The Apathy of Cowards

At one time I thought that discovering one's friend, relative or colleague to be gay a shocking revelation. However, I've changed my mind and now feel quite certain that discovering one's straight friend, relative or colleague to be an apathetic coward more shocking. Indeed, that those who continue to vilify me and my kind (as immoral, untouchable, unnatural, abnormal, child-molesting, evil, brain-washed, lost, inferior and/or undeserving even though common sense, scientific study, history, personal experience, fairness, and rational thinking proves otherwise) grow ever more emboldened while many otherwise good people do nothing I find simply tragic.

If the following event were isolated and unconnected to a bigger issue having to do with life and death I may not have bothered with this entry. But this news story does in fact lead back to societal beliefs which fuel hatred, suffering and violence all predicated on incorrect assumptions, false stereotypes and maliciously spread lies. At its heart is the growing confidence that all those issues predominantly affecting and supporting gay people can now be cast aside and/or dismantled with impunity.

• Max & Erma's rejects AIDS event
Restaurant chain denies policy biased
"...restaurant company doesn't allow fund-raisers for groups that benefit people with AIDS..."

I urge you to do something if you find this as immoral and shameful as I. Stop eating at their restaurant, write a letter/email expressing your outrage (if you are outraged) to your local paper, tv station or contact Max & Erma's directly at mediarelations@max-ermas.com or by calling Bonnie Brannigan, Vice President of Planning and Marketing at (614) 431-5800.

With love and hope,
Patrick of QueerVisions.com