77% of Americans Know That They Know A Gay Person
YOU THINK YOU KNOW A GAY PERSON BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA:
77 percent of Americans now admit that they actually know another gay person. This is based on a CBS News poll released today. The survey surveyed 1,050 people who happened to be at home with a landline when CBS called between May 20th-24th, which isn’t necessarily the best way to reach gay socialites or urban dwellers, but whatevs. Obviously if I had paid attention during statistics, I could’ve done this survey myself but instead I’m sitting here in my underwear thinking about Harvey Milk.
Here’s the rest of those stats:
+ Nearly eight in 10 Americans know someone who is gay or lesbian, a percentage that has increased by 35 percentage points since 1992.
+ 43% of Americans think homosexual relations between consenting adults are wrong, while slightly more – 48% – do not. That has changed since 1978, when a majority felt it was wrong.
+ Just 36% think homosexuality is something people choose to be, most (51%) think it is how one is born. That, too, has changed over the years.
+ 53% of Americans think it is necessary to have laws that protect gays and lesbians from discrimination in hiring and promotion, 43% do not.
+ 84% of under 30s know a gay person, as opposed to only 66% of people over the age of 65.
Well, we have a theory based on talking to ourselves — 100% of Americans know a gay person. They just don’t KNOW that they know a gay person. This is partially our own fault for being collectively afraid to come out to our grandparents, but if CBS called your Mamaw right now, what would she say? Here’s what Harvey Milk wants to say:
Gay brothers and sisters,… You must come out. Come out… to your parents… I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you in the voting booth! Come out to your relatives… come out to your friends… if indeed they are your friends. Come out to your neighbors… to your fellow workers… to the people who work where you eat and shop… come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake. For the sake of the youngsters who are becoming scared by the votes from Dade to Eugene.
Regardless, isn’t it HILARIOUS that people who know you, don’t think you deserve equal rights? Oh, America. America!
ISRAEL:
All is not well in the world of Pride politics. Madrid has uninvited an Israeli delegation to their parade, one of the largest in the world, over fear of angering Palestinian groups. The Israel LGBT Union isn’t happy, pointing out that “Israel is the only country in the Middle East that holds pride parades, hangs pride flags on the streets and respects the gay and lesbian community’s rights. The primitive politicization and the blatant capitulation to the terror and violence of anti-Israeli elements go against the Pride Parade’s principle of preventing discrimination.” In Canada, Pride Toronto has decided to ban the term “Israeli Apartheid” at this year’s celebration, prompting 23 past recipients of Pride Toronto awards to give their awards back in protest. (@ynetnews) (@nowtoronto)
PARENTS:
Lesbians are Good Parents After All – “Contrary to assertions from people opposed to same-sex parenting, we found that the 17-year-olds scored higher in psychological adjustment in areas of competency and lower in problem behaviors than the normative age-matched sample of kids raised in traditional families with a mom and a dad.”(@webmd)
SEGREGATION:
With artists like dollar sign and Miley (who didn’t even kiss a girl, guys! She promises!) out there, we’re left wondering why Janelle Monae isn’t making bank – “Since her music crosses conventions, a logical conclusion would be that the Atlanta-based singer/songwriter has a broad appeal. Unfortunately, thanks to a system where music is market tested and distilled down to appeal to just one demographic, ”innovating” means ”liability.””(@theroot)
MAGAZINES:
Cosmo’s cover stories this month might be about the hottest World Cup Players and the top 4 spots he wants to be touched, but Teen Vogue‘s talking interracial dating. (@racialicious)
LOOKS MATTER:
“For the most part, we tolerate appearance-based discrimination as unfortunate but inevitable.” But in her new book, The Beauty Bias, Deborah Rhode proposes that discrimination based on looks should be policed in a similar way to racial, ethnic, gender, and disability discrimination. It might seem absurd, but her proof for America’s bias against what society sees as unattractive is certainly convincing. “In a survey, college students said that they would rather have a spouse who is an embezzler, drug user, or shoplifter than one who is obese, reports Rhode.” (@slate)
BOVINE BOTHERS:
Outrage over a cow reveals gender policing for humans. “There is no such thing as a “wrong” sex or gender. People should be allowed to define themselves and their gender as they see fit. Same for cartoon cows.” (@columbiamissourian)