queer sympathy
Scottie Bowman (rbowman@indigo.ie)
Wed, 03 Mar 1999 16:53:58 +0000
'...I would civily hope that you treat gay-bi-lesbian
issues with respect...'
About ten years ago, I was invited to act as consultant
shrink to the local support group by a number of
homosexual patients whom I'd helped, over the years,
to reach an acceptance of their sexuality. I was very
happy to accept that invitation & they've continued
to refer many people to me - people who find themselves
in the same place from which, as they believe, I helped
liberate them.
On the basis of this experience, I can assure you, Will,
that it's precisely this kind of prissy, self-righteous scolding
that makes them groan & that contributes as much as anything
to the perpetuation of the ghetto. In demanding velvet gloves
& tippytoes it locks them firmly into the stereotypes
which joking - the campier the better - will demolish &
laugh out of court.
By insisting on their exemption from mockery you seem
to regard them as vulnerable as the very ugly or the very
handicapped. In their boots, I fancy I could well do
without the condescension.
Scottie B.