of went all over didn't it? Sorry about that. I
have been told more than once my thoughts are fragmented and I can't help how
they come out sometimes. Same thing with my writing. My sentence structures
tend to come out in unique ways because of the way my brain works.
On for the part you're all here for... the give away!
:D So this is just a simple thing.
Comment to win! I will randomly choose someone as the winner of a bit of swag
from Rainbow Con 2014, some of it mine and some it from other authors. I have
key chains, pens, and more! No restrictions on locale. If you live in the US or
outside of it, doesn't matter. So feel free to comment no matter where you
live! :) The winner will be drawn the day after the last day of the hop, May
25th. PLEASE include some form of contact, be it an e-mail or social media
avenue. I need to be able to get in touch with you to get your mailing address.
