Gay is damaged, straight is normal (was: Re: Slut!Seamus and other ships)

[joywitch_m_curmudgeon]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, Tyler Hewitt <tahewitt at y...> 
wrote:
> 
> The Sergeant Majorette wrote:
> 
> For me, Ron has to be straight because his whole
> purpose in the story seems to be to provide Harry with
> an anchor of normalcy in a world where he is accepted.
> And Harry has to be gay because he's too damaged
> psychologically to sustain a conventional
> relationship. 
> 
> 
> 
> ME:  (Tyler)
> Ron is straight because it provides Harry with an
> 'anchor of normalcy'? What does this mean, that
> homosexuality isnt normal? Why can't Ron be both gay
> and normal? Why is that so difficult to consider? 
> 
> Harry is gay because he's too damaged to be straight?
> this is even worse than the statement about Ron. Not
> every gay person has had an abusive childhood. Not
> every straight person is perfectly adjusted
> psychologically. The equation of homosexuality with
> psychological disfunction is ignorant and offensive.
> 
> 
> I usually don't get upset when reading things like
> this, but this one was so over the top I couldent let
> it pass. 
> I sincerely hope you were being facetious. 
> And I hope I haven't missed something or taken things
> out of context.
> 
> Tyler

I just want to thank you for those comments, Tyler.  I too, was upset 
after reading the Sergeant Majorette's post and had much the same 
reaction.  Ron has to be straight because he's "normal?"  Harry has 
to be gay because he's "too damaged psychologically to sustain a 
conventional relationship?" Aside from being incredibly offensive, 
that is absolutely ridiculous.  It implies that straight people are 
all perfectly mentally healthy and that gay people are all crazy and 
have screwed up relationships.  Do you actually know any gay people, 
Sergeant Majorette?  And don't tell me you've never met any straight 
people in "conventional relationships" who are "damaged 
psychologically."

Your attitude towards gay people and relationships is contrary to the 
rules against bigotry that have always been part of HP for Grownups.  
I think you owe us an apology.  People of all sexual orientations 
should feel welcome here, and not have to feel offended and alienated 
by the discussion.  

Sergeant Majorette, if you really don't understand the issue, it is 
fine to ask, and to express your opinions, as many people here do.  
But don't slander an entire group of people because of your 
misunderstandings.

--Joywitch