Last weekend was the end of Pridefest.
Sadly I was a little busy and missed out on most of the activities. However I did manage to get out to the Delaney Park Strip downtown on Saturday in time to see our brave Democrats come out in support of diversity in our great city.
I saw gubernatorial candidates Ethan Berkowitz and Hollis French, as well as candidate for Lt. Governor Diane Benson. And I watched as Anchorage Assembly member (and personal hero of mine) Harriet Drummond read out loud a Resolution welcoming Pridefest to Anchorage that was just passed by the Assembly earlier that week.
There were a few speeches of support given by the candidates and then Mark Begich's (super cute)spokesperson Susanne Fleek read President Obama's proclamation from 2009 declaring the month of June Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.
I walked around and visited some booths, bought a little food, watched a couple of dance exhibitions put on by some of our local transexuals, and then wandered back to my car and headed home. All in all it was pretty tame as far as I was concerned. There wasn't even anything as controversial as the "Drill, Baby Drill...Just don't Spill" condoms that were offered by the Log Cabin Republicans in Minneapolis, except for possibly a booth displaying t-shirts with naughty words on them that was sponsored by a local sex shop called the Castle Megastore.
To be honest, though it was enjoyable, I did not exactly find the experience blog worthy. That is until recently.
You see apparently my visit to the Pridefest caught the attention of one of my clients. This person started to ask me questions about my involvement with the gay community and wanted to know why I advocated for "that sort of thing" especially since I am not gay. I gladly explained that I supported a lot of groups in the city including the NAACP even though I am not black, STAR even though am not a woman who has been raped, The Brother Francis Shelter even though I am not homeless, and the gay community in Alaska, even though I am a raging heterosexual.
I further explained my experiences with the "Summer of Hate" last year and how I helped to get the word out and organize the people who argued FOR the protection of the LGBT community. Wrong thing to say.
As it turns out this person is NOT comfortable with the homosexual community having equal rights and is very unhappy to learn about my advocacy. And based on that has told me that my services are no longer required. Just like that.
You could have knocked me over with a feathered boa.
Now don't worry about me I have other job prospects, but damn I have NEVER personally experienced that kind of prejudice in my city before. And the amazing thing is I AM NOT EVEN GAY! This is what can happen just for supporting gay rights, imagine how much worse it must be for those in the LGBT community who are confronted with this kind of hate on a constant basis.
Now this is just one person, and certainly not indicative of how the vast majority of citizens view our LGBT friends, but still it certainly does go to prove that we have a long way to go in this town before people will completely accept those who may look, love, or live in manner that is different from their own.
But know this, all that this little experience of mine has done is make me more determined than ever to support our LGBT community moving forward. And hopefully some day we will see a day when finally EVERYBODY will be accepted for who they are without having to hide it from those around them or feel shame because of who they love.
Asshat !!!
ReplyDeleteGawd...
Idiots.
In a effort to maintain a civil mouth around the 3 yr old... I look foreward to reading comments of those who don't have to be civil..
Hey we have a Castle Megastore "way down here", too! Wonder if it's a chain store? I'm sorry you lost a client because of your support of the Gay community. Maybe your client is one of those homophobe's that is stuck deep in the closet and afraid he/she is going to be outed. You're a good person, Gryphen.
ReplyDelete"Damn", I have no other words.
ReplyDeleteI don't approve of outing many people. In this case I would make an exception. At least to the local community that supports LGBT so they can vote with their dollars. It's a shame that small minded people can't put their prejudice's aside.
ReplyDeleteWTF?!
ReplyDeleteGryphen, I want to cry . . . . And I'll bet this ignorant woman calls herself a christian. I am so sorry that you have come against (once again) the ignorance of some of the more backward elements in Alaska. You'd be welcomed anytime in my lovely midwest college community . . . .
You walk it like you talk it.
Namaste.
Thank you, Gryphen, from the bottom of my middle-aged, taxpayer, grandma, lesbian heart.
ReplyDeleteKnowing what you know now, you don't really want that person as a client anyway then right?
ReplyDeleteAmazing that people can be that cruel and stupid - stupid people are often cruel, though.
ReplyDeleteAt least it is a good sign to hear so much outrage against that person's response. This indicates that society is progressing towards a better attitude. Not that long ago, few if any would have been upset.
I, too, hope we as a people can move past this ridiculous prejudice.
