After some routine questioning by law enforcement which of course was pretty much standard procedure, Ann got the boys all ensconced on a park bench that was conveniently located alongside the path that wound through the park. These benches are truly uncomfortable, and as anyone who has ever sat on one of these butt torture chambers for any length of time can attest to, they are notable for their distinct lack of viable softness. Butt fatigue on steroids. This is not meant for a leisurely afternoon siesta in the midst of nature on a velvet couch. OH HELL NO.
This is a rest up quick and then get up and get the hell off one before your butt(s) fall asleep or die a painful...
"Boys, I know I don't have to tell you. This is all really hard and hard for each of you but in different ways. But, that said, it is hard and there is no sugarcoating it. It just is what it is.
"Okay, let me say this too. We cannot all be heterosexual. Tough rocks but that is the way it is...and to make it worse, there are those who think everyone oughta be and make no mistake. They are serious. Dead serious (and she let that sink in for a minute), and not only that...THOSE CREEPS THAT DO STUFF LIKE THIS ARE SERIOUS HOMOPHOBES. DANGEROUS HOMOPHOBES.
This is NOT just a case of random attacks or generic hate. This is specific and deadly so...aimed at a unique group of people by others who hate them specifically.
Do any of you know why?"
Jake and Dylan and Kenny and Teddy all looked at each other, their shoes, the sky, the path, anywhere but at the body...but nobody had an answer and the DEAD SILENCE confirmed that.
"I'll tell you why. It's truly simple, kids. They are jealous. YEP. Jealous. They think that who you are and the lives you lead are so desirable that they wanna be just like you and since they know down deep they can't be, they lash out. Often with deadly consequences."
Again, silence. Almost eerie silence.
"Really, mom?" Jake mumbled.
Ann paused briefly...
"In a way yes. Down deep I am convinced that even the most ardent homophobes understand that each of us is BORN with our individual and unique orientation built-in. So they do know that they can't be like you if they weren't born LGBTQ...but of course that is only part of it. See, we humans have a nasty habit of discerning differences amongst us which can also conjure up fear where there should be none, out of that sense of difference. Those who attack LGBTQ guys feel that you are 'different' and that makes them uneasy. REALLY uneasy...and they don't quite know how to cope with that so, as fear often does, it causes a whiplash effect...a deep-rooted desire to eradicate that which is seen as different."
"How come?" Kenny asked.
"Many reasons cupcake. For some, it is the fear that they too deep down are gay and that scares them, and in truth? Many of them fear BECAUSE they are. Nobody really wants to be viewed by others as 'different' no matter what they may say. Also in part cause they see the homophobia throughout societies around the world. Although it is definitely dissipating across the globe, it is still way too prevalent in far too many places and so often because of religious bigotry based on a truly bizarre misinterpretation of The Bible, the Quran, etc. Strangely enough, pretty much ALL religions preach LOVE. But far too many religious wackos preach the exact opposite while at the same time trying to say that they are true believers preaching the ONLY TRUE WORD. Maybe in a parallel universe perhaps, but not in this one.
So, while it seems almost inexplicable to both envy you and fear who they perceive you to be...that is exactly what many of them do. Odd but true.
But, I believe that mostly it is merely the perception of a perceived or imagined difference that bestirs fear and fear conjures hate and hate begets what you see lying over there. Jealousy for some as well, but there can also be a myriad of other reasons depending on the individual, but make no mistake. The homophobia is real and all too often results in this kind of extreme action. Violence and death.
"Mom?"
"Yes honey?"
"Why cannot these assholes just see us as merely different, without feeling that somehow we threaten them?"
"That is the age old question and I suspect there is no easy answer, honey. Just is, perhaps. The way they were brought up to see the world by homophobic parents and families. Maybe peer pressure, you name it. But as you can plainly see, it results in disastrous results way too often."
Dylan asked..."Will it always be this way and will it be so for all of us who are gay?"
"Not sure baby, but probably...or at least until the human race FINALLY reaches a higher level of maturity and with it a sense of community that encompasses ALL of us which needs to take a greater hold than it has now...and we can begin to live in peace with each other and embracing our differences instead of being terrified of them. In a much more perfect world, we should be celebrating our diversity, not cowering in fear because of it. Sadly.
Boys, I mean this. We need to CELEBRATE diversity, cheer on our differences. It is what makes each of us unique and singularly human...yes, we need to celebrate instead of quaking in fear." She realized she might be being a bit redundant but wanted to make sure the point got across.
She let that sink in sh eould see that it had begun to.
"One last vestige of any kind of bigotry is of course the need of some bent brains to control, manipulate and control others. Okay, kids...you wanna know how to combat homophobia?"
They all nodded...
Ann knew that she couldn't afford to be too simplistic but also to make sure they understood the basics of homophobia in order to give them the tools they needed so that they could be on the watch for the telltale signs around them and protect themselves. Knowledge is power...and crucially important.
"Ok...
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