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Ernesto Dominguez got it right when he wrote:
We may not understand the impact of our words, but it is clear that these words push folk away…
He goes on to write that when we use hate speech to degrade those who are HIV positive, we add to the social stigma that comes along with having HIV. And as a result? People don’t get tested. They think that going to get tested means that they “sleep around”, or that they’re “slutty”.
Nevermind that I’ve been in a committed relationship for 3.5 years, I reserve the right to get tested for any reason whatsoever. Don’t shame me into believing that getting tested means I’m promiscuous. But this language affects more than just our HIV+ community. It affects LGBTQ people, too. Take a look:
The term “fag” is hugely offensive. Plain and simple. And the sad part is that people who aren’t even anti-gay still use the term, perhaps out of habit or simply because they find some sort of sick humor in it.
But when we allow our human counterparts to use this hate speech, we contribute to the anti-gay, anti-equality movements that have imposed Prop 8 (before it was overturned) and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. When we hear someone say, “Wow, you’re so gay”—and if we keep our mouths shut—we are to be held equally liable for the fact that same sex marriages are illegal in 45 states, and that our LGBTQ neighbors can be kicked out of the military for simply being who they are.
Basically what I’m trying to say: we have an obligation to speak up. Fulfill this obligation and you will have done more for any equality movement than you can ever imagine.
UPDATE:
Whatever! Love wins over hate EVERYTIME!
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