Friday Afternoon Diversion
Jay-Z Announces 2010 Tour Dates. Chicago Not On List.
"Batman" Headline Is a Stretch, But Prison Escape Story Could Be Its Own Movie
Grates To Tear Up Schubas
Chili Cook-Off Countdown
If you look around work tomorrow and notice some empty cubicles, it's probably not a flu outbreak but rather your co-workers "called in gay" in reaction to California's Proposition 8 and other anti-same sex marriage initiatives. Day Without A Gay is a movement encouraging LGBT folks nationwide to skip work tomorrow, December 10th, and head down to a local LGBT community organization that needs help:
In Chicago, the Gay Liberation Network has called for an 11 a.m. rally outside the County Building, 118 N. Clark St., to call for granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Network co-founder Andy Thayer said he didn't expect people to actually "call in gay," but added that "many people will find one way or the other to not be in work that day, because we're sick of being treated like second-class citizens."
Now, as far as we know you can't just march over to Howard Brown or the Center on Halsted with a cheery, "How can I help?" The former asks volunteers to complete an application, and the latter requires volunteers to attend an orientation first (currently full until February of next year). So instead check out this list of Chicago-area volunteer opportunities if you want to participate. And please stop back Thursday and share with us tales of co-workers who legitimately called in sick tomorrow and found themselves inadvertently outed.
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They had a thing sort of like this when I was in college. You were supposed to wear blue jeans on that day to show your gay pride.
Needless to say...
So... we're supposed to associate homosexuality with disease now?
Maybe they didn't think this cunning plan through.
Completely off-topic, I love when someone who says "Needless to say" doesn't proceed to say.
:-)
A day without Gay is like a day without sunshine...
I also read that they were encouraging gay people to not buy anything or spend any money tomorrow.
I think this is a great idea. Especially the spending money part.
I think the idea of taxation without representation applies to everyone including gays. If their interests are not represented in California then they have every right to stop paying taxes.
Go gays!
That's intelligent, Matty.
"Can You Go a Day Without A Gay?"
I could do a lifetime!
Pertinent question: Brown Elephant is supposed to pick up two couches from me tomorrow. Am I screwed?
/not that there's anything wrong with that
Easily the dumbest shit I've heard(or Read) all day.....
"because we're sick of being treated like second-class citizens."
Alot of gays think that people don't like them because of their sexual preferences but apparently don't realize what the real issue is. It may not be your sexual preference...it may just be because you don't shut the fuck up about being gay and you annoy the living-fucking-shit out of people. Most adults could care less what you want to stick your dick in or rub your vagina on.
Just be gay and leave us alone. If you keep fucking with us breeders we're going to have a parade route planned right through "your" neighborhood.
Whoa
I am laughing so hard .... oh my goodness!
"If you keep fucking with us breeders we're going to have a parade route planned right through "your" neighborhood. "
That shit is hilarious!
Indeed, JayDee. I am so sick of gays attacking me, and forcing me to watch "Mommy Dearest," my eyes held open "Clockwork Orange" style. Those pushy fucks, asking for tolerance and forming a community. Who do they think they are? Contributing citizens or something?
You're a douche.
Indeed, I am certainly a douche. A douche who can't fully understand how or why a community needs to be formed based on sexual preference. I mean,seriously.
I often notice how some gay people try to equate their "struggle" to that of the african-american community. The quote I commented on earlier is a perfect example. Gays aren't treated as second-class citizens. Gay people are everywhere and are free to do whatever they want. With the only exception being they can't legally marry. And honestly, I don't understand it at all. All they're protesting for is the right to make a relationship legal in the eyes of the state. Just putting a paper contract between them.
Marriage and divorces seem to be a nightmare these days and I have no idea why so many people think marriage is so important. If you love someone and want to be with them why do you need to legally bind yourself with a paper contract? I'm sorry, it just doesn't make sense to me.
