4 ms·

I want to help other groups in this industry; however, there is no speaking to them. I think I partially know how it feels to be gay, because I didn't choose m

by aphyr 13y ago

I want to help other groups in this industry; however, there is no speaking to them. I think I partially know how it feels to be gay, because I didn't choose my situation yet there is an extremely vocal group that wants me to believe I am doing something wrong. I humbly submit that you have no idea how it feels to be gay, and that the best way to find out is to actually talk to us. aphyr@aphyr.com.

jsmthrowaway 13y ago
> I humbly submit that you have no idea how it feels to be gay It was a bad example, which is why I included partially, and I apologize for my poor thought there. I was only identifying with having no choice in a situation and then having vocal groups attempt to vilify that situation. I am certainly not claiming that I experience any hardship that gay folks do beyond that one. Please don't assume I'm in a bubble, either; I married into a Mormon family and experienced that intolerance firsthand as I fought against it. E-mailed as requested.
- johnbm 13y ago
  I'm gay and I feel exactly the same way about this whole farce. The idea that no straight person can truly sympathize is bullshit... and when it comes from those who complain about a lack of empathy in others, I just scratch my head. The irony is of course, they are themselves the most privileged around: white, educated tech employees in Silicon Valley.
  - aphyr 13y ago
    On the contrary, I believe strongly in the importance of allies.
    - johnbm 13y ago
      "Ally" is just another in the long line of useless SJW concepts. How about just not being homophobic or sexist? But no, that's not deemed sufficient. Privilege is basically the SJW take on Original Sin, and declaring yourself to be an ally is like self-flaggelating yourself into repentance. You don't need to ally yourself with every gay person to not be a homophobe, and you don't need to ally yourself with every woman to not be a sexist. The people who want "allies" tend to be surrounded by unquestioning fans and tend to get their panties in a bunch when faced with actual criticism, deserved or not. If you believe that any criticism you receive happens because you are gay or because you are a woman, then "allies" are the only people who won't upset your delicate sensibilities.

by aphyr 13y ago

jsmthrowaway 13y ago

> I humbly submit that you have no idea how it feels to be gay It was a bad example, which is why I included partially, and I apologize for my poor thought there. I was only identifying with having no choice in a situation and then having vocal groups attempt to vilify that situation. I am certainly not claiming that I experience any hardship that gay folks do beyond that one. Please don't assume I'm in a bubble, either; I married into a Mormon family and experienced that intolerance firsthand as I fought against it. E-mailed as requested.

johnbm 13y ago
I'm gay and I feel exactly the same way about this whole farce. The idea that no straight person can truly sympathize is bullshit... and when it comes from those who complain about a lack of empathy in others, I just scratch my head. The irony is of course, they are themselves the most privileged around: white, educated tech employees in Silicon Valley.
- aphyr 13y ago
  On the contrary, I believe strongly in the importance of allies.
  - johnbm 13y ago
    "Ally" is just another in the long line of useless SJW concepts. How about just not being homophobic or sexist? But no, that's not deemed sufficient. Privilege is basically the SJW take on Original Sin, and declaring yourself to be an ally is like self-flaggelating yourself into repentance. You don't need to ally yourself with every gay person to not be a homophobe, and you don't need to ally yourself with every woman to not be a sexist. The people who want "allies" tend to be surrounded by unquestioning fans and tend to get their panties in a bunch when faced with actual criticism, deserved or not. If you believe that any criticism you receive happens because you are gay or because you are a woman, then "allies" are the only people who won't upset your delicate sensibilities.