Homophobia Top Trumps

He isn't particularly famous in Britain, but the ripples from Adam Lambert's gay kiss have reached far and wide. It seems to be a subject that has everyone divided. Talking with friends, both gay and straight, I was a bit shocked that it was mostly the gay ones who were complaining about it.

ABC has reportedly received nearly 2000 complaints. Hardly a blip on the radar compared to the half a million complaints received when Janet Jackson got her tit out at the Super Bowl, but enough to warrant the cancellation of Lambert's appearance on Good Morning America, over fears he may make a repeat performance. But is he really that stupid, or does the network just want to disassociate itself with such up front homosexuality?

However ill thought out his actions were, they were done in front of a largely adult audience, at an awards show that was shown in the evening. Whether it was premeditated or not, and despite its bad taste, no laws, either of legality or decency, were broken, so to assume that he would try and do the same thing in a prime time morning slot raises a lot of questions as to if that is the real reason behind his performance axing.

Despite what Lambert probably thought was a tongue in cheek way of bringing homosexuality into the mainstream, I can't help but thinking that he has probably set the whole thing back quite a bit, awaking the dormant homophobia in people who would otherwise not thought twice about watching a gay performer.

The issue with the subject that my friends seemed to have, was not the fact that he was gay, but the fact that what he did was unnecessary and uncomfortable to watch. Nothing to do with him being gay, but being an idiot. When questioned about whether or not they would feel the same if he were straight, the result was an overwhelming yes, with people like Lady Gaga and her bizarre on stage antics being given as an example of some more uncomfortable viewing.

It is all too easy for people to start throwing in the homophobia card, now that a gay person is facing a backlash over their antics, but when all is said and done, I think the majority of people were just uncomfortable with having to view it, just as I am sure they would have been if it were a straight artist up on stage simulating oral sex. That is not to say that a number of the complainants do not have homophobic motives, but on the whole, I think it has just been seen as bad taste.

Regardless of the backlash, Lambert has gotten his desired publicity, and his name is now in the minds of a lot more people than it was before. This, like so many other controversies before it, will be quickly forgotten, and if he can ride out the storm for the next few weeks, he will probably come out of it a lot better off in album sales.

Heading For Queer Hell

I was raised in a Catholic family. We weren't overtly religious, but it was more of a background thing. Nowadays I wouldnt say I was particularly religious, but I have my faith and I am proud of it. Obviously, in the eyes of my religion, I live in sin, but my friends and family don't have an issue with my 'sinning' and so I don't much care about the opinions of others who my life neither touches, nor affects.

This evening I had to run out to the shop for something, and the quickest way to get there without the car was through the city's gay district. Half way through my journey I was stopped by a women who looked to be in her 40's. Anyone who has spent any time on the streets of Manchester knows that you can't go more than a few feet without being stopped by a tramp, charity worker, god botherer etc, but I stopped and spoke to her nonetheless. She asked my what I was doing in the area, so I told her, and then she asked if I was one of 'them gays' to which I said yes.

Now, I am pretty tolerant of people's views and opinions. After all, they are entitled to them, as I am my own, right? Anyway, the woman proceeded to hand me leaflets about the catholic church, with headings such as 'return to the fold' and 'Don't ruin your life with homosexuality', with statements from 'ex gays' who had realised that they didnt need to rebel by being gay anymore etc.

More out of curiosity than politeness, I listened as she told me that I was on the path to hell and that Jesus was willing to accept me back into his heart as soon as I was ready to become 'normal' and admit my sins.

In a strange way I kind of understood where she was coming from. I mean, I don't agree with her views, but I understand why she does. What got me thinking was though, was the number of people out there who preach and feel the need to stick their noses in where it doesnt belong. It was a wierd experience because I have never really come up against any personal religious opposition or homophobia, so to witness someones small mindedness for myself.

What I can't believe is that the catholic church, with all of its history and a magnificent drop in its followers, is still peddling this bullshit to its congregation, who in turn feel the need to peddle this shit on to me. Raising children to be filled with hatred is something no religion should be proud of. I am not from a particularly religious area, so this kind of thing doesnt get seen too often, but it makes me feel for the people who have to put up with listening to this shit on a daily basis. Is this something that has happened to any of you?

As I said, I have my own faith and if there is a heaven, then what with me being made in God's image, and old Jesus dying for my sins, I am pretty sure I will get a room with a view. I didn't choose to be gay, but I wouldnt have it any other way. I happen to really like my life and I am proud of who I am. I know my family is too, and that is all that really matters anyway, right?