Speaking from experience, one of my biggest problems with the gay community is as soon as someone doesn't like them or has an issue with them they cry homophobe or you don't like gay people or I'm being discriminated against because of my sexual orientation. Is it possible I just don't like you for another reason?
If alot of the people in the gay community in the US think they have it so bad, I would highly suggest visiting Jamaica or Iran. They publicly hang homosexuals in Iran. If someone finds out your gay in Jamaica you will probably get shot.
Everything I've seen about the attitude in the gay community is so "in your face' and" if you don't like me it's because I'm gay." It's all about shock value and how much attention they can get. It's really obnoxious. And before anyone says anything, I lived in boy's town, I mean Wrigleyville for quite some time and had a gay roommate for awhile. We would constantly have discussions and even he admitted that he found the gay community to be a bit ridiculous at times. So I know my point of view isn't a unique one. I have no problem with gay people...I just don't understand them.
I really love some of these comments.
"Gays aren't treated as second-class citizens"
Except when it comes to adoption rights in several states, which explicitly say that they cannot. Or in workplace non-discrimination codes which do not mention sexual orientation.
"Gay people are everywhere and are free to do whatever they want."
Except have equal health benefits and protection for partners from many workplaces, tax-benefits/recognition from several local and state governments as well as the federal government, and up until the latter part of the 20th century being able to lose citizenship and be imprisoned for gay acts.
I really could go on, except that all of these arguments that were presented in other comments (plus more!) are based on ignorance and unfocused anger...how about doing some reading/research instead of lashing out about "those in-your-face people." Since we are indeed everywhere, we would appreciate you talking to one of "us" and maybe categorizing "us" in such a manner. Kthnxbye.
maybe not*
Because communities based on locality, food preference and worship of a given deity as so sensible?
Hmm, paying very close attention? Boning up a little on "the gays". Putting "struggle" in quotes is very cute by the way. Like how all those Native Americans were "cheated" out of their land. Or how all those Irish were "driven" from their homes.
Or adopt children. Or not be fired based on the sexual orientation. Or recieve partner benefits any straight couple gets as a given. Or live without fear of gay bashing, homophobic violence and slurs. It does hurt the recruiting effort.
Says the heterosexual (I assume) who has the choice. Speak to the man with no feet about how much you dislike your shoes.
Well, if I saw "I don't like that black guy" or "I don't like that mexican woman" people might raise an eyebrow. Feel free to dislike gays and lesbians for who they are and what they do, but when you make sweeping perjorative statements about the community or make a point of someone's sexual identity in expressing your distaste for them, well, acting surprised you're called out on that is a bit thick.
That's a false argument. By that logic women here should shut up because they can drive and women in Saudi Arabia can't.
Is this our baseline? "Well, we won't shoot you people ok, or hang you. Now are you happy?"
I love straight people who get all nancy about gays and lesbians being "in your face". Here's an experiment, count how many straight couples you see engaged in PDA in one day. On the street, in media you consume, just count. I've done it, got to about 50 just walking around wrigleyville. Is that "in my face!". No. Just people.
We're here, We're queer, get over yourself.
Yes, unlike the subtle displays of sexuality in the straight media. Oh look, Britney Spears...
Do you have any black friends?
It is indeed, but any community has it's freaks. Dear god, have you seen the Italians on Columbus day? The Irish run the streets green with puke and beer. Come on now.
You don't need to understand gay people. Just stop treating them as "the gays" and treat us like people and we'll be square.
JayDee you are my hero! I have argued this to the point were I almost confused myself. To me homosexuality is nothing but a lifestyle with no rules. I have analyzed friend who "became" gay and it is nothing but a show of "I don't give a ish what you think" and "let's party".
That's completely untrue and offensive.
You cannot possibly have friends.
And some of the worst racists here within the Chicago area are gay white men themselves. So for them try to equate their "struggle" to that of the African-American community would be laughable.
thatsright: and who might these KKK/Steamworks members be? let's hear some names.
and chicity, I think you easily confuse yourself. Keep using your brain and you might come to conclusions that are hard to get past your beliefs. I know, it's very hard when your beliefs are challenged by rational thought.
