justice and all that

I'm not doing the gay rights meme that's going around, because I (and others) find the wording of it annoying. It's too much like "forward on this chain letter or you will get dandruff, hangnails and leprosy!"

That said, National Coming Out Day is on Oct. 11. So in honor of that and as an alternative to that bloody meme, might I suggest posting something to this effect?

*I am, or love someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and/or intersexed.

*I believe all people have the right to be who they are, and to love and form a family with the people they choose, free of legal consequences, harassment and ridicule.

*I choose to show respect by refusing to:
--go along with disrespectful jokes or taunting
--use the word "gay" to describe something I dislike
--act as if sexual orientation or gender status is something shameful or pornographic that should be kept out of public view
--believe that religious dogma is a legitimate excuse for denying basic human rights to anyone
--reinforce gender disparity by insisting on narrow definitions of male and female gender expression, roles and behavior

*I choose to make the world a better, safer place for sexual and gender minorities by:
--being politically active
--voting for issues and candidates that support human rights, and encouraging others to do so
--confronting bigotry when I see it
--supporting comprehensive sex education that includes information on safer sex practices, respecting oneself and one's partners and the understanding that men and women are not biological or social polar opposites
--encouraging people to come out when they are safely able to, and supporting them when/if they have to deal with negative reactions
--leaving groups, including religious organizations, that support bigotry, or working within these groups to change their ways

Post this (or variants thereof) or not as you will. No pressure. But, I hope, food for thought.