PRIDE

[HelloColdWorld]

As I type this, it is the 1st of June, and to all of you have read the title you know it is Pride Month. So I have a little letter for all of you while we celebrate this month.

Dear the LGBT+ of the PartyZone community,

Despite our differences, despite our flaws, we have here today, and every day, to remember and to remind that we exist; and not just that we exist, but that we belong. Because we’re as human as it gets, and nothing can change that.

So this is for us, for all our differences, and our experiences.


For the lesbians, who are seen as ‘gross’, who are asked ‘who’s the guy in the relationship’, you are beautiful. Every part of you is better than those who try to shut you down, push you into a corner or tell you it’s unnatural. You are valid and deserve to feel safe loving who you love.

For the gays, who have faced discrimination and every turn, who fear to hold hands with the one they love as they walk down the streets, keep marching on. Don’t let the world of hatred knock you down, keep rising and be as fearless as a lion.

For the bisexuals, who are told to ‘pick a side’, know that what you feel isn’t wrong, that your love for more than one gender shouldn’t be ridiculed or yelled at. You’re worth more than that; there is no ‘side’ to choose from because who you love isn’t wrong, and isn’t a choice.

For the transgenders, who have their dead names, incorrect pronouns and wrong identity thrown at them like a weapon, to the ones who have to hide the truth from everyone, knowing that the aftermath would be much worse, you are so, so, so strong. Keep your chin up, you’re doing amazing, and I know that one day, you’ll be comfortable in your own skin.

For the asexuals, who smile against those who say we don’t exist, that what we don’t feel is wrong and against human nature. Keep rocking that smile, and spread your love in all the ways that you want to, and not how society depicts it.

For the non-binaries, who are told that your pronouns make no sense, who are seen as ‘special snowflakes’ who want to appear different, you are much more than that. You are valid and deserve to be respected, nothing about you or your gender identity can take that away from you.

For the pansexuals, who are told you’re just bi, that it’s ‘too confusing’ and that it isn’t possible to love someone that isn’t male or female, you deserve all the love in the world. Nobody can take away who you love, because it is a part of you.

For the questioning, who don’t know how they identify, you’ve got this. Whether you’re unable to find the right label, just know that you are still valid. You are allowed to have this journey of self-discovery, and whatever the outcome may be, I am glad you were able to do this in the first place.


And lastly, to everyone, who I may not have mentioned, and our allies. Thank you for bringing pride into our lives; you all deserve happiness and respect. It is an ongoing battle as hatred and discrimination try to beat us back at every milestone. These are our human rights, and we will never rest, not until all of us feel safe enough just to be ourselves. Because that’s what this is: our sexualities, our gender identities, they are who we are. And regardless of what month it is, we will always have this pride.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

 

[Saint]

I love this! Party Zone particularly has a very open-minded and LGBT+ friendly community where I've seen many people come out or be open about their sexuality or gender.

Unfortunately, real life may not be as positive. For some people, it may just be the fear of being judged or being treated differently from how they used to. It's important to let people close to you know they're valid and you care for them no matter who they do/do not love or how they identify, not just doing this month but all months. Pride month should just be a reminder that nobody should be ashamed for who they are.

 

[Spirits]

You're all valid. Don't let people shame you for who you are.

 

[Merp]

Today my best friend who was gay went to heaven. He showed me how to not be afraid to show who you truly are. He brought me out of my shell fully and for that I am forever grateful. Last year at this time he was hyping me up for this LGBT party that he was forcing me to go to help me out of my shell(I’m bisexual). If it wasn’t for him I may not have had the confidence in my real life to truly be fully open with my sexuality.

Those who shame others for who they love truely have no right. We are all humans. We need more love in this world than hate.

I just want to thank you @HelloColdWorld for making this thread. It made me sob tears, I don’t know if it is because of what has happened to me or just cause I’m an emotional bean. But this thread truly has touched my heart and we need this to be heard all around the world. So thank you for this beautiful thread

For this celebrating pride and even those who aren’t I love you and I care for you all

 

[ABennn]

Thank you so much for this.

I think everyone on PZ who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community can relate to something on this thread. I myself have faced online discrimination many times and it’s because of people like you that I’m willing to keep moving and be strong. Again, thank you so much for this. I absolutely loved reading every paragraph and seeing all the powerful words you have for everyone.

I love this so much.

Today my best friend who was gay went to heaven. He showed me how to not be afraid to show who you truly are. He brought me out of my shell fully and for that I am forever grateful. Last year at this time he was hyping me up for this LGBT party that he was forcing me to go to help me out of my shell(I’m bisexual). If it wasn’t for him I may not have had the confidence in my real life to truly be fully open with my sexuality.

I love you so much, I’m so glad you had someone like him in your life. I truly am deeply sorry for your incredible loss. Know that there are countless people on PartyZone that are always here for you. I love you Merp.

 

[Emviar]

For the straight, who are sometimes told condescendingly by their LGBT+ coworkers and peers that they're just a gay, bisexual, or transgender who hasn't come out of the closet, and that they're denying their true selves and doing a disservice to themselves by "identifying" as their "birth gender" and being attracted only to the opposite sex; and who are sometimes automatically accused of bigotry, "homophobia," and "transphobia" simply for holding a point of view that is different, remember to stay strong. Remember to be kind in your responses, but remain firm in your convictions.

"When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world -- "No, YOU move." -Somebody from Marvel, can't remember who.