I'm not going to get in the middle of this profound debate, but I got a laugh out of these two comments in the same post:
You don't need to understand gay people. Just stop treating them as "the gays" and treat us like people and we'll be square.
and
We're here, We're queer, get over yourself.
Seriously, I just want somebody to come pick up these couches.
I hate when I can't sleep ...
I'm all for equal rights for all people, but here's why I can't get behind this gay marriage argument. Marriage is a religious institution, and I think government has no place telling any church what they must or must not recognize as part of one of their institutions. The problem is that government already has assigned certain legal rights to this particular institution, like health insurance and such. The only solution is that government also extend these same legal rights to all.
This is why I think governments should ensure civil unions, and even more should legally define all marriages as civil unions. I don't think governments should call this "marriage," however, as the concept of marriage is defined by religion and therefore outside government purview, as put forth in the Constitution. Marriage certificates should instead be certificates of civil union or somesuch. Those who fight for marriage as opposed to fighting for civil unions should be arguing with their church, not their government. They're only fighting for a word, not a right.
Ontology,
Is that a metaphor? Like, couches of oppression or something?
Oh wait, you mean actual furniture. No idea there. Sorry.
Bluefairlane,
It has nothing to do with the church when the state MANDATES that gay people cannot marry. That is what happened with proposition 8. While I appreciate your attempt at seperating marriage as a religious vs. legal institution your understanding of what is going on right now is shameful.
Legal, pro-active discrimination based on sexual-orientation should and probably will be shot down by the courts. "."
Marriage is a religious institution, and I think government has no place telling any church what they must or must not recognize as part of one of their institutions.
Allowing gay people the same marriage rights has nothing to do with churches, which will remain free to do what they want. It is only about marriage rights--that is, a contract--recognized by the government. I think this is a point of confusion and, in some cases, propaganda that has helped those opposed to gay marriage.
I agree that government has no role telling churches what to do--Bible thumpers remain free to dislike whomever--but that's not really the issue here.
I don't think governments should call this "marriage," however, as the concept of marriage is defined by religion and therefore outside government purview, as put forth in the Constitution.
Well, the religious nuts don't want to surrender what they consider as the traditional definition of marriage. That is one challenge of your idea.
You may think of marriage as a religious institution, but if you look at the history of marriage and how it came to be....there
is nothing religious about it.
So, you can take all of your 'sacred sacrament' baloney and stuff it.
I also want to add, to all of the naysayers, try living your life for a few days pretending that you cannot be your true self....try hiding your sexuality for fear of being harassed, beat up, bashed, bullied or fired from your job.
I've known several people, and know one now, who are afraid to come out for fear of losing the love and support of their families and friends and or face ridicule at their jobs.
Living your life like this is horribly stressful. I know a guy right now, he's 22 and he's not even out to himself yet!
So, what's that like?
He binge drinks (two weeks ago totaled his car and is now facing a DUI...blew a 2.0) he can't hold down a job, he gets in trouble...his whole life is going down the tubes because of the self hate he feels.
Everyone is different and yes, he's making his own choices...but if he lived in a world where everyone was accepted for who they are and he could live his life the way he was born to live it, he might be on a different track right now.
So, I think that we can all handle the flamers because for every flamer out there, there are a dozen more like my friend who are afraid to admit their sexuality.
And I hate to be cliche, but life would be pretty boring if we were all the same. I enjoy people who spice my life up, people who challenge me to think. I really want to live in a colorful world.
AlbanyParkour:
Please have someone edit your posts down to about three or four concise paragraphs. Or maybe just some nifty bulletpoints. I think I had to scroll down six times to read that comment.
- the " " you speak of were sarcastic ones. I included the " " because I think it's a joke that gay people believe that they are in a struggle for rights. It is definitely an issue and if they believe changes should be made I completely understand. But it is not a struggle.
