We originally found a link to the Facebook page I See It Differently on reddit, and were intrigued: ISID is straight, but one of his posts is a sort-of open letter to people that have a problem with gays and lesbians.
In his statement, ISID speaks candidly about the gay people in his life, including his son—whom he regrets taking so long in accepting.
I went to school with a guy that was openly gay. He was a black guy and we called him “Gay Nate.” He was a “swishy” gay. The gayest of gays. Always used animated hand movements, and walked like he had a pendulum for an ass. Flashy and showy. Everyone has seen the type. I thought he was ridiculous, but being gay wasn’t why. I know straight people that act all showy and want to be the center of attention. I think they are ridiculous too.
I also knew a gay guy that was the opposite of swishy. He taught Karate and even won the Battle of Atlanta one year. He could kick your ass and not even smear his mascara. Did I mention this manly guy also did drag shows on the weekend and had a HUGE following of fans? But not many people knew about his weekend lifestyle. He had his own studio and had to keep his business aspect separate for obvious reasons. Who would want to pay to have a drag queen teach them to fight?
I knew some gays in the military. One was the most strike solder anyone could ask for. Uniform always of the highest order and educated. He was the First Sergeant’s driver/attache. Another was a battalion medic. He is actually the one that suggested I not re-enlist as a cavalry scout, but instead go to medical school. Very sound advice and I’m glad I followed it…
I have gay people in my family, and I’ll bet if you look around, you will find one or two in your family too. I have a son that is gay. And he is good with it. It took me longer to admit he was gay than it did him. But that was MY problem. I love him. No matter what. No more or no less than I love my straight son or my straight daughter.
If only everyone saw it “differently.”
viveutvivas
What is the message really, and how is it a good one? “I’ll accept gay people as long as they are not too swishy.”
mattsy
lovely
Sterling
@viveutvivas:
That isn’t the point. You didn’t even read the next sentence. He doesn’t like that for gay or straight people. Attention whores are annoying.
Fidelio
Sounds like a cool dad.
PRINCE OF SNARKNESS aka DIVKID
WTF?! What’s with the deleting posts, Queerty?
There was a post on here by Enemabag questioning the authenticity of the story, and another commenter disagreeing with him…now all gone! Neither broke the terms and conditions. This is disturbing. I’m just about through with this fucking site and it’s shenanigans.
Cam
@Sterling:
Yes, but the point could also be out there that he didn’t like them for acting in a stereotypically “Gay” way. He called him “The gayest of the gay”.
Little-Kiwi
this dad is on his way, but still has a ways to go.
http://littlekiwilovesbauhaus.blogspot.ca/2011/04/fathers-message.html
there. another father of a gay son talking. feel free to share.
jar
@Cam: Agreed. And this man’s son has probably felt pressure to be one of those chimerical straight acting gay men.
musklicker
As the author of the post you are discussing, I can say without a doubt that my statement “the gayest of the gay” was in no way meant to be derogatory. It was used to juxtapose the individuals. If you say you don’t know what I mean by ‘swishy gay”, I can only think perhaps you haven’t met many gay individuals. Does tying your shirt in a knot in the front and wearing pink tennis shoes make you any more gay than the guy in the suit that works out in the gym every other day and has another man for a partner? Gay is gay. Period. Some people use their sexuality to garner attention, both male and female. Nate was one of those. My ONLY concern for my son is his safety. He is a cross dresser and I fear for his safety from gay bashers every time he leaves to go to a club. But know this, I have NEVER tried to get him to act straight. Straight is not who he is. He is a good son to me, a good brother to his brother and sister, and a good, caring human to everyone he meets. I am very proud of his accomplishments in life and I don’t ever see that changing.