I was driving up 85 North yesterday, and much to my dismay, I saw a billboard with the words “Questioning Homosexuality?” in bright white judgemental letters emblazoned for all to see. Needless to say, I was quite offended, because I knew that this ad references a “cause” that attempts to “save” homosexuals from themselves, by showing us that we don’t have to be gay, that it is a choice. But beyond my frustration that people actually still think that homosexuality is a choice, and beyond my fury and rage that this hatred and bigotry is plastered in huge display on such a major highway, was that it was even allowed to be put there in the first place. Shouldn’t there be some regulations on what can be advertised? The reason I feel this way, is because if ads like this are allowed without regulation, ANY ad that condemns a certain group of people, by offering “conversion tactics”, should also be allowed. If I had the money, I should be able to advertise a “de-Christianization” camp, shouldn’t I? But we all know, that my ad would be considered hateful, and would never be allowed. So why is the aforementioned ad up there for all to see? I just don’t understand how one-sided things can be so widely advertised as a true “alternative”, when it is really a message of ignorance, judgement, and worst of all, hate. Also, why does the city of Atlanta allow such a blatant display of discrimination, slander, misinformation, and bigotry against homosexuals in a such a conspicuous place? Why doesn’t the city have regulations on what can and cannot be advertised on billboards (or anywhere else), and if they do, why don’t these regulations contain language that would protect people from being targeted and subsequently hurt by slanderous messages?
I just don’t understand it. I don’t understand why there is this mission to “save” us. There is nothing wrong with homosexuality, and if you believe that there is, then don’t have gay sex, thus making yourself homosexual. Don’t have gay thoughts, then you won’t have to worry about being homosexual! BUT, DO NOT take your ignorance out on the rest of us, and preach hate and disguise it as “religious love”. I feel sorry for anyone that truly believes this filth.
Here is an image taken from the website (link below) of the company that has paid for this billboard:
if you want to see the hateful billboard yourself, it is on 85 right around Freedom Parkway. I for one hope this billboard is taken down immediately, because advertising that homosexuality is a choice, and offering programs to “de-program” us is shameful and hateful. This is why we are moving so slowly forward in our quest for equality; there are people that are still on a quest to change us, and if we don’t conform, they deny and hate us. I just don’t get how being gay can be so threatening to anyone other that oneself (being that, it is harmful to oneself, only if they remain internally closeted and hurt themselves, which is unfortunate, but does occur.)
Here is the website for the hateful company that is responsible for this billboard. Here is the hateful, slanderous event that they are advertising, which will happen on Nov. 4. I for one hope that anyone that does attend this event doesn’t believe the lies that they are spreading about homosexuality.
What are your thoughts?
Kathy Griffin was EXCELLENT last night. I could not be happier. I absolutely LOVE HER, and she was fucking hilarious. HILARIOUS. I am SO glad that we went and I know that if I get the chance to see her again, I will jump at the chance. She is just as funny in person, in fact, definitely more-so!!! The picture here is the best one that I got, it was really dark, and they didn’t allow cameras, so I pretty much had to sit in my seat and take it. I have to say though, that all of the seats were excellent, even though we were close to the back of the auditorium, the picture doesn’t do our view justice at all.
Hey, ya’ll, it’s national coming out day. Let’s here it for the homos!!! Seriously though, coming out is a huge step in every gay person’s life, and isn’t something that should be looked upon lightly. It takes the utmost courage to stand up and declare who you are, especially in the face of potential judgment, bigotry, hatred, and in some unfortunate circumstances, harm. I know that it is no surprise to anyone that meets me that I am gay, and that may have always been the case, but it took a long time, and a lot of self reflection, pain, and mental turmoil to come to that conclusion myself. I am glad that I was able to finally come out and be myself, which is something that cannot be truly and accurately described to the point anyone that has not experienced it could truly understand; it is a feeling like you are reborn, and you finally get to be yourself. Unfortunately, in our society, this feeling of freedom, and in many cases, the first time you feel truly happy, comes with the feeling of being outcast, and shunned for the very same reason, which is definitely a shame. Hopefully, one day, we will all live in a world where people can be themselves without fear, and coming out will just be a natural part of a gay person’s life; rather than something that threatens it. Here’s to all us gays, and to all of you that haven’t yet come out (either to yourself, or others), being out and proud takes a lot of guts, and it is a continual process, but it is one that is definitely worth it. Proud. Out. Gay. That’s me!