Homosexual Couples’ inability to express
Their love in public
Homosexuality has been a topic of much heated debate and it still is in the world today, the controversy is still in the hearts of those who feel strong about it whether they are for it or against it. Despite the fact that same-sex marriage is legal, there are a lot of gay couples coming under fire for certain activities that they are doing or not doing and it has gotten to the point where some of those couples feel as if their very livelihood is threatened from a social perspective because people have a problem with them or their acts of decency.
Canada has become one such place where gay couples are at the center of unscrupulous looks and ugly comments. Although it is not a crime or against the law to be gay in Canada, it has gotten increasingly difficult for same-sex couples to express their love in public because the Canadian people find it utterly offensive and derogatory in the eyes of their children. It can hardly be argued that homosexuals have the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts and they are entitled to live how the other half does, but some people would dispute the fact that there are some things that are very inappropriate even in the community.
It is sad when people who believe in a different way of life cannot be treated as if they are human beings with feelings and whose activities as well as that of their partner is constantly under a microscope, the tranquility of their relationship is at stake. The harsh reality of the matter is that the longer that this keeps up, the more same-sex couples will feel alienated and bullied. To say the least, something must be done about this because different lifestyle does not mean different treatment and children of gay couples are having to grow up in a world where they are being taught to be hide who they are so they can be accepted; it’s sad really.
Many Canadian people will say that public display of affection from homosexuals is wrong and it is unsuitable for them, it is a disgusting spectacle that should be treated with disdain; the innocence of children are on the line. Actually, it is not about the children at all. The government should address this problem because it is hardly fair for a heterosexual couple to display public affection even go so far as to engage in sexual intercourse in their community because they are in love, madly. A same-sex couple have to wait until they are within the four walls of their home in order to show affection or even innocently kiss each other, it is not a world that they feel that they belong in. According to McCullough (2016), “gay couples should hardly put up with being ostracized because they want to live their lives in Canada, but the public’s unjust treatment of homosexuals is absolute” (McCullough, 2016).
One of the primary social policies in Canada is that it is legal for gays to live their lives, but they have to draw a line on what they can do in public and what they cannot do. Another reason why the government should investigate and do something about this is because whether they realize it or not, they are just helping anti-gays and Christian groups make same-sex couples feel as if they have to get permission in order to just be around the person they love. The government is supposed to be by the people and for the people, it should not be the government casting their favor on those they see worthy or worth it. According to Blair (2013), “It is hardly fair or even right that a gay couple’s right to life is the subject of nasty emails and unjustified name calling by closeminded hecklers, the government is not doing anything about this” (Blair, 2013).
There are those who claim that gays are people that deserve the respect and admiration of their peers, the fact that the government is not going out of their way to further the cause of these people is wrong; it is as if the Canadian government are playing favorites.
The problem is that same-sex couples have to abstain from public affection so as to appear normal and not gross anyone else out, it has been seen as nothing more than an offensive obscenity. Christian groups and anti-gay protesters are the main ones that are at the heart of these hateful judgments, these groups have made it so gay couples have to mind their behavior in their own community which is not right. According to Bielski (2013), “Homosexual couples have a right to stay out of the closet and be proud of who they are, anti-gay hate groups should leave these people in peace” (Bielski, 2013).
In the United States, in every city, there are gay couples who are expressing themselves in public because they are aware of the fact that it is their constitutional right to be happy not to mention be with who they want to be with. There are and has been too many people who have witnessed same-sex couple making out, the way that people respond is sickening. It cannot be argued that there are some acts that should be conducted behind closed doors, but that is not nor should it ever be one of them. According to Weber (2012), “In the U.S. the behavior and crimes against gays are considered hate crimes which are severely punished, Canada needs to acknowledge that homosexual couples have rights as well which should be protected” (Weber, 2012).
If a heterosexual couple makes out or even attempts to undress each other in public then the worse that they would get is a slap on the wrist and a warning against such behavior for the good of the children. If a lesbian wanted to kiss her wife on the cheek before she goes off to college then it is viewed as exhibitionism of a derogatory nature, the social aspect of this problem is that certain ‘popular’ groups are warping the minds of some of the people in the community to believe that all acts involving homosexuality should be closed off from the rest of the world; it is as if same-sex couple’s public affection is impure.
