Frankly, I find the reasoning in this article distasteful. Who is anyone to intrude in the lives of anyone else? The premise of this article is that closeted gays or lesbians who are opposed to “gay rights” (my term) ought to be exposed as hypocrites. But, on what grounds do you intrude into anyone’s life?
Let’s start with Barbara Mikulski and DOMA.The author’s comment clearly suggests that Senator Mikulski and all gays and lesbians must subordinate their intellect and free will to the will of the broader “gay community”. Why? In principle isn’t the United States of America a nation that cherishes individual identity rooted in merit? Why should a gay man or lesbian be bullied into conforming to your views of progressivity if it is in conflict with their concience? Is it so inconceivable that a gay man or woman would support traditional marriage? Even if you find it incredible, why are they not permitted to reason or rationalize like anyone else? We live in a nation that rejects “community” in favor of the individual right to direct the course of their lives,or do we?
Also, who are you to decide that they will be “better off” if outed?
Then there’s this quote: “Not only is your sexual orientation almost impossible to hide, but also knowing it is so fundamental to creating rapport that practically everyone you meet automatically sizes you up and makes their own decision no matter what you say. On top of that, since straight people flaunt their sexual orientation 24/7, the more private you are about your personal life, the faster people assume you are gay.”
Ok, given that this country historically has been ridiculed for its prudish attitude towards sex, how can this be taken seriously? Maybe I’m in a small minority, but I never size up anyone sexuality upon meeting them in any setting.On a personal note I’ve had friends that have been astonished that I didn’t know someone was gay because it was “so obvious”. You see, in my case I value people on their character and never consider what goes on behind closed doors.
I also reject the notion that “straight” people flaunt their sexuality 24/7.Really? 24/7? I’ve known many who flaunt it but not 24/7.Never 24/7. Putting aside the hyperbole of that sentence. I can say that I and many Americans did not grow up in environments where sexuality was flaunted. Maybe you did,but I did not.
The author justifies intrusion into one’s personal life if they reject the consensus view of a community. This attempt at justification violates the most fundamental right of all: The right to live life on your own terms,to be your own man or woman without undue pressure to conform to someone else’s definition of the norm. They are free men and women living in a free country, they are justly entitled to live their life on their terms without being subjected to the shortcomings of community thinking.Those who hold their sexuality to themselves do not owe anything to anyone regardless of a common desire
