I know it will come as some huge surprise to you all that I am a straight ally. Basically I don't feel that those who prefer the company of their own gender (or both equally) should be denied rights I enjoy simply because I prefer the company of my opposite gender. Having said this, I do notice something I wish to stop. I notice sexual orientation has become a defining characteristic of people. Rather than think of them as a person who happens to be gay, I see people referring to them as homosexuals who happen to be people. This is not a good direction to be going in.
I have George Takei on my facebook. Several times a day, my newsfeed will get a hit from some humorous photo or comment he will have posted. Now it's no secret the man is gay. He has used his fame from Star Trek to speak for gay rights. However, I know many people who think of him as just the gay guy from Star Trek. Well... he's also an accomplished actor in other shows as well. He also speaks out against the Japanese internment camps that were used during WWII. His posts on facebook usually match his droll sense of humor and almost always give me a chuckle or two. Heck some have given me a good belly laugh. Many know of the rivalry he has with Captain Kirk, but few know of his good friendship with Uhura. This is just a glimpse into who he is, but it is a much wider glimpse than, "he's gay."
Now don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying homosexuals shouldn't have pride. If you want to wear rainbows and be "FABULOUS!" ...then knock yourself out. (yes I'm aware I am using stereotypes here, but my point is still vaild) You can do that... but be aware, I'll probably see you as someone who can't pick a favorite color and has very few social inhibitions...
I have had one friend who chose me to come out to once. They have since fully embraced their feelings and are even married now, but at that time, it wasn't so easy for them. When they came out to me, there was a split second where I did think of them differently. After that split second, I came to realize that it didn't change my opinion on who they were. In fact, them coming out to me only had 2 changes to our friendship. 1. I realized if I ever wanted to set them up on a blind date, I'd pick from their own gender. and 2. The fact they trusted me actually brought our friendship a little bit closer. While there is something to said for that moment of deep trust... I want to live in a world where that is no longer necessary. I want to live in a world where the only time you think of someone differently based on their sexual orientation is when you're deciding who to set them up with on a blind date. That's the world I want to see.
I will say that there is only one person who came out recently that changed my attitude..... but that's only because Ellen Page is one of my celebrity crushes and I just don't like my 0.00000000000000001% chance with her to be reduced to completely 0%... I hope you ladies realize how lucky you are. (seriously though, she's a great actress and I'll still go see anything she's in)
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