 

[Wolfy]

I love you Cold, you are my best friend and I appreciate you more than I appreciate Spaghetti or ice cream.


nO HOmO btW

 

[KinqOfTheClouds]

For the straight, who are often told condescendingly by their LGBT+ coworkers and peers that they're just a gay, bisexual, or transgender who hasn't come out of the closet,

Bro, don't. I can't tell if you're joking or just being an idiot but, to be honest, I don't care which. It's literally the other way around. I have never heard of a case when someone who is not straight has told someone who is that they aren't. I have heard of a case, thousands of times, when someone who is straight has told someone who is not straight or is questioning their sexuality that they are straight.

and that they're denying their true selves and doing a disservice to themselves by "identifying" as their "birth gender" and being attracted only to the opposite sex; and who are often automatically accused of bigotry, "homophobia," and "transphobia"

You will be accuses of homophobia or transphobia if you are being homophobic or transphobic, not just because you're straight. There is such a thing as being a straight ally.

simply for holding a different point of view, remember to stay strong. Remember to be kind in your responses, but remain firm in your convictions.

If you have a "dislike of or prejudice" against gay people, you are homophobic. Sure, you can have that view point, but don't go around expressing it and expecting everyone to agree with you. The same with a "dislike of or prejudice" against anyone who is bisexual, transgender, questioning, asexual, etc. etc.

"When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world -- "No, YOU move." -Somebody from Marvel, can't remember who.

The original quote is
"Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — No, YOU move"

From the Captain America: Civil War comic but the movie quote is
"Wherever you can compromise you do, but where you cant, Don’t. When the world is telling you to move, it is your job to plant yourself like a tree and tell them — No, you move."

 

[Emviar]

Bro, don't. I can't tell if you're joking or just being an idiot but, to be honest, I don't care which.

Neither. And that's unkind.

It's literally the other way around. I have never heard of a case when someone who is not straight has told someone who is that they aren't.

Well, now you have. It's happened to me and my best friend on multiple occasions. In his workplace, the majority of his coworkers are LGBT+ and they often tell him that he's just a gay or bisexual who hasn't come out of the closet. He's talked to me about this multiple times. No matter how much he insists that he's straight, they pressure him to come out as gay/bisexual. It's anecdotal, but it happens. I refuse to believe we're the only ones.

I have heard of a case, thousands of times, when someone who is straight has told someone who is not straight or is questioning their sexuality that they are straight.

I agree with you there; it definitely happens. It's unfortunate, and I don't think anyone should try to forcefully change someone else's sexual attractions. ...See where I'm going with this?

You will be accused of homophobia or transphobia if you are being homophobic or transphobic, not just because you're straight. There is such a thing as being a straight ally.

I actually never said someone would be accused of being homophobic or transphobic for the sole reason of being straight, but its occurrence wouldn't surprise me. I said, "simply for holding a point of view that is different." I don't hate LGBT+ people and I think acts of violence against them are awful. But I've been called homophobic and transphobic for kindly expressing my opinion (which again, does not include support of violence or hatred) alongside someone else's.

Then there's the problem of "straight allies." I feel like straight people are then sorted into two categories: if you're straight but you support the LGBT+ community's actions, then you're a great person, but if you're not in support of them, you're apparently an intolerant, homophobic bigot who needs to wake up and conform to our current culture. That's just my opinion, though, so we don't necessarily need to read into it too much. That's just my little mini-rant about the term "straight allies." Hopefully, that makes sense.

If you have a "dislike of or prejudice" against gay people, you are homophobic. ... The same with a "dislike of or prejudice" against anyone who is bisexual, transgender, questioning, asexual, etc. etc.

I don't dislike them or have a prejudice against them. I just don't agree with a lot of their reasoning, morals, and actions. There's a difference. I still accept that they're human beings and that they shouldn't be attacked because of their behaviors.

Sure, you can have that view point, but don't go around expressing it and expecting everyone to agree with you.

Great, thanks! I'm glad you're letting me have a point of view. I actually don't expect everyone to agree with me; no one should expect that on any side of any topic. That's the beauty of discussion, right? We can discuss viewpoints even when we disagree.

The original quote is
"Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — No, YOU move"

From the Captain America: Civil War comic but the movie quote is
"Wherever you can compromise you do, but where you cant, Don’t. When the world is telling you to move, it is your job to plant yourself like a tree and tell them — No, you move."

I don't really understand the point of this last part; I know the difference between the two quotes, and I didn't include the entirety of the one from the comics because it's a bit long. I couldn't remember who said it, but I don't think that matters too much.

Hopefully, this doesn't come off as hostile or hateful. My intent isn't to trigger people, but with all the stuff you said, I felt like I had to unpack it. I'd hate for this thread to get demolished by the staff for going off-topic (even though it hasn't), so if you want to talk more, feel free to send me a DM or risk it here on this thread. Or break off the conversation entirely; it's completely up to you (and no, that isn't a threat, taunt, or insult. We can genuinely stop the conversation if you'd prefer).

 

[jyrni]

@PrqyForTheWicked @Emviar Drop the topic. If you’d like to argue on topics such as these, I suggest DM’s, not in front of the entire network.

 

[Emviar]

@PrqyForTheWicked @Emviar Drop the topic. If you’d like to argue on topics such as these, I suggest DM’s, not in front of the entire network.

This isn't really in front of the entire network, but

 

[KinqOfTheClouds]

I don't really understand the point of this last part; I know the difference between the two quotes, and I didn't include the entirety of the one from the comics because it's a bit long. I couldn't remember who said it, but I don't think that matters too much.

Yeah it has nothing to do with the stuff above I just wanted to correct the quote because I'm a marvel nerd

 

[AvumsStudent]

I Agree this is not just about.... sadness its about happiness, Thank you for saying this!