- I don't treat gays as gays. I treat them with as much respect as I would treat anyone else. What they do doesn't bother me. I just don't take part in it. So in the eyes of a gay person I'm a homphobe by default. That's my only issue.
- Your Britney comment is baffling. The "straight" media. Jeez...first it was left and right wing media. Now there's straight media too? I can't keep up.
The heart of the discrimination against gays and lesbians is, in fact, legal, at least in this aspect. (There are far, far more odious manifestations, but we're not talking about those because we're hung up on a word.) This is why I argue that this discrimination should be removed. The state should not MANDATE (matty's capitalization, not mine) who can or can not marry. It shouldn't have anything to do with it. All people, whether gay, straight or bi, should be able to go down to a courthouse and file a certificate of civil union. When these people go home, they should be able to call it whatever they want. If they can get a church that will throw them a ceremony, fine. If some church doesn't want to recognize the ceremony, fine. But government has no place in that ceremony.
Those committed to the marriage aspect simply for the sake of a word, however, are living under the delusion that they can somehow outlaw bigotry as well, that they can somehow force acceptance on those who don't want to accept. As unfortunate as it is, though, there will always be bigots. There will always be those who don't accept you for who you are. You can not force tolerance, so look instead to simply force fairness.
Jay,
While you're entitled to your viewpoint, I think some commenters would disagree with your last statement about respecting gays as much as anyone else. As per your first comment that brought out the ire:
"it may just be because you don't shut the fuck up about being gay and you annoy the living-fucking-shit out of people"
See, that's why I'm not convinced.
Wanda Sykes says it best:
It seems to me that the conservatives are hung up on the word "marriage." I say, let them keep marriage. It's just a word, terminology. Gays just want their union to be legally recognized across the country. What they really want are the same benefits that marriage offers, which in my opinion are none. So gay couples should just come up with a word other than marriage that means the same thing. Hell, come up with something that's better than marriage. Call it Mardi Gras! "I just got my invitation to Carol and Janet's Mardi Gras." Come on, who don't like a good Mardi Gras? You can't be mad about that. "Jake and Lester been Mardi Gras'd for thirty years." Don't let a word get in the way of your rights. Mardi Gras would be perfect. Gays love a good parade; have your Mardi Gras on a float. Give each other matching Mardi Gras beads. Write your own Mardi Gras vows. It will catch on. "Is this her first Mardi Gras?" "No, this is her second. She has three kids from a previous Mardi Gras."
A Mardi Gras would be wonderful. You don't have to subject your best friend to all that damn planning and inconvenience. No one has to worry about what to wear that day. Just come to party. You don't have to remember some unimportant words you spent the night before trying to memorize. Married couples would look at gays in complete jealousy. It's like married couples have to live up to the standards of what everyone thinks marriage should be.
Recently Married Person: Damn, I gotta go to the in-laws for Thanksgiving. I hate going over there. They're always pressuring me about how much money I make and about having children.
Recently Mardi Gras'd Person: Well, since our parents rejected us because we're gay, why don't we have Thanksgiving together with all of our other rejected friends? We can all get drunk and go out dancing until the early morning.
Recently Married Person: Damn, I wish I had a Mardi Gras.
i'd like to say something that i don't think i saw yet in these comments ...
it's not "sexual preference," it's sexual orientation. save for a few people who may make the 'choice' for a particular 'lifestyle,' gay people are born gay. period. if you don't believe it and are straight, think about what it would be like to 'choose' to be gay and go against every natural instinct you feel as a straight person. there you go. it's unthinkable, right?
and as several people have said ... this is a legal issue, not a religious issue. up until fairly recently, interracial marriage was illegal. jon stewart had a great convo about this subject with mike huckabee last night. and as jon continued to point out, we have 'redefined' marriage consistently. from property arrangement, interracial, etc. as he so astutely pointed out, if you go all bible, it was all good to be polygamous in the old testament.
