Homophobia and heterosexism strike again ...

[kweerwolf]

... right her on DU.

There was a thread begun today on a discussion of whether Abraham Lincoln engaged in same-sex relationships on the General Discussion board.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5519001

Despite a few "who cares?" and "not this crap again!" posts from some of the less intellignet DUers, there was some interesting discussion taking place. No one got out of hand ... no posts were pulled. So I'm at a loss to figure out why some hair-triggered moderator decided the discussion should be locked and am left wondering if he just didn't care for the subject matter.

To add insult to injury, the moderator locked the thread with these words: "I guess the question is, does it really matter?"

Well, d'uh! It matters to some of us who resent how our history has been swept under the rug and denied by the dominant heterosexual culture. It matters to a generation of LGBTs growing up and looking for role models in history.

You know, it's reached the point where I seldom post anywhere but here on the LGBT forum because there are too many supposedly progressive folks out there who not only could give a shit less about LGBT issues, but seem to revel in their heterosexism and homophobia.

There are some true straight allies here on DU ... but it's beginning to seem like they are outnumbered by at least 20-to-1.

But when it comes down to the same sort of homophobic crap being spouted by moderators, I think DU has "jumped the shark" when it comes to a safe and respectful place for LGBTs to post their thoughts and ideas.

From now I'll only post on the LGBT forum ... and I will not be tolerant of any more ignorant heterosexuals who wonder in with dumb comments such as last night's stealth freeper post about "why do you people behave so provocatively at gay pride parades?" and the like.

<end of rant ... except to say that I'm forwarding this along to Skinner>

[ck4829]

1. It is sad

DU should be a place where GLBT people feel secure.

Homophobia should not be present AT ALL in the Progressive Community.

[Maat]

3. I second that sentiment, CK4829.

This PFLAGer would have liked to participate in a discussion about Lincoln and revisionist history.

I remain ... a dedicated ally.

:grouphug:

[kweerwolf]

4. Hey thanks, Maat

Needless to say, you're one of the very special allies for us here on DU!
:hi:

[Maat]

6. Thanks. Here's a toast to you, Kweerwolf!

As an aside, I got my pastor (Church of Religious Science) to state loudly that we were a church that was 'open and inclusive' yesterday. She's so cool. I could see the smiles on the faces of the same-sex couples in the church. Members are bringing friends, and we are growing. I am happy - that is less money going to an anti-gay church or that could go to an anti-gay church.

Also, my friend, Pastor Randy, of our local United Church of Christ, is very loudly proclaiming that he pastors an open, inclusive, welcoming and affirming church.

Our local Unitarian-Universalist church is too far away; my friend might organize one up here.

Our World Aids Day ceremony, sponsored and hosted by us at PFLAG, went off very well, and included poem recitations by local high school students and a candlelight march.

We managed to keep two hardrighters off of the school board, electing instead two Democrats who support the Gay-Straight Alliance clubs.

Eh .. one step at a time.

Thanks for the posts, Kweerwolf; this forum really helps me do my job, that of advocating, educating and providing support.

:toast:

[kweerwolf]

5. Oops! ... hit the button twice. Dupe!

[closeupready]

2. I'm not surprised.

Seen it before. Interestingly, homophobes get banned at far more conservatives boards which I frequent than they do here.

What can I say?

Some of these same homophobes then claim that their special interests are nonnegotiable and they want them NOW, whereas you gays have to "wait your turn, your time will come, we can't push for equal rights and expect to win." :eyes:

Suffice it to say that dems won't carry gays' torch if gays don't demand it. The thread linked to in the OP provides (more) evidence that this is so.

If you dems don't support equal rights for gays, don't come looking to me for money, votes and time spent getting out the vote. I won't do it for homophobes. End of story.

[davidinalameda]

7. while this is good intentioned

it isn't the correct way to address this issue

in the future, please contact the moderators or the admins when you have an issue concerning the moderating of this board

thank you