That's So Gay

Today is International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. There's a lot you could do today, but the simplest would be to watch what you say. We (myself included) don't even notice the things we say sometimes or realise how they might be hurtful to others. The NBA's Phoenix Suns, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network), and Ad Council recently teamed up to make this PSA which first aired during the Chicago-Miami game Sunday night:



There's also a petition on the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia website (along with other opportunities and information regarding the fight against homophobia and transphobia) which is aimed specifically at "reparative therapy" in Latin America and the Caribbean. The petition has the support of organisations, institutions, and public persons from the area already, so it's not just another example of Americans sticking their nose in places without permission. There's a section for adding your own comment, and this is what I said:

As a survivor of "reparative therapy," I have personally experienced the feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing that result from such destructive "therapy"; I attempted to take my own life as a result of those feelings. "Reparative therapy" did not "repair" me in any way, but broke my spirit and destroyed my sense of self-worth. Only the voices of support, of people who have stood up fearlessly in the defense of "reparative therapy" victims and in the defense of the outcast and the oppressed, have provided true "repair" to my spirit and my self-worth. I urge everyone to raise their voice in support, to defend the dignity of every human being, and to bring an end to these destructive, so-called "reparative therapy" practices.

I urge you also to do whatever you can, no matter how big or small of an action, to stand up against homophobia and transphobia. It is the small acts of love and kindness which make the biggest difference, so please, take a moment today (and every day!) to spread a little more love and a little less hate, judgement, and intolerance. We'll make the world a much better place that way.