Random Thoughts About Open Carry and Gay Rights

By Robert Farago

When I was in grade school, the worst thing someone could call you was “fag.” And boy did they ever. “You’re such a fag Farago. Hey Fag-rago.” The fact that I went to an all-boys school had a little something to do with it – but not as much as you’d think. In 1960’s America, even in “liberal” Northeast, homosexuals were regarded with contempt, disgust and discrimination. My mother would have none of it . . .

She was heavily involved in the Rhode Island arts community. She treated her gay friends and contacts with respect. Welcomed them into our home. My brothers and I accepted our parents’ homosexual friends as interesting and creative people. It was their intellect that mattered, not their sexual behavior or romantic habits. And yet . . .

I, a Jew, used the word “fag” as a slur against classmates, sometimes in jest, sometimes against effeminate classmates, and told “nigger” jokes in summer camp. I lived two realities: private respect for anyone regardless of their sexual orientation or skin color, and childish, peer-driven prejudice.

The two worlds collided in Key West. For the first time, I saw two men holding hands walking down the street. At that moment,, …Read the Rest

Source:: Truth About Guns