Being LGBQ in Alabama

A gay friend in Fargo went to graduate school in Alabama. He talked about the strong support for gay and trans in the theater department where he studied and the productions with gay themes that are put on stage. On the web, one can read about a wealthy benefactor who make available a resort for gay people to use for their organizations' retreats. Yet, Alabama has more anti-gay state laws than any state in the U.S. It is red neck center. A columnist at the NY Times recently reviewed her visits to Alabama to see what gay life is like there today.

She talked to a long-time school teacher, popular with students and parents. His hobby was appearing in drag shows. He donated the money he made to community causes. When a member of the audience shouted a gay taunt, he replied he has been a teacher of decades and heard it all before. Unfortunately, a reporter was present and thought the colorful exchange would make good copy. After some months of controversy, he was forced out of his school job. Perhaps he was vested in the retirement system and could exist unemployed. 

The link leaves the impression those fighting for gay rights in Alabama are especially determined. One would think the temptation to leave would be the overpowering force. Instead, there remains a large population that pushes back against all the religious whackos embedded in the state. 

Staying and pushing back is what goes on to one degree or another in every state. Some cannot leave, other can leave but choose not to. When I was active in gay rights in Fargo I met so many gay people living secret lives. They were even a secret from each other back then. There was a gay bar but the majority were not fans of bars.

My observation, and it is not an "expert" opinion, is that religious fervor brings out push back that is especially energetic. It seems like this is happening in states, including Alabama, where draconian religious measures have been passes against abortion. Texas, Mississippi and such places have raised money and found ways to celebrate LGBT and find ways to get abortions. Perhaps the emotion generated by religion triggers an emotionally charged response.    

Comments

  1. Matt NoahJanuary 7, 2023 at 7:59 AM

    There are far more public (government) school teachers than priests in the USA. Regardless, the problem of sexual abuse of minors is terrible independent of where it arises in our society. It is more disgusting when it emanates from priests or other religious figures who are charged with representing moral conduct.

    The article, "Chicago schools watchdog finds hundreds of employees groomed, sexually assaulted students", https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-schools-watchdog-finds-hundreds-employees-groomed-sexually-assaulted-students is an example of how pervasive child sexual abuse has become. The Catholic Church has made great strides in addressing this problem. It seems other parts of society need to be more vigilant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JonJanuary 7, 2023 at 8:43 AM

      Matt "...how pervasive child sexual abuse has become."

      I don't know about Chicago study, but it has nothing to do with this story. Performing in drag is all this fellow did. That some children saw him performing has never been linked to grooming children for sexual exploitation. Claiming men performing in drag are grooming children for sexual abuse is an unfounded myth of your group, the religious right. You continue to entertain us with the views from la la land.

      Delete

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