Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 | |
Filed under Blog Hop |
Hi everyone!
I’m thrilled to be participating in the wonderful Hop Against Homophobia taking place between now and May 20th. We’ve got 220 authors participating, and each one of them is donating a prize. That’s an awful lot of chances to win!
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Some days, I like to fool myself into thinking that as a species we’re advanced enough now to put prejudice behind us. (Yeah, I can hear you snickering over there, from half-way across the world.) It’s not that I’m naive. I’m just a dreamer. I think that, as a species, we have the potential to put prejudice behind us. But does that mean that we’re doing it? Clearly not. Or at least, not all of us.
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 – 1948)
I’ve come across the quote above a lot lately, and I’m willing to bet that you have, too. Every time I see it, I pause for a moment and think about what it really means. Every one of us can change the world. Seriously. Maybe not all at once, but slowly, by doing what comes naturally to so many of us: treat others the way we’d want to be treated, think before speaking, reach out to a stranger with compassion and kindness. Think about it — if everyone you knew did those same things, how far would we come toward fighting prejudice? And if you lead by example, and do just one of those things each day, how much of an impact do you think you’ll have on the world around you?
A heck of a big one, I’m willing to bet.
If you spoke up against injustice every time you saw it happen, how many people do you think you’d inspire to do the same? Stepping up and saying something, especially to someone in a position of authority, isn’t always easy. But that’s the first step toward challenging the behaviors and attitudes that lead to homophobic discrimination. Unfortunately, it’s happening all around us, even now. In schools, at work, even at parties. So go out there and “be the change”. Use the empathy and compassion you have inside you to speak up when you see an act of injustice, and do your part to fight homophobia. I’m going to do the same.
So tell me, how are you living up to Gandhi’s quote? When was the last time you spoke up against injustice, especially when it would have been easier to keep your mouth shut?
Leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered to win an electronic copy of PARADISE FOUND, my debut M/M/M BDSM romance from Carina Press. Be sure to leave your email address as well, so I can contact you on May 21st when I draw the winner’s name. Winners will be chosen at random.
Enjoy the hop!
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I’ve never had any problems with gays, even have a few friends who are. So I love this blog hop to raise awareness homophobia and support those who have to deal with it on a regular basis.
BK
buffykennedy[at]gmail[dot]com
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Good Morning, Just wanted to say how much I admire the way so many authors have banned together for such a worth cause. I don’t write strickly M/M stories myself, but many of my menages are M/M/F – More people should learn that loving someone is important – no matter who that someone is. I’ve not had the chance to read one of your books yet, but I am definitely tempted by a few of the blurbs I’ve read today. Good luck to you
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I’m not looking for a prize here (though it sounds like you have fabulous ones!) I really just want to give my kudos to you and all the authors participating in this “