I agree, Nichole.

When I was younger I used to think that flaming gay men should tone it down because they make 'the rest of us' [namely, the 'normal' gay community, whatever that is] look 'bad.'  I was like, "men in neon pink boas and spandex on roller skates?  Is that necessary?"

Now, I have matured, and I realize that they deserve as much acceptance as we do, because they are human.  People's 'acceptance level' shouldn't depend on how 'normal' they are, or how well they fit into societal norms, or how well they reflect upon 'the community.'  It's not a case of Us vs Them, where "us" is the nice normal crowd and "them" is the crazy over-the-top-crowd who we should distance ourselves from.. c'mon.  We can do better than that kind of judgmental thinking.

Quote from: TamTam on March 17, 2009, 04:17:10 PM
neon pink boas

I used to work in the financial district in San Francisco. I used to see this man, usually with a dark sweater, in pink fishnets and a neon pink boa perched on top of this large sidewalk trash can. He' just sit there, smiling. If anyone made eye contact with him, he'd offer them a good morning.

On days when I took BART into SF, I'd make it a point to walk past him to wish him a good morning too. His presence there gave me joy.

Quote from: TamTam on March 17, 2009, 04:17:10 PM
I agree, Nichole.

When I was younger I used to think that flaming gay men should tone it down because they make 'the rest of us' [namely, the 'normal' gay community, whatever that is] look 'bad.'  I was like, "men in neon pink boas and spandex on roller skates?  Is that necessary?"


Now, I have matured, and I realize that they deserve as much acceptance as we do, because they are human.  People's 'acceptance level' shouldn't depend on how 'normal' they are, or how well they fit into societal norms, or how well they reflect upon 'the community.'  It's not a case of Us vs Them, where "us" is the nice normal crowd and "them" is the crazy over-the-top-crowd who we should distance ourselves from.. c'mon.  We can do better than that kind of judgmental thinking.

Quote from: Shades O'Grey on March 17, 2009, 04:23:04 PM
I used to work in the financial district in San Francisco. I used to see this man, usually with a dark sweater, in pink fishnets and a neon pink boa perched on top of this large sidewalk trash can. He' just sit there, smiling. If anyone made eye contact with him, he'd offer them a good morning.

On days when I took BART into SF, I'd make it a point to walk past him to wish him a good morning too. His presence there gave me joy.

O, youse guys know all about the flaming gay men with pink boas!!?? Took me like, well, forever, until last month in fact, to realize that maybe they weren't hurtin me some how!! I feel a lot better about them now!!

Thank you both TamTam and Shades O'Grey. I was worried I'd be the only one who'd agree with me!!

It just seems like it's simpler that way instead of me having to try to recall who it is that embarasses or casts a bad light on me, is all. Just got lazier with age I suppose!

Nichole

Quote from: Nichole on March 17, 2009, 04:34:09 PM
Just got lazier with age I suppose!

You're not being lazy, you're just conserving energy.

At what point are those people in the crowd for either Tom Jones or Marylin Manson 'my people' - I sure went to a lot of work to get them there, put the show on, get them in and entertain them - and I've been talking to a bunch of them all night?  And so what?  That little old lady in the rocker up until the moment that Tom took the stage and then "PRESTO" she can walk, but only until he's done.  You know, I'd like to think I will still be happy to do that at that age.  And the punk kids with the bad hair and stupid clothing - ditto.  Different bad hair, way different crappy clothing, same end effect really.

And sure, I was, or will be those people, but that you would judge me with them, well that's just silly. 

I know quite a few drag queens, and if they are not having a farking great time going through life, well, they fake it well.