The Gay 10 Commandments (Redux)

It’s June 1st. For LGBT community in that means it’s the start of “Pride Month”. This year is particularly special since it’s the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. (If I have to explain to you, dear reader, what that is, then this is definitely a post you need to continue reading.) This momentous milestone is happening at a time when the LGBT movement seems to be at a turning point.

It’s exciting when you think about just how far we’ve come, but daunting to think about how much further we’ve got to go. Being a part of this movement (whether directly or just reaping the benefits), means being informed. It’s shocking to me just how ignorant some of my fellow queers are about the movement, its history, what people went through and are still going through.

I had an argument with a self-described Log Cabin Republican on Facebook the other day in which he was pontificating about how we should “respect and understand” the beliefs and motives about opponents of gay rights. He falsely claimed that there was no gay-rights movement prior to Stonewall. Clearly, this sap has never heard of Harry Hay, The Society for Human Rights, The Daughters of Bilitis or the Mattachine Society, — just a few of the pre-Stonewall organizations/organizers. It’s this kind of complacent, ignorant, presumptive way of thinking that is going to lead us nowhere.

It was this kind of thinking that inspired me to write the Gay 10 Commandments last year. I still get a lot of hits on this year-old blog post, which is why I’ve decided to repost it. I’ve updated it a little, since things have changed somewhat since then. If you’re reading for first time, I hope you get something out of it:

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After reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, I was struck by one simple, yet irritating concept. There exists this empty argument that, without an imaginary god, human beings have no moral value system. I know many Christians think that all of the important history began with the birth of Jebus, but really, there’s hundreds of years of recorded history prior to 2000 C.E. You can deny it all you want, but the historical records and artifacts tell a different story. Do they honestly think that in all that time there was so system of right or wrong, that Jebus came along and made order from chaos?

This ridiculous argument got me thinking about the LGBT community and how, because we are so diverse in race, ethnicity, culture, social-economical backgrounds, we lack unifying set of principles. Because according to some people, without a written set of principles we’d have no moral center and therefore run amok. This inspired me to write my own set of rules for gays to live by:

The Gay Ten Commandments

1. Thou shall learn and understand Gay History.
Too many queers think knowing gay history means being familiar with Madonna’s early albums. Guess what girls, a whole lot of other stuff happened before the release of “Holiday”. It irritates me to no end at just how ignorant a lot of queers are (especially the younger ones) about their own history. As little as 25 years ago, you could be arrested for even being in a gay bar. In some cities it was even illegal for two or more homosexuals to congregate in the same place at the same time. That means no gay bars, no LGBT centers and certainly no Pride parades. Many men and women were persecuted, harassed, beaten and even killed so that you sit in the big picture window of your local gay bar and drink a Cosmo. The freedoms queers possess today are due completely to the sacrifices and suffering of the generations before us. So, if you feel that you’re lacking in historical perspective, the least you can do is read, learn about and understand about where your freedom to be Out came from. Here’s a short list* of subjects and people you can start with: Harvey Milk, the Stonewall Riots, Oscar Wilde, Larry Kramer, Gertrude Stein, the Mattachine Society, ACT-UP, Barney Frank, Willa Cather, Dr. Howard Brown, Cleve Jones, and the Daughters of Bilitis, to name a few.

*This is an extremely abbreviated list. But it’s a good starting point. If you want to be informed and inspired, I highly suggest reading “The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk” by Randy Shilts. Yes, that Sean Penn movie sure was good, but don’t be so fucking lazy. Back away from the DVD and pick up a book.

2. Thou shall participate in the political process.
This one is just as important as the first Commandment, maybe even more so. When I was single, browsing Gay.com personals I would often see the phrase “Avoid politics” in the “Political Views” box. This is something I don’t quite understand. Like it or not, a whole lot of politicking is what makes it legal for you to sodomize any person you want in the privacy of your home without fear of the Gestapo bursting in a hauling you off to hard labor camp. Like it or not, your ability to be openly gay is political. If you have the energy to vote for American Idol every week, then you certainly have what’s necessary to vote in federal, state and local elections.

