MR JUSTIN BOND_

Image_Justin Bond & Jackie Curtis © all rights reserved_

“I hate straight people who can’t listen to queer anger without

saying “hey, all straight people aren’t like that. I’m straight too, you

know,” as if their egos don’t get enough stroking or protection in

this arrogant. heterosexist world. Why must we take care of them,

in the midst of our just anger brought on by their fucked up

society?! Why add the reassurance of “Of course, I don’t mean

you. You don’t act that way.” Let them figure out for themselves

whether they deserve to be included in our anger.

But of course that would mean listening to our anger, which they

almost never do. They deflect it. by saying “I’m not like that” or

“Now look who’s generalizing” or “You’ll catch more flies with

honey … ” or “If you focus on the negative you just give out more

power” or “you’re not the only one in the world who’s suffering.”

They say “Don’t yell at me, I’m on your side” or “I think you’re

overreacting” or “BOY, YOU’RE BITTER.”

The next time some straight person comes down on you for being

angry, tell them that until things change, you don’t need any more

evidence that the world turns at your expense. You don’t need to

see only hetero couple grocery shopping on your TV… You don’t

want any more baby pictures shoved in your face until you can

have or keep your own. No more weddings, showers,

anniversaries, please, unless they are our own brothers and sisters

celebrating. And tell them not to dismiss you by saying “You have

rights,” “You have privileges,” “You’re overreacting,” or “You have a

victim’s mentality.” Tell them “GO AWAY FROM ME, until YOU can

change.” Go away and tryon a world without the brave, strong

queers that are its backbone, that are its guts and brains and souls.

Go tell them go away until they have spent a month walking hand

in hand in public with someone of the same sex. After they survive

that. then you’ll hear what they have to say about queer anger.

Otherwise, tell them to shut up and listen.”