Homosexuality: America’s New Black
K. M. Williams
SBM – Single, Black, Female – looking for a male who appreciates the joys of shopping, understands that Bravado Red is a color and enjoys having his fingertips manicured while gossiping over a chilled glass of Moscato. Must be available for last minute sleepovers and must also take pleasure in gossiping over countless pints of Haagen Dazs ice cream (Mint Chocolate Chip, of course). Must NOT be a love interest, an ex-boyfriend, or a current crush. Is this you?
For years I have wanted a gay best friend. No, I have wanted a stereotypical, flamboyant, stylish, gum chewing, Prada-loving, neck-snapping, Gucci-wearing, I-will-cut-a-playa-if- he-looks-at-me-sideways, gay friend. I have yet to find a friend like this, though I have seen versions of “him” on television and heard his voice on the radio. In fact, “he” is the new trend in American media.
Homosexuality is increasingly becoming a mainstream topic of discussion, and part of this increase can be attributed to how media portrays persons who are gay. No longer are references to this lifestyle subtle, and gone are the days when an “alternative” lifestyle was alluded to by portraying a single person who enjoyed the artistic side of life and the exclusive company of someone of the same sex.
Today we experience homosexuality ON DEMAND. We see it in MTV’s bi-sexual reality show, A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila , where women and men compete for the love of a woman, Rupaul’s transgender reality show where men participate in a pageant dressed as women, in Sex and The City when Carrie Bradshaw consults with Stanford Blanch about her relationship, and in Family Guy where the baby and an old man vie for the attentions of a male dog and a teenage boy, respectively.
The proverbial gay closet, where most gay men used to hide in fear of prosecution, is seemingly becoming a concept of the past, annihilated by a society open enough to accept what their parents and grandparents could not. Any argument to the contrary would seem outdated.
Or, would it?
Five (out of 50) states in America can legally perform gay marriages: New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Also, there are three (out of 50) states that recognize legally performed gay marriages performed in other states: Maryland, New York, and Rhode Island. In all of the aforementioned states, the legalization of gay marriage has occurred through the passage of legislation or court rulings. No one state, out of 50, has implemented this law with the support of the popular vote.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s interpretation of the gay lifestyle, it would seem that a quiet population of people constitutes a majority of adults who disagree with gay’s marrying. In other words, they support human rights and fair treatment, but are conservative when it comes to this particular topic.
But why?
Could it be because media does NOT tell us how to think? Media tells us what to think about.
Again.
Could it be because media does not tell us how to think? Media tells us what to think about.
Over the past few years, the public has readily devoured a daily dose of programs like the L Word and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy . However, the public’s consumption has led to a rather a strong case of indigestion. The public is thinking about homosexuality, but the presence of these thoughts has not influenced what their opinion of homosexuality actually is. Why else would 31 (out of 50) states put a measure on the ballot to legalize same sex marriage, and watch as a majority of the constituency votes it down every…single…time.
Maybe popular media lost the popularity contest!
Or, has it?
In America there exists a silent majority who will twinkle their toes in the pedicure shop with their gay BFF, and then privately debate about why gay marriage is wrong with a level of fierceness comparable to a Southern Baptist minister. Likewise, when legislators pass a politically-sensitive measure in direct conflict with this silent majority’s personal beliefs about gay marriage, they sit by and wait for someone else to publicly intervene.
Maybe this group of people fears they will be labeled homophobic, or maybe they fear their stereotypical pastel pink pajamas sleepovers will come to a sudden end if they protest. Perhaps, their defense mechanism is silence and with time they hope the issue will quietly go away.
Or, will it?
The District of Columbia is the next locality interested in performing gay marriages. The mayor has signed a bill in support of it, and on March 4, 2010, this legislation will probably go into effect.
There will be those who support it, and will base their support on the concept that equal rights should be for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation.
There will be those that oppose it. However, the foundation upon which their opposition was built will remain unclear, and the extent to which District residents oppose it will remain MORE unclear. Unless, of course, the courts mandate the decision be made by voters.
With that being said, it safe to say DC residents seemingly fall on TWO sides of this issue: those who vocally support gay marriage, and those who oppose gay marriage but say nothing.
Either way, since the decision was made by legislators, one side may win because of the silence of the other.
Popularity: 20%