sam_gamgee | (no subject)

So, today is National Coming Out Day. And it was also my chapter's monthly PFLAG meeting. (Go figure.)

I'm coming out as a straight ally.

I'm coming out and saying that while I'm straight, if the right woman comes along, I won't say no.

I'm coming out and saying that I really wish we lived in a world where people didn't have to hide who they are and who they love. (Because, if it's safe, sane, and consensual, who really cares?)

Earlier today, I randomly thought of this quote from a movie I watched a while back, called Straight-Jacket (which I totally recommend to everyone).

This is the only was I can help you, Ray. Because movies, for all their cornball, reactionary idiocy, show us life as it might be, if only we could live up to our ideals. Movie characters are honest, and loyal, and brave. They sacrifice themselves for those they love. They are proud of the qualities that make them individuals. They stand up for what's right, no matter the odds or consequences. Movie characters, in short, would not care who plays them. But I guess there's a reason we pay money to see people like that. In a way I wish I could give you 10 million names today, because then 10 million people could stop hiding and living in fear. And the rest of you would discover wonderful, new sides to people you thought you knew. But I can't do that, Mr. Verrine. Becuase the main trait that separates my kind from yours is that we mean you no harm. When you can say the same about yourself you will have earned the privilege of knowing our names.