Studies show people are more likely to be comfortable with the LGBT community if they have gay friends or family. So why is it every time we hear from some homophobic loudmouth, he’s got a gay relative telling him where to stick it.
Maybe it’s God’s way of keeping them on their toes?
We reported how Rep. Joe Landry (R-LA) was in a snit over the University of Louisiana’s recently approved LGBT studies minor. Even though the program essentially costs nothing and is obviously voluntary, Landry claimed his alma mater was “[failing] to provide an economic benefit to the participants or financial sense for the taxpayer.”
Tell that to the parents of a philosophy major.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Well it turns out you don’t have to go far to find the fruit in Landry’s family tree: His brother Nicholas, a New Orleans event planner, is openly gay—and none-too-pleased with Jeff’s academic bigotry. Here’s what he posted on his Facebook page:
“Taking a moment from my vacation to send a message to my brother, Jeffrey M Landry/ Congressman Jeff Landry: In reference to your recent quest to remove the LGBT minor from the UL curriculum, I want to state my opposition publicly. Ignorance is not education.
Your constituents, heterosexual and homosexual alike, have made huge inroads in working towards equality in our community. By embracing diversity and acknowledging our differences, we gain understanding. Understanding is education.”
In response, the right-wing, anti-choiceMuslimphobe simply said, “To my brother. I am sorry we disagree, but we still love and pray for you.”Hmm, if this is Jeff’s definition of love we might want to take a look at his diploma. We have a sneaking suspicion it’s written on Silly Putty.
Source: The Rude Pundit via Truth Wins Out
ron
From that photo, it looks like the gay fairy landed twice on the Landry family…..
DC
Why does the phrase “we still love and pray for you” sound more like “go f— yourself.” It must be one of those southern things. Wouldn’t want to spend the holidays with their family. Yikes – passive aggressive much?
Patsy Stoned
DC it sounds like that because that is exactly what it means.
ED
“we still love and pray for you” sounds like “we would love you more if you were heterosexual, and we still pray for your homosexuality to be cured.”
Clockwork
LGBT studies as a minor is a waste of time.
The topic and a few classes can certainly be part of a sociology, history, political science, psychology.
But as a minor…give it up.
Codswallop
It’s an interesting topic, depending what they do with it. Because gay people have existed in every known human civilization, in every culture, every race, and every religion (hence the Rainbow flag), it can be lend insight to history, biology, religion, and law. It can also lead to navel-gazing and silly arguments over things that are the equivalent of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
I’m all for it so long as they keep the up-your-own-ass-ness to a bare minimum.
BD
I agree Clockwork, LGBT studies and gender studies are a waste of time as a major or minor.
DrewSF
I agree the program for LGBT studies and gender theory as a minor or even major should be taken away as a minor or major. They’re a total waste of time and a waste of a college or university education.
Codswallop
I disagree. It may not be a major or minor that applies directly to a post-college career, but universities aren’t trade schools and it’s a worthy topic for study. If we got rid of all the majors that translate directly to the work force we’d have to do away with Philosophy, History, Art, and a dozen other disciplines.
I *do* believe it should be made clear to students who want to focus on those disciplines that those their degree will be less marketable than others, but it’s unfair to say they’re a “waste.”
Sam
@ED: I agree with all three of you, DC, Patsy and ED. However I believe it’s more of a “politics” thing than a “southern” thing. Rather than say what you mean you just dance a little side step and keep the people guessing about what you’re really saying… what was the line form the movie… “I’m a politician, which means I’m a cheat and a liar… when I’m not kissing babies I’m stealing their lolly pops… but it also means I keep my options open…. never committing to one idea or comment. Typical southern republican all the way.
Alex
To many times have I heard a homophobe say: “I’m not a homophobe I have gay friends/family!”
To which I always respond: “No your still a homophobe your “friends” just arn’t very observant.”
NOLA Dude
@Clockwork:
A minor is just that, a few classes. At most schools it is around 18 hours or so (5-6 classes)
NOLA Dude
@Clockwork:
A minor is just that, a few classes. At most schools it is around 18 hours or so (5-6 classes).
Triple S
I just don’t understand how a brother can openly advocate against his brother’s very existence. Families usually try and love each other don’t they?
F Stratford
Good. His brother bass balls o steel. Unlike Chaz bono or that Cheney girl who wouldnt stand up against their fathers homophobia.
David
It’s sad that so many see no value to lgbt/gender (women’s!) studies. Maybe that’s proof of why they are so important.
If and when we ever truly want to reach equality, the last step will be to free ourselves from our internalized homophobia, socialization, and co-opting. If all these tools of oppression were obvious and easy to shake off, they wouldn’t have been so successful. They’ve done it to us, but we’ve done it to ourselves as well.
What’s that saying about condemned to repeat the past?
DrewSF
David-Thanks for proving everyone’s point about how LGBT/Gender studies, and Women’s studies are a complete waste of time and a waste of a college or university education.
It would not surprise me if you actually believe in queer theory and have spent way too much time in the ivory tower of academia instead of in the real world.
LOL
Yeah LGBT studies, queer theory, and gender studies are a total joke.
Even those of us in Academia see them as the joke that they are.