My perception is that societal changes are moving forward, but they are coming faster than were ready for them. Even at the highest levels they dont have the answers. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who on religious grounds didnt want to make a cake for a gay couple. But then said it wasnt willing to hear a case about whether a business owners religious beliefs or free speech rights can justify refusing some services to gay people (Washington Post, 2019). They are a lot smarter than me.
I have no problem with gay marriage. I believe it would be wrong of me to get in the way of the happiness of two people. I dont feel confident enough in my beliefs to impose them on others. But then again, Im not very religious or political. The very religious and very political seem to have the monopoly on telling people how to live.
I think the expansion of LGBTQ is impacting on society, but in a minor way. Maybe its because of where I live (Colorado). It feels more like, Okay, if thats what you want, I dont really care, but dont bother me about it. In my small circle of friends, which involves mainly older conservative men, we just arent that interested. Just dont make it a big deal. I dont want to hear about your relationships, and I dont make you listen to stories of my relationship with my wife.
I dont think LGBTQ has changed my perspective. I do wonder how many more letter will to be added to LGBTQ. I cant keep up. Q surprised me. I was raised in a live and let live family. Just dont make me listen to all the nonsense, and dont expect any special privileges because of your sexuality. I have a hard time justifying any kind of special treatment because of it. It has nothing to do with me, I didnt do it. Of course, we know thats not how everyone feels. Just me.
I believe I am exactly what Foucault talked about. Im the guy who limits gay rights because I think only in terms of gaining gay rights (Vernon, p. 206). But upon further review, maybe Im exactly what Foucault says the true goal should be. One which begins a process by which people can find a way out of feeling the need to define themselves according to a particular sexuality at all. Because I dont care what your sexuality is.
Foucault also said that modern society seems to be especially anxious about the way people behave in it (Vernon, p. 207). Initially I thought of the conservative right, and the religious right. But upon further review I think its both left and right. I guess Im the only one who knows how things should be.
Vernon, M. (2010). The Meaning of Friendship. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Chapter 6: Politics of Friendship
Barnes, Robert (2019, June 17). Supreme Court passes on case involving baker who refused to make wedding cake for same-sex couple. Retrieved from The Washington Post.