the idea that this will corrode the fabric of society is preposterous. you're telling me all the crazy ass marriages and families torn apart by divorce in straightland are better than two moms or two dads having a stable family? hardly.
for some reason, this strikes fear into people and they get unintelligent about it. they get angry and rational thinking goes out the window. the fact of the matter is, i can think it's gross for a 35 year old to marry an 18 year old -- it can offend my personal beliefs and moral sensibilities -- but it's still legal. and all the rights given to more conventionally married people still apply.
i have never heard a cogent argument for why this is any different than denying civil rights based on an inherent trait or trying to provide 'separate but equal' options for people.
I'm ignoring this protest because the Logo channel too often broadcasts The Big Gay Sketch Show, which isn't funny, and not enough episodes of Noah's Arc, which is just wonderful. When the LGBT community gets their shit together and alters the Logo channel to mirror MY tastes, then I'll get on board.
Toodles!
Gay people don't worry, your legal marriage will be a right some day. It's the sick direction the world in going in, that will make it happen.
Just hang on a bit and you wish shall be granted.....unfortunatley.
Way to sign up for Chicagoist commenting for the sole purpose of expressing your dislike for gays. You're a stellar individual.
Signed up long time ago, forgot password = I am here now buddy boy!
When people don't have anything solid to say they punch below the belt.
Nice try!
chicity... you read the Chicagoist? Really?
It's the sick direction the world in going in, that will make it happen.
I bet the Sumarians said the same thing a few thousand years ago, probably about some nonconformist who figured out a better way to grown grain.
And your grandpa probably said the same thing about your generation, watching too much TV and kissing at far too early an age.
You could at least be original in your dislike of gays. Christ. "This world today ..." just doesn't cut it.
Indeed, chicity, here you are. And I for one am glad that we're going to keep hearing trenchant insight like "that shit is hilarious" and "I have analyzed friend who "became" gay."
Wow, so this is how celebrities feel.
BTW, I am a warrior (lol) so your personal attacks are welcomed.
All the paste and cut + " = nada.
Great, now when I call in sick to take tomorrow off everyone will think I'm gay.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Oh and my Grandpa was a manly man who loved puss_y til the day he died. I am proud to have looked up to him and feel sorry for the future genration of kids that are gonna have to look up to gay parents and grandparents.... they are in trouble!
You have your opinion and I have mine.
Freedom of speech ... right?
I am proud to have looked up to him and feel sorry for the future genration of kids that are gonna have to look up to gay parents and grandparents.... they are in trouble!
Ok, I'll play. That "logic" assumes that all straight parents are, by default, better.
The money made my Dr Phil and others who peddle psychobabble says otherwise.
By the way, you've not defined "trouble," only tossed out a vague word that serves as some sort of code for the like minded. I assume you are smarter than your words here.
Freedom of speech ... right?
I don't see how anyone is trying to limit your freedom of speech. Quite the contrary, in fact. Trying out for a martyr part already? Tell you what: Try writing an idea without falling back on cliche, either in word choice or rheotorical tactics.
So does that mean if someone is bi, they just get to take the afternoon off??
You know t's funny that you mentioned "DR.phil" cause I have never watched 1 episode. You are trying to break things down when you know exactly what I mean. Seriously, I don't know what your problem is. I would sign on a dotted line in a heartbeat so Gay people can get married. I am one of those that just want the complaining and whinning to stop. I don't give a shit what you people do as long as you shut the hell up and get back to that wierd community/lifestyle of yours.
What's the huge problem you are having with what I said? Do you want me to throw on some pink cheeleader outfit and go cheer fo you? Do you want me to support you "cause"? Do you want me to say "yes, gay people are born that way" or "gay people are my equal"? I can't, I won't so live with it. I have to live with what seems like a gay plague hit so you have to deal with me.
Fair?
If you get any other ideas of what I like or who I am let me clear some of them up for you.
