It's not like we wanted to talk about the fact that we're gay all the time, but the world has forced it to be an issue.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the frustration of having to address one's identity due to societal pressures.
John Grant's quote highlights how individuals from the LGBTQ+ community often feel compelled to discuss their sexual orientation not out of desire, but because society continues to stigmatize it as a pressing issue. This reflects the broader struggle against societal norms that demand constant justification or explanation of one's identity.
In practice
In a speech at a pride event to emphasize the importance of visibility.
I spent many years trying to fit in and do things the way I thought I was supposed to - trying to be perceived the way I thought people wanted to see me. I grew up in a very religious household and wasn't taught to feel comfortable or good about my sexuality, so it feels great to be able to say things the way I want to say them.
If we must lose wife or husband when we live to our highest right, we lose an unhappy marriage as well, and we gain ourselves. But if a marriage is born between two already self-discovered, what a lovely adventure begins, hurricanes and all.
You just wish sometimes that people would treat you like a human being rather than seeing your gender first and who you are second.
I was always aware of what the language I was using meant in terms of my bond with my parents - how it defined the lines of affection between us. When I spoke English, I felt I wasn't completely their child any more but the child of another language.
It made me start to wonder if there were other people so lonely so close. I thought about “Eleanor Rigby.” It’s true, where do they all come from? And where do they all belong?
But that is how men are! Ungrateful and never satisfied. When you don't have them they hate you because you won't; and when you do have them they hate you again, for some other reason. Or for no reason at all, except that they are discontented children, and can't be satisfied whatever they get, let a woman do what she may.
There's nothing wrong or evil about having a bad day. There's everything wrong with making others have to have it with you.
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