How awful it would be to be that person. You'd never know who to trust because advocacy for gay rights doesn't show on a person. They may not be able to hire anyone else wondering what allegiances he or she might have.
ReplyDelete*speechless*
ReplyDeleteStraight ally, caring "other mother" to a couple of ....'them'.
Your client (ex) is a small-minded idiot. That story is unbelievable although it's probably not uncommon. I have experienced hatred like that simply for being Jewish. I could tell people stories they wouldn't believe. And people wonder why Israel so fiercely defends it's right to call a tiny little bit of land their homeland.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of hatred out there toward gays, blacks, Hispanics, Jews, those with emotional illness, Mormans, Buddhists, women...etc etc etc. I thank God everyday that growing up, my mom taught me that the beauty of America was that it was a melting pot. She always insisted we live in mixed neighborhoods.
That is why it's so disappointing to see such intolterance today. And guess what there are many on the left who are also very guilty of this. They pass judgement without really understanding. It's a source of ongoing sadness for me.
That is sooo....RUDE!
ReplyDeleteThose are the kind of ppl who sit in the front Church pew Sunday and screw with you the other six days. But they are "God fearing Christian folk" cause they go to church.
Gryphen, you need to officially report this discrimination. One of the main points made against the ordinance is that there is no evidence that discrimination exists, therefore protection from discrimination is not needed.
ReplyDeleteI actually had someone ask me (when I chided her about prejudice):
ReplyDelete"Well then, who DO we get to feel 'better' than?'
Small-minded people HAVE to be superior to SOMEONE (in their opinion).
Don't they SEE? Once they stamp out rights for Gays, minorities, women etc., they will STILL have to find others to pick on.
What if it is everyone with a mole? Or everyone over age fifty?
Get this message bigots! "They" will soon be coming after YOU!
Very common attitude, unfortunately. Even here on the "liberal" East Coast I, a former newspaper columnist for MANY gay magazines, newspapers and websites, run into this garbage all the time. Even though I'm a hetero, too. Not that it matters. But it's fascinating how even if you're supportive of these issues - while not a true member of that demographic, if you're hetero - we get hit with this stuff. Many, many people are still deeply afraid of gay people. They don't yet rate as "Rill Mericans" in Sarah Palin's hate-filled faux conservative world.
ReplyDelete(I always thought that ironic, given that Sarah allegedly had a close female friend and roommate who was lesbian. Guess that lady and her "ilk" are just another group of people thrown under the bus when supporting them didn't prove professionally viable for Sarah anymore.
That is such a sorry way to live...to beleive some are not equal because of what they "are" has an "ick" factor for them. Gryphen, may those that find your "live and let live" attitude is worthy of their attention and send clients your way.
ReplyDeleteI know you are very busy and live in and thoroughly adore Alaska. If the mood should strike you, Chicago has an amazing Pride Parade that truly has become a family event. This year for the first time ever the Stanley Cup was in the parade (thank you Blackhawks) and the Chicago Cubs also participated with a team float. An amazing event that has something for everyone to celebrate. If your schedule allows ...join us next year....I offer you room and board...you will love Chicago!!!!
I am just Gobsmacked......
ReplyDeleteI would like to hear the explanation when they stand at the pearly gates......
Definitely blog worthy and goosebumps inducing the way some familiar figures supported the Pridefest proclamation.
ReplyDeleteThe lose of income does not compare to the sting of hateful discrimination.....still it should be challenged.
What was that person doing at Pridefest?
ReplyDeleteI've had dating relationships where the guy slowly drifts off, due to my advocacy feelings about gay rights. Two weeks before the 2008 general election, a guy and I broke up because of my stance against Palin being on McCain's ticket. This guy was fun and kind-hearted overall, but close minded; I think he was a homophobe as well. I'm better off without these relationships, and you are better off without this prospective client of yours. There is a huge community of people who are born with both male and female "parts". They are BORN that way. They go through life with constant topsy turvy emotions because they have hormones from both sexes. They may decide early on which gender to be, or be bi-sexual until they arrive at a decision years later. Meanwhile, they are treated with hormonal medications or not. Some people are BORN with the hormones, and not the "parts". Google: Intersexuality and Hermaphrodite.