Fcuk Bush, Fcuk Obama, Fcuk terrorist, Fcuk Oprah, Dr. Phil, Bill O'reilly, the french, bitch a$$ liberals and fanatic conservitives...... welll you get the point....maybe.
....and fcuk gays too!
Chicity: I suspect I should not take you seriously, as you seem to be eager for attention, but if you really don't like gays, then what on earth is the problem?
Don't associate with them.
Don't visit Boys Town or Andersonville.
Don't watch Bravo or other channels.
You could move, too, if you live in an area with a lot of visible gays.
You are free to dislike whomever you want. No one has said otherwise. The rub comes when you try to infringe on others' civil rights, rights that other people have.
See, simple solutions to life's complicated problems.
If I were to see a gay dude on the side of the road with car troubles I would stop the car and help. That is the type of person I am. What I dislike is people who whine all the time. This country is becoming such a whinny and bitchy place it's rediculous. Blame me for not knowing more gay people but all the ones I know are a bunch of biatches both male and female. Now you might say " maybe it's the people you know" and I may say you are right but how come none (majority) of the straight people I know act like that. Do I select the right "straight" ones and just know all the fucked up gay ones or do i just over analyze the gay ones? Told you I have come to the point where even I am confused with that fucked up topic...lol. Now you can tell me to move etc etc but I love the U.S and expecially Chicago. Anyways if I moved to Europe it would just get worst and if I moved to Iraq....welll you know.
I actually love a good laugh more than attention. That is why I love this topic!
Actually, chicity's problem might be that he really WANTS to put on that pink cheerleading outfit and get fucked (since he seems to like that word a lot).
What I dislike is people who whine all the time.
Yet here you are, whining and bitching about gays being too visible for your comfort. Buck up and be tough, soldier! Stoicism can be sexy if done right.
biatches
What on earth is that?
A douche who can't fully understand how or why a community needs to be formed based on sexual preference. I mean,seriously.
It usually happens when people are widely discriminated against. Boob.
If I were to see a gay dude on the side of the road with car troubles I would stop the car and help.
How very big and selfless of you to treat the person as a human.
Especially considering you would have known the person was gay as you drove up because all gays have that mandatory auto emblem that lets you know they're gay.
I can't believe these people who've been traditionally discriminated against and marginalized from our community decided to form their own? What's up with that!
Funny people you things are.
Ingrid: You almost made me spit up my coffee. That fuckkkkiiiiinnnnnng shit was pretty funny.
Since you made a personal attack I will make my own. I bet you are a 220 # butchy dyke that was never able to get a man and had to settle for a woman that looked like you do now but without a D_ck.
Please, people you can say what you want about me but does not bother at all. Like I said if you don't like what I say then move on. You are pissed because I responded to comments made at eh beggining of this post. Get over it, under it or you best spot behind it.
I am telling you I like gay people but not their bitchiness. This world needs Gays. It would be boring without them. They throw rocking parties, they are always happy and skipping all over the place (well most of them), my daughter loves all those pretty colors in you national flag. I feel like this .... Gay people are like clowns, creepy but funny as hell when the fall.
By the way I am done laughing for the day. I have grown up things to do now...lol.
Happy glitter sprinking.
"sprinkling"....
before the colorful spelling nazis attack.
He has grown up things to do. Like talking about how his grandfather "loved puss_y." I shall leave you to your research and scholarship, sir.
The gay community as a whole need to clean up the mess within their own community before playing the discrimination card.
FACTS:
1. gay racism towards gay black men within the gay community is still prevalent and is not being addressed.
2. the gay media and publications almost always focus only on gay white men rather than promote gay diversity.
3. the gay male culture still reeks with sexual obsession and promiscuity as well as drug and alcohol abuse. Therefore, many gay males are still being infected with various STDs including AIDS at high rates.
So to all the gay organizers, first clean up the mess in your own yard before expecting change from the government and the public at large.
ugh, next thing you know they'll want to be able to vote and drive too!