The government and its people are completely aware of the disgruntled and epidemic behavior of violence against homosexuals in Canada. Statistically, there are more than several gays that are attacked within their community by people who know them through other people. What the government do not realize is that 17% of gays who make out in public are immediately attacked within the course of that day, it is as if these people are being targeted for being gay. According to Cohen (2016), “The life of a homosexual is filled with anger, unjust behavior and ugly judgments based on their lifestyle; they deserve to be left alone not become another hate crime statistic” (Cohen, 2016).
Although some people are accepting of same-sex couples and are accepted by family members, it has been proven that they might not be safe from their partner’s family. 25% of all Canadian homosexual couples face the challenge of being present when their partner come out of the closet to their family. 1 in 5 couples of the same-sex usually face problems from a family member within their partner’s family who has accusatory claims that they were corrupted by the concept of homosexuality. Case in point, Jen and Jess have been together for 13 months. Jess’ family does not take too kind to the fact that Jen ‘ruined’ Jess for men, but the latter has been gay since the 8th grade.
10% of homosexuals in Canada come under religious motivated attacks based on the ideas from bigots on a daily basis about how they are defiling God’s green Earth or his grand design. It is disturbing to believe that gay couples in Canada have to undergo some sort of torture in order to eventually be accepted or before people see them as the harmless human beings that they are. There is no argument on Earth that will hold up to the fact that gay couples are tainting America’s youth, if there are youths who are gay then it is because they were born that way and not turned that way. Homosexuality isn’t a choice.
Based on the anti-gay protesters and Christian groups, the policies defending a gay couple’s right to coexist with heterosexuals is absolute as long as they are not breaking any laws. Although many same-sex couples are still being subjected to unfair criticisms and accusatory claims about corrupting every child that they see, there are policies in place that defends a homosexual’s right to life as long as they are not doing anything unlawful or to the point that someone’s life is being threatened. However, many people will argue that the current policies are not being upheld by gay couples because they are breaking the law by existing and being gay as ugly as that is.
Social policies for homosexuals are iron clad, petty and closeminded complaints are not nearly enough to the point of having to be removed from a public place. All gay people residing in Canada are aware of the fact that their rights are protected and they are legally able to sue on the grounds of discrimination. It has been a long time coming that same-sex couples are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve to have, it is hardly fair for a heterosexual person to go any place they want without fear of being turned away. Although many businesses cannot refuse service to a homosexual couple, there are still people giving them dirty looks and treating them as if they are aliens from another world.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ensure all gay couples that no matter how much hate mail or even ugly comments they are subjected to, they still have a right to live as they see fit even if Christian groups say otherwise. The latter are the ones corrupting the children and filling their head with lies telling them that “being gay is a sin and being gay is wrong, entertaining the idea will get them sent straight to hell” It goes on and on. Little do the Canadian government realize that there are several same-sex couples that are fighting for their right every day, where is the so called protection policy that is supposed to protect them; nowhere in sight.
Traditionally, many couples have come to the conclusion that not making out in public for the good of being considerate of everyone else shows class and respect to those who are missing someone special or someone who does not have anyone at all. It cannot be argued that this is usually done on a one on one basis, the outcome of that usually leaves someone wanting to be with that person that much more. According to Dameron (2013), “Heterosexuals miss someone special every single minute of the day, homosexuals are the EXACT same way; why should the outcome be different because they are gay?” (Dameron, 2013).
Critically, many same-sex couples have come to realize that if they pursue any open public affection it could cost them their lives and there has been cases where several homosexual couples have succumbed to violence because of the closemindedness of a community at large. It cannot be argued that if the government is not doing more to help these poor people survive in a world that hates them for no apparent reason, the Canadian government is just as much at fault as those who are committing the hate crimes and gay bashing.
No court in the country will argue against the unconstitutional way that gay couples are being treated, they also will argue against the idea that homosexuals are being forced to watch their back and that of their children because they choose to live openly gay. It has been proven that many couples who are gay still worry and fear for their lives because of who they are, their status as a gay couple causes a lot of people to think that they cannot handle being in public at the cost of people being ashamed of them.
