As someone who has proudly marched for gay marriage, I’d like to respond to the vitriol of Jake from Preston (MCV # 387, Thursday June 5).
Supporting gay marriage is the single biggest thing we can do to fight
homophobia. Like it or not, marriage is the peak social institution in
most cultures. Our exclusion from it makes us second class citizens,
which in turn makes it easier for the bigots of this world to
discriminate, harass, vilify or engage in violence against us. Gay
marriage would give us greater social acceptance and recognition and
make it much more difficult for our homophobic enemies.
Jake speaks of the dire situation of GLBTIQ folk in places like Iran
and Jamaica, however fails to mention that the brave activists in these
countries support gay marriage in the West as it inspires them. Us
getting married gives them hope, as it symbolises equality, acceptance
and recognition they can aspire to.
The arguments of anti-marriage queers like Jake fall flat because they
are ultimately about identity. Because they identify as ‘queer’ or
‘radical’ or ‘working class’; as an outsider, or non-mainstream, they
assume that everyone else should too. All anti-marriage queers are
really doing is seeking to impose their values on other GLBTIQ people.
If you don’t want to get married, Jake, that’s fine; don’t. No one will
force you. But why deny the rest of your community the right to
equality because it doesn’t fit in with your view of yourself?
If Jake and anti-marriage queers are so concerned about the plight of
people in non-western countries, or about student poverty or whatever
else, then perhaps they should get off their butts and start a campaign
for those issues. Rather then whinging about those of us who choose to
do something constructive and actually fight for our rights, get out
there and do something for the causes you think are important. This
would achieve much more than writing a whining letter to MCV.
I can only presume from the venom in your letter, Jake, that you have
never had a long-term relationship or truly been in love, and that you
fear intimacy like so many younger gay men.
Perhaps if you ever get over your bitterness, you will understand that
love is the greatest thing you can aspire to. Having same-sex love
equally recognised enhances the rights and dignity of us all.
Christopher, Richmond
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Opinion 
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