ReplyDeleteAnyway there is hope for homophobes. I didn't understand it until my late thirties, in fact, I was sorta appalled about it, because that's the data I had, until some of my kids had gay friends, I became interested in learning more... Now in my fifties, some of my very closest friends are gay. I've even been to Mad Myrna's a few times and had a blast. See, people CAN change. :-)
Gryphen, I am sorry for what you went through. I'd hire you to make up for the lost client, but I don't know what you do! If you're ever in Ct, I'll take you out for dinner and a beer.
ReplyDeleteas my friend Sonia of disappear fear would say - you Love Out Loud...Your love is a verb. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteEh? at 5:13, that was my first thought too. Gryph, I think your ex client doth protest to much. If you're ever in Charlotte, I'd be glad to show you around my neighborhood. While one company just voted are city the "manliest" in the country (our nickname is the Queen City btw - gotta love the irony), my zip code (bordering on the new Nascar museum) is known as the most LBGT friendly area in North Carolina. I love it here! Stop down for some bar-b-que and some sweet tea :)
ReplyDeletesorry to hear that, gryphen, but I'm glad to hear that you don't feel like you need the job. that would be a very weird situation - I know I'd be stunned if that happened with one of my clients.
ReplyDeletethat person will be replaced by someone better!
Don't worry, Joey, there are plenty more dirty houses to clean.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if your ex-client knows you also have a blog that is critical of Palin.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being the ultimate advocate!
Amy_in_Wasilla
ReplyDeleteWhat's this fool's name or company? and I'll avoid his/her services. Two can play that game.
I am so sorry for what happened Grypen. I live on the east coast and it is fairly liberal. But I had a friend who I lost when my daughter came out. I was able to talk with her for awhile until the day she said "all the problems in the world are due to this gay agenda."
ReplyDeleteShe goes to church every day, I am not a believer, but not once did I disrespect her beliefs or mock her. Yet the day I told her something that I thought I could share with a friend I got nothing but e-mails on how God could heal my child. My child is not sick she doesn't' need to be healed!
My daughter has never hurt anyone. She tries to look at both sides of all situations. About a month ago she took a walk with her girlfriend and a guy got of the car and punched her, then turned and beat her girlfriend. All the while screaming that if they wanted to act like men he would beat them down like one. She reported it to the police. The police were supportive and said if she could think of anything they would charge him with a hate crime. She was so upset, it happened so quickly she did not get a look at the license plate.
Gryphen, like others here I too am greatly sorry for what happened to you. I can't say I'm shocked because these ignorant homophobes are still a dime a dozen (even in diverse Anchorage), but still I am definitely angry that this happened to you.
ReplyDeleteLike someone else here said, I wish I knew who this client was so I could boycott their business/service (if they have one). However, I know as a professional you probably have some sort of non-disclosure/privacy agreement with them and don't have that option.
Stay strong, Gryphen.
I would sure like to know who it was. So I could insure my dollars don't got that way.
ReplyDeleteI read alot of conservative blogs and because of this I'm not surprised. Being of generation y and somehow seeming to know only liberal minded non religious people (I'm lucky I guess! Less church goers in my parts) i rarely if ever see and hear this stuff in person. I admit that the client would have copped some harsh words if the same happened to me. But the blogs have opened my eyes and made me shocked at the views still commonplace in America.
ReplyDeleteI usually try and comment back - polite but firm in my retraction but usually my comments are rejected.
One site I read regularly is 'newsbusters' which is kind of like the rights media matters except they don't ever provide facts to back it up or link to evidence. They usually get post a clip of a far right conservative making a fool of themselves and blame it on liberal media bias.
Anyway my point: they often do stories about how homosexuality is portrayed in the media and take offence to the fact that in their small minds, it is too accepted when it should be shown as a disgrace. One of their latest cases was that on the show 'Glee' the boys that targetted one of the main characters for being gay and attempting to bash him for it, were portrayed in a bad light I.e. They think that to be fair there should be someone written as a nice character telling the gay character his natural urges are wrong and against god. But the character should be likeable. Uh huh.
Unfortunately for so many people THAT is the view. They don't care about anything else in the bible or the fact that so many Christians do not take the bible literally or that so many people simply don't share their beliefs, it is just 'i've been told that god hates you, I don't care what you think or how it affects you, I'm going to make your life more difficult simply because I can. But I'm a good person and a better Christian.'
Crazy lady was probably saving for matches.
ReplyDelete