Homosexuality in Canada is met with a lot of mixed feelings of open arms and aggressive tendencies, a lot of people that know people that are homosexual that are facing a lot of hardship from other people based on their status; it is a horrible picture to paint for future generations who have questions about what it means to be openly gay.
Incidentally, gays all over the country are being isolated and bullied not to mention being put in corners away from everyone else so they can be to themselves. The problem is that members of the LGBT community strive to have a lot of the same possessions that their heterosexual counterparts have such as an education, but they are denied it because certain people have low expectations or hold closeminded views of homosexuals getting an education; it is as if they are told that they should have their own separate school or even have their own drinking fountain. The same holds true for gay couples who express their love in public, there should be alternatives so everyone is happy.
For example, same-sex couples should be able to express their love anywhere there are policemen who are homosexual so as to quell any unrest that might surface as a result. That is not to say that these people should only express their love under certain writs of protection because that is still not fair, but having a uniform officer around that is gay might help narrow-minded people see that homosexual couples are no more trying to corrupt the public than anyone else is.
Ironically, simple acts of affection by gay couples is seen as the worst kind of evil when there is real evil in the world that need to be destroyed. Another alternative to gays making out in public is that they can make out as long as there are no children present, children are impressionable and might possibly copy what they see. However, it is important to spread the wisdom that is homosexuality because future generations are going to be asking questions about how to best deal with a friend who is gay. The third alternative to gays making out in public is giving simple kisses to their partner in public around places that are comfortable with same-sex couples expressing themselves and their love to one another, there are places besides gay villages where gay couples can express themselves; all it takes is finding them.
Based on several eyewitness testimonies and the ever pressing attacks from Christian anti-gay groups, it has become clear that several interventions are needed. One of the interventional steps that can be taken is policemen who are homosexual helping same-sex couples, if people see that there is a policemen that is gay then it might make the situation a little less dangerous. It can be argued that homosexuals need an intervention as well because there are some who live to be openly gay, but not taking it so far so as to cause offense or to protect a child’s innocence especially those who are teenage.
Same-sex teen groups are a big help and the best response for those who are gay and need someone to talk to about their growing homosexuality not to mention people who have gone through what they are now, it has the potential of minimizing the amount of damage that homosexual youths take. Make no mistake, being openly gay and coming out of the closet is one of the best course of action that a gay person can take. However, with a community at large who would rather do these people harm instead of getting to know them and helping them, they need someone in their corner. Intervention programs for those who are gay have been employed so as to give those who are homosexual a chance to vent their frustrations as well as their fears of the future, the important aspect of these programs is to help those who are LGBT through one of the most vulnerable times in their entire life.
Other interventions that same-sex couples or someone who is gay can contact exists for the sole purpose of protecting them from those who would do them harm because they are living a different lifestyle. Support Groups, 24-Hour Hotline and Police Accompaniment are among the several that offers services to those who are gay.
Incidentally, these measures are in place and ready to be implemented on a moment’s notice; it cannot be argued that these interventions are the best hope any same-sex couple have.
References
Bielski, Z. (2013, September 19). Is holding hands OK? How same-sex couples navigate public displays of affection. Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/why-shouldnt-same-sex-couples-feel-comfortable-showing-their-love-in-public/article14407718/
Blair, K. L. (2013, September 21). Study to look at public displays of affection in same-sex relationships. Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://www.dailyxtra.com/world/news-and-ideas/news/study-look-at-public-displays-affection-in-sex-relationships-70113
Cohen, T. (2016). Hate crimes against gays doubled in Canada. Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://www.canada.com/life/Hate crimes against gays doubled Canada/3155968/story.html
Dameron, W. (2013, May 28). After a Life of Being Gay Bashed, I Choose to Live and Not Just Survive. Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-dameron/after-a-life-of-being-gay-bashed-i-choose-to-live-and-not-just-survive_b_3325459.html
McCullough, J. (2016). Social Issues in Canada. Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://www.thecanadaguide.com/social-policies
Weber, M. (2012, May 15). Let’s Make Out in Public! Retrieved March 19, 2016, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marten-weber/lets-make-out-in-public_b_1513965.html
