Homophobic and Transphobic Quotes 71

In a climate where one group is singled out as not entitled to basic human rights, the rights of all Ugandans can be threatened. In a climate where silence about sexuality is enforced by state action, the health of all Ugandans is at risk amid the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Scott Long, Director LGBT Rights Program, Human Rights Watch, in a letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. (allAfrica.com 22-08-07)

“I took my class to the see the play and was impressed by their reflection and discussion both immediately after the performance and days later during class. Students were vocal about the need to keep moving beyond mere tolerance, towards celebrating and appreciating those who are different. I was heartened by the entire experience.”

A North Carolina high school teacher on taking his students to see The Other Side of the Closet. (California Catholic Daily 23-08-07)

“Why are we supposed to "celebrate" something that many religious people are taught is wrong? Are we next going to have a Masturbation club and "celebrate"? Do the same high schools that allow Triangle Clubs also encourage Catholic Clubs on campus? Or, are Catholics discriminated against because they believe that certain sins such as fornication, masturbation and homosexual "practices" should not be encouraged, much less celebrated.”

A correspondent’s predictable response (same)

All you real faggots pump your wrists in the air
Don't be straight, give a wave like you just don't care
Straight people say there's no need for us
But gay folk are sick of sitting at the back of the bus
All you real faggots pump your wrists in the air
It's okay to be gay, really out and aware
We don't like 'faggot' when its said by them
But when we say it, it's like a word that starts with 'N'

Bash’d Rap, from the New York Fringe Festival (GayCityNews 23-08-07)

The murders of Sizakele Sigasa and Salome Masooa were chilling wake-up calls. Paying tribute and expressing outrage are not enough.
How can we expect or demand that the men in our governments and in the public and private sectors respect and protect us if we won't stand up for ourselves?
How can organizations that receive funding to work and support women in Africa decide which categories are worthy of receiving their assistance?
All women regardless of their sexual orientations should join in the fight. It's time to say, "No more hate, no more crime."
Let's end once and for all homophobia and the discrimination and stigma attached to it. Only then, will we be able to say that those who were murdered didn't die in vain.Kelebohile Nkhereanye, Founder, Less AIDS Lesotho, Manhattan, on why supporting lesbians is a feminist thing to do (GayCityNews 22-7-08)