It's not negligible but it is part of what makes you who you are. My friend reminded me "You know what? You're still you." when I came out to him last night.
Well, you should be proud for that reason. That's a little different than having "pride" solely for being gay.
I find that most social circles accept or reject you based on your choice of who you feel you should be. I have had to hide my true self from others who ridicule and sometimes torment my real self. It is hard watching others who happen to be born with what makes them happy and I feel like I got stuck with the leftovers. The aforementioned abuse is what keeps me from coming out. I'm too gentle and kind. I'm not the masculine fighter everyone thinks I should be. I feel what you say. Society is starting to turn but hasn't made the corner yet.
Yes, but the notion of gay pride being "pride solely for being gay" is a total strawman. That's not what gay pride is--not for me and not for anyone I know who feels it or celebrates it. We don't have parades because we like the wrong bits, we have parades because a good portion of society told us when we were little that we would never be alright, that we would never be happy or find love--that instead we would live dark lives in the shadows--and we stood up as individuals and as a community, came into the light and said no and found ways to be happy and honest and fulfilled, and yes, proud. That's why we have parades. That's gay pride.
No and yes. Everything about me defines me, not just one thing. I like to think I don't have something that solely defines me.
Maybe for you and others. But I've seen plenty of posters on this site - including me - and other places that interpret "gay pride" as having pride for being gay, which is fine. But I personally don't have pride for being gay.
I'm sort of with Mike on this one. Some people in a gay pride situation are sort of like bling while others are low key. As for the bling, I'm referring to some raucous things on display that are a little, or a lot, tasteless. If I want to see some of these things, I'll rent or go see an R-rated movie. Then, there are other people in these parades who show their talents or show people places of worship, and stuff like that. For the low key individuals, there's a lot that may not be of interest. There's another spin you can take. The gay pride parades can represent a commemoration of the strides that have been made, as in never forgetting those milestones. Just like 13 years later, people have "Never Forget" bumper stickers and articles with reference to 9/11. No one should ever forget these things, while moving forward at the same time. Then, how much of what is on the parade or in booths is relevant or helpful, and how much is just plain wacko?
It defines who I love and who I'll be crushing on and who I'll have strong connections with, but other than that, my sexuality is not the only thing about me. However, I agree, falling in love is something that can affect your daily life, like finding this amazing girl and then just constantly thinking about her and reblogging pictures on Tumblr that make you think of her, I mean, sexuality IS a special thing, mainly because it's about love and being with someone who could end up also being your closest friend.
I might be kind of bias because i have no freaking clue what i am, but i see people as people first. What really matters is what you hold dear to you, things like friends and family, if your sexuality is very important then it does define you. Otherwise it's a relatively small part of you.
Sexuality is a small part of me and parts of me define me; therefore, by transativity, sexuality defines me. Now does sexuality define all of me? Oh hell no. Even before I realized I was gay, I was still me. Now that I'm out...I act no different than when I was in the closet.
I'd like to think there's more to be than just being 'the guy who plays for both sides'. The idea that my sexual preference is supposed to rule over my heritage, my passions, my personality, etc.......I mean, it makes for a good laugh, but that's about it.
NOPE. i consider myself a metalhead before a gay dude if i have to label myself. i'm me after all lol. i don't think any label would be the right label if you were to describe me.
Being bisexual is a pretty big part of my identity. If it isn't the single largest aspect then it's probably second or third after being a furry and/or being a socialist. There is something really metal about a gay metalhead. That sounds awesome. Respect.
No I dont think my sexuality defines me. Since im not out to anyone, my sexuality has no affect on how people view me. Its a part of me but its not something I would use to describe myself (I wouldn't even use it if I was out).
My sexuality doesn't define me, at least introspectively though my friends like to call me fag and homo, things like that (endearing pet names). Coming to accept I'm gay (acceptence does not equal pride, I do not necessarily love being gay) has changed me however, because it was my deepest and darkest secret back then, when I told the world (except my family) I became much more 'myself', softer and friendlier to others (because that's my personality apparently >_>) though I do often look at the mirror and question whether if I really like the person look back at me in the mirror.
Yeah this exactly. But whatever my sexuality is, no it doesnt define me. Its an important point to ponder right now, but whatever the outcome is its a small portion of my life and I am perfectly fine with that
It definitely affects my life and how I am, but my life has other important goals that don't weight in my sexual attraction. I should be capable of making fair judgment without the influence of my sexuality. I really don't like it when others try to make conscious decision of how to deal with me based on my sexuality.
It doesn't define me, on its own at least. I do consider it to be a large part of my life, and my experiences with figuring it out and coming to terms with it have played a huge part in shaping me into the person I am today and will be tomorrow.
