A Manifesto

[sleigh]

I know people who are straight,
I know people who are bisexual,
I know people who are gay,
I know people who are transgendered,
I know people who are just 'differently' gendered.

I know people in monogamous, nuclear marriages,
I know people in open, polyamorous marriages,
I know people in group marriages,
I know people living together without marriage,
I know people who prefer to live alone.

I know people with children,
I know people without children.

I know people who are Christian,
I know people who are Muslim,
I know people who are Jewish,
I know people who are Buddhist,
I know people who are Pagan,
I know people who are Agnostic,
I know people who are Atheist.

I don't care which of the above categories people fall into as long as they feel that they are better people for being what they are, and they are happy. In fact, I'd love to hear why this works for you (even if it's not something I would find good for me) because I find it fascinating to understand why people are the way they are.

I find it appalling only when you tell me that your way is the only right and correct way, and you condemn me for the way I am.

Comments

[papersky.livejournal.com]

Amen!

I was thinking, we should start the straight married SF writers for diversity movement.

[rosefox]

Arisia already has a heterosexual monogamous meet 'n' greet.

[supergee.livejournal.com]

Why do you hate America? Why do you hate marriage?

[barondave.livejournal.com]

I'm currently reading Trinity by Leon Uris, about Ireland. Most of the book takes place in relatively modern times (through the early 20th century).

Much of Ireland's history is one of sectarian violence, and religious strife and prejudice against certain religions. People hate one another, and gleefully kill one another, on religious grounds. And everyone in the book is Christian.

So your list above. I agree, and have argued similarly, but ultimately it's not about any artificial differences. It's about finding common cause. If you hate someone just because they're [insert belief] then you will hate your neighbor for some other reason.

There are plenty of real reasons to find fault with someone without resorting to sphincter-driven hatred. At some level, we are all the same, and at some level we are all different. Wisdom is recognizing which is which and figuring out what to do about it.

Good heavens, doesn't anyone actually read the Bible?

Humph. Pardon me, it's too early for a good soapbox rant.

[lauriemann.livejournal.com]

Nice job, Steve!

[chamois-shimi.livejournal.com]

As they say on my favorite site - agree (1000)!

Awesome

[nicola314159.livejournal.com]

Just wonderful. I want to take this and give it to everyone I know.