Equality?

The topic for this rant is EQUALITY. Why equality? I’ll tell you why. And it’s not only about what you think. Sure, some of it is political, but really, do we truly have a say? Don’t answer that. There are two subjects I don’t broach with anyone but my partner….politics and religion. Those two subjects will always cause problems in any level of relationship. Sometimes I don’t even broach either with my partner.

Anyhow. Back to equality. I can only speak on the topic from MY personal view. I understand that equality should be across the board, but I can’t speak from anyone’s shoes but my own, so please no comments about “what makes you different from anyone else on this”. Being different, or “better”, is not my stance.

So here goes. Aside from the obvious equality issues surrounding the gay community, why can’t we get equality on a personal level? And yes. I said WE. I understand and long for the day that I can get married and be just as miserable as everyone else. That’s political (and some argue religious as well, so BOTH of my taboo topics all in one). But what about equality in how we live our everyday lives?

Let me explain….I have found since I have come out, that in the work place, around the proverbial water cooler, I have felt that, when talking about relationships, I have had to say “I’m gay. So anyway, my partner….” Why would I use the term “girlfriend” when referring to a relationship that’s 10 years old? I can’t use wife, because legally….. Unfortunately, “partner” gets glossed over and I still get the “so how long have you been with him.”

And what about the gossip in the work place….Why do co-workers feel the need to whisper and say “Hey. Did you know so-and-so is gay?” How would all of the straight people out there feel if their co-workers, gay or not, whispered and said “Hey. Did you know so-and-so is straight?” Why is my sexual preference such a hot topic that it has to be treated like something other than what you have?? I love just as deeply as a straight person. I have the same needs in a relationship. As a matter of fact, the ONLY thing different in MY relationship (not that I have one at the moment) is that it’s with someone of the same sex. NOTHING else is different, so why is it so necessary to MAKE it different by exclaiming….”She’s gay!” I think I will make sure to say “She’s straight!”

PDA….Straight people will look at a gay couple holding hands or a light peck on the lips and say “That’s disgusting!” Here’s my stance on that. Holding hands or a light peck, gay or straight, doesn’t bother me. It’s professing the deepest most beautiful emotion given to us as humans. Now when we get into tonsil checking, making sure fillings are intact…that’s when it disturbs me. Gay or straight…if you are close to copulation…GET A ROOM! That’s just disturbing HUMAN behavior. The digust level is in no way related to WHO’S doing it.

So before you whisper at the water cooler at work, think about if the situation were reversed how much difference would it REALLY make?