Oh, I know firsthand, being a bisexual that leans towards the same gender myself and an elected official that reprsents an LGBT constinuency at my university. I saw Before Stonewall in class. I consider myself a libertarian-leaning Republican who advocates for less government. That ranges from keeping the government out of people's personal relationships to keeping it out of the sociopolitical values that we instill in our children.
I think your views on government might be hindering you from seeing the big picture here. I believe we're on the verge of a change in the way the LGBT community is viewed. It's already happening to an extent. I believe a lot of it is a generational thing, & the same can be said for how people view other groups that have been oppressed in the past.
For example, in 1992 my BFF Audrey was "going out" with a boy in our class, Sirron. I was telling my mom about them. Mom said "That's an interesting name, is he black?" I said he was. Mom freaked out saying that society will shun them and if they have kids they'll be outcasts. I said "Mom, they're 11. The most they do is hold hands at recess."
In 1998 my grandmother had a heart attack, & was hopsitalized for 3 weeks until she died. When my family would visit her, she would marvel to us about "her colored nurse" & was amazed that she was so nice and warm to her.
In 2001 my parents were visiting me in college. They told me that a family friend just got married. My mom incredulously added "And, his wife is black!" I asked my mom if she had 3 legs too, because I didn't see the big deal.
Obviously my family (at least my mom's side) was a tad racist. This was never passed down to me. It just wasn't something that we talked about very much. I can't remember who said this, but someone in this thread mentioned that kids learn a heck of a lot more from their friends and (nowadays) the internet than they do from their parents.
There are still so many stereotypes and assumptions that plague the LGBT community. IMHO the sooner these are put to rest the better. I'm all for dialog that helps people understand, if they care enough to. After that it's up to them on how they feel about it. But continuing to spread prejudice and misinformation isn't really helping anyone, you know?
In the grand scheme of things, a children's story about two princes getting married is really just a drop in the bucket.
. Again, I completely agree w/ you about the civil union thing. The majority of gay people I know don't care what people call it as long as the rights are there. Others see it as "separate but equal." And others are hardcore about wanting it to be called marriage. Me? I'm so tired of being angry at being denied things that my straight counterparts get to enjoy just because people don't "get it." I want the rights, no matter if people see it as "separate but equal." At this point it's better than nothing, & I think it'll eventuall lead to more tolerant views. Baby steps, you know?