3. Thou shall not practice racism, misogyny or general bigotry.
Queers are one of the most persecuted and maligned groups in the history of humankind. So it makes absolutely no sense that we should be discriminating against other minority groups. Do I even have to explain this any further? It’s common sense. Nothing is to be gained by further alienating ourselves. Celebrate diversity by showing solidarity.

4. Thou shall re-evaluate thine beliefs.
Just because your parents had a certain faith or political party doesn’t mean you must automatically carry on these traditions and beliefs. Religious and political affiliations are not genetically inherited. Humankind has free will, which means the ability to think critically and chose a religion (or none at all) or political party (or none at all), which best serves your interests. You needn’t be tethered to a set of beliefs that work against you. If you’re a Log Cabin Republican, you might want to think long and hard about this Commandment.

5. Thou shall not covet the rights of others.
How can you expect to have the right marry or adopt a child in all 50 states if you’re not willing to do anything to make it happen? If you believe these constitutional rights are right of every American, then you need to get off your duff and vote. Volunteer with organizations that are fighting for all our rights. Be informed, know which politicians are most likely to vote against gay rights and vote them out of office. Don’t bitch and moan if you’re not willing to be involved in the process. If you doubt the seriousness of this, just look at the same-sex marriage debate that is going on across the country. Turn complacency into action.

6. Thou shall live outside the Queersphere.
I think this is an issue unique to urban queers, as those living in far-flung places are usually pretty isolated from their gay brethren. We live in a rich, diverse world full of different things to experience. Being queer is only one part of the human experience. I would encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone, even it means leaving the friendly confines of Boystown. I would also suggest that you acknowledge the merits of things and people presented outside the narrow confines of Out Magazine and the LOGO network. There’s a whole big wide world out there. Just because someone of it isn’t properly back-lit or isn’t accompanied by a disco back beat doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out.

7. Thou shall re-define “fabulous”.
Too much time, energy and television airtime is wasted on the pursuit of fabulous-ness. Also all of these endeavors are focused solely on the superficial: makeovers, telling people what not to wear, redecorating. Here’s an idea: Instead of focusing on ever-changing artifice, how about trying to be a well-rounded human being? In my opinion, this involves being engaged in the whole world around you, reading, paying attention to politics, learning something new, contributing to society or your community in someway. But far be it for me to tell you want makes you a good person. You’ll have to let your conscience guide.

8. Thou shall not worship false idols.
I’m sorry, but I gotta be blunt(er) here: Paris Hilton is a worthless piece of shit who has no talent and has never done anything of any worth or merit. The same goes for Nicole Richie, Perez Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and all the other useless celebrities. Again, can we smarten things up, people? Why is so much attention lavished on those who contribute nothing to society? Sure, Hilton’s fellatio videos contribute to our economy in some small way. But it’s not a cure for cancer. The minute people stop paying attention, they’ll go away. If you want some real American Idols, see the First Commandment.

9. Thou shall not over-accessorize.
I know that many of you queers who are just out of the closet, both young and old, are eager to tell the whole world you love sodomy. And what better way to show off your new-found fabulosity than to wear a rainbow-pride necklace. Please, don’t. You’re gay, we get it. We could tell from your severely plucked eyebrows. Not only does they say “I’m a queer!” but also “I’m in constant a state of surprise!” For the love of Judy, pull it back a few notches. Give it a second thought before walking out the door wearing that thumb-ring. Ask your bitchiest, most opinionated friend what he thinks before getting those blond highlights. And for fuck’s sake, if you’re going to wear a polo shirt, please wear one at a time. And do not, for any reason, “pop” the collar. In short: you don’t need shallow accoutrements to be “fabulous”. Be active in your community, be informed, vote — these are the most fabulous things you can do.

10. Thou shall attend the Equality March in Washington, DC on October 10, 2009.
Activists from all around the country are organizing a march on the National Mall to demand equality in all matters governed by civil law. To be get updates on the organization or be a part of this historic march, register at www.NationalEqualityMarch.com. If you can’t be there, at least spread the word and help support this historical march.

Celebrate Pride Month by giving due respect, educating yourself, participating in the political process, partying responsibly and raising the bar for what it means to be a decent gay/queer person.

And that’s all I have to say. -fin-