No, I'm not suggesting that "being closeted" is a preferable or even viable option. I know several people who are individuals first and gay second, or incidentally. They don't look at themselves as being part of "the Gay Agenda" as if it were some monolithic political movement or a "tribe" to which they belong by virtue of being attracted to the same sex. They don't see themselves as being part of an underprivileged" gay minority anymore than I see myself as being entirely defined by being white heterosexual or male. If asked to explain what it "means" to be gay they would tell you that mostly depends upon the individual although they might offer their own personal perspectives on it, if they were inclined.
Everyone ultimately makes their own way in the world. You are not imprisoned and being "fed" bread and water by some jailor. If you look at the world that way then your prison is truly inescapable, but the walls are of your own construction. I'm not denying that prejudice exists, and I am not denying that it is often an obstruction and often unfair. Nevertheless, if you define yourself and your identity in terms of membership in an "unprivileged minority" you will never focus on anything better and never have it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Re: I'll be the irritable and long-winded one today.
Date: 2009-03-12 02:55 am (UTC)Everyone ultimately makes their own way in the world. You are not imprisoned and being "fed" bread and water by some jailor. If you look at the world that way then your prison is truly inescapable, but the walls are of your own construction. I'm not denying that prejudice exists, and I am not denying that it is often an obstruction and often unfair. Nevertheless, if you define yourself and your identity in terms of membership in an "unprivileged minority" you will never focus on anything better and never have it.