Gay and Lesbian Rights... and the Mafia?

I thought that the gay and lesbian rights chapter in the Streitmatter text was extremely interesting. I think that this is because I can relate to it the most. I'm straight, but I have a lot of gay friends. Also, my family is Italian American and I have a few distant family members who were hit men for the Mafia. Therefore, I thought the relationship between the gay and lesbian community and the Mafia was an interesting tie-in that I would never have considered until I read this chapter.

This chapter also introduced me to and gave me a lot of respect for the editors of Gay, Jack Nichols and Lige Clarke. I think that they had the right idea in promoting non-violence and supporting political reforms. What I particularly liked was that they did not support the gay county in California. I am all for gay rights, but I do not understand the logic in a minority group further isolating itself from the mainstream society. I am glad that the editors and staff of Gay were practical enough to realize that concrete political reforms were a more practical solution that a gay county.

I think the whole gay rights movement in the United States (stemming from the 70's until now) can be summarized in the quote by Martha Shelley, "We didn't agree a lot, but we always gave each other respect." I know that a lot of people believe that homosexuality is morally wrong, but they should at least respect their fellow human-being, regardless of sexuality. If you don't support gay marriage, then don't have one. But respect what the gay community has worked for and what they stand for.