A New Mindset

The plain true of the matter is, “enough is enough.” It’s clear that whatever methodology gays and gay advocates are using, or have used in the past, is not working now. To be honest with you, I’m not sure why they aren’t working. Their main thrust appears to be education, which I put high on any todo list. The public needs reliable, truth-based information to make sound decisions, and many gay organizations have that information available. Therefore, the question is, “Is that information getting into the right hands?” They also are deeply involved in political lobbying, an absolute necessity. So why are we failing in our fight for equality? What are we missing?

I would first suggest that we’re missing numbers. We are in fact a minority, and as such, we bear less influence than our adversaries. While the number of gay oriented people is high, the percentage of the entire population is low. That doesn’t make us less qualified to secure equal rights, it only lessens our ability to be heard. I’ve been hanging around this planet long enough to know that there are millions of gay people who, for one reason or another, desire to remain closeted, unseen. Further, many of those that decide to be closeted do so because they are in a public position, often a position worthy of respect. They come from all walks of life and could be great mentors for the gay community and exemplary examples of good citizenship to everyone. We must take every opportunity available to remove the fear that keeps our greatest brothers in hiding. We need them actively participating in society as gay men and women. Studies indicate that lesbians and gay men who come out of the closet to their heterosexual friends and family members help to create more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. Further, heterosexuals with a gay friend or relative have significantly more favorable attitudes toward lesbians and gay men as a group.

UCDAVIS Study

While the existing GLBT organizations continue to work towards equal rights for all, let us grab our closeted brothers and sisters by the hand and guide them safely and successfully to a life fulfilling outing experience. One method of accomplishing this is to create a Safe Zone for them. What is a Safe Zone? The Safe Zone is an environment you create, where gays, lesbians, and bisexuals know that you understand, and are supportive, and trustworthy. They will know they can come to you for help, advice, or just to talk to someone who is supportive of their sexual orientation. Assisting them doesn’t stop there.

Here’s an example of how I see Safe Zone working. A gay coworker has identified himself or herself to you and is considering coming out at work. You should assist this coworker by finding out the company policies of your workplace. If coming out could cause loss of employment or harassment by fellow employees, you should recommend that they not come out at work until such time that the policy is changed. Then you and your new friend should pursue changing the policy. There are websites that can help you accomplish this. The Human Rights Campaign website has a Safe Zone program that can get you started. While they suggest you form groups, I believe there ideas can also work well on a one on one basis.

H.R.C. Website

Okay, more in a future post.