Rampant Homophobia and Other
Misdemeanours So here it is, the eve of the Lifestream's one-year anniversary (and Canada's 133 birthday, for those who care), and 'lo. Behold the drivel that drops into my inbox today: the first anti-yaoi hate mail I've ever received. I can't decide whether to be steamed, or just kinda... depressed about the issue. It is very rare to find a yaoi enthusiast (or gay or lesbian person in general) going on about "ewwww! you're straight!!! that's so disgusting!!!" Mostly, those of us on this side of the fence have a "live and let live," "an it harm none, do as thou will," attitude. But heterosexuals are just so insecure about their own sexuality that they seem to have this need to flagrantly bash anyone who isn't conforming and just like them. *sigh* Now, like I said, this is the first hate mail I've received, but I know other yaoi sites get them on a regular basis. The thing is, they're so ridiculous and outlandish that there's just no way of responding to them with honest discussion. The person writing it isn't going to read anything I write, let alone bother to understand it. So why am I writing this rant? For myself. That's what rants are - airing things out for myself. Here goes. The title: "I can't believe YOU...." I thought it was spam. Honestly. I almost didn't open it, but I was curious, and besides that, it had a "real" address on it, not your usual "xyz@hotmail.com." Okay, what don't you believe? U R PERVERTED! There is no mor to say!! (Note the spelling, by the way. Why can't people at least write coherently if they're going to bitch about something?) *checking around the site* Did I ever claim anywhere that I was *not* perverted? I take pride in a little perversion, if being perverted means not conforming to the heterosexual, white as starched bread, wholesome American, "norm." hmm... let's check the dictionary, shall we? Chambers College Dictionary, Canadian edition says: Pervert: to turn away from what is normal or right; to lead a person astray into sin, error or abnormality. hmm... I confess to the first. I choose to turn away from what is generally considered "normal." I have no use for it. As for "right" - people have been arguing for millenia about what is and is not "right." My definition of "right" is simple: if it does no harm to any other living creature (animal, mineral, or vegetable) AND if it helps in strengthening and healing and confirming someone, somewhere.... it is Right. To lead a person astray into sin, error, or abnormality. As far as I know, I have never lead anyone astray. People read what they want to read. It's not like I'm standing behind their computer chair, holding their web browser hostage. Geez. Everything at the Lifestream that should be is marked as yaoi, or shounen ai, with clear links to the Yaoi FAQ. Does that count as leading people astray? providing them with information? I really don't think so. Yaoi is simply offering an alternative view of possible relationships. And let's not get into the "homosexuality is a sin" argument. It's old, it's tired, no one's going to convince anyone of anything, so let's leave it be. Ok. That said, back to the hate mail (although they said "there is no more to say, they still continued. Typical): Sides, Duo & Quatre are GUYS!!! o.O;; I thought Quatre was a girl because his hair is so short. They're guys? They're GUYS??? You're kidding me. I never knew. Well, geez. Guess that's means I've been writing male/male relationship stories. I didn't have a clue. (And if you can't tell that I'm being sarcastic, leave. Now. For your own good.) Yaoi is about m/m relationships. That is explained very explicity on the Yaoi FAQ page, which is linked extensively throughout the site. I happen to be a guy, I happen to be gay, and I happen to like reading and writing stories about guys having relationships. It's hard enough to find good stories about healthy relationships period. I just thought I'd contribute my two cents worth, for my own amusement, if nothing else. They're too HOT to be GAY!!! And I, my boyfriend, and various and assorted gay friends of mine, are too HOT to be STRAIGHT! ^_~ Seriously though, I've been pondering the logic of this one all day. I still don't get it. They're good looking, therefore they MUST be straight, so that selfish straight females can have them? I just don't know how to argue with this one. For me, yaoi is much about an aesthetic appreciation of the male body and spirit as it is about two (or more) guys having sex. That may not be the conventional definition, but it's mine. Take it or leave it. Yes, they're hot. That's part of why I think they'd look great together.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR *sigh* How did I insult Gundam Wing? How? Can someone clue me in here? No where on this site does it say that my views or my story are officially sanctioned. I'm as entitled to my opinion, my interpretation of the story as any fan is. If it bothers you, go elsewhere. I'm not making any claims to authenticity. Hell, I never even claim to write the GW guys "in character" -- whatever that means. So I guess now I'm supposed to be shaking in my boots at the thought of some great omniscient (but obviously not omnipotent or I'd have been fried by beam cannon by now) "WE" out there. Heh. Get off your high horse. You're just one insecure little fan who has too much time on your hands. I have more to say, about m/m relationships and stuff, but I think I will write a separate rant/discussion on that. It deserves better than to be sharing a page with this... shluck.
BTW: The text from the letter is © June 29th, 2000 Tony Arseneau. Feel free to write to him/her/whoever and air your opinions. *wicked grin* Fair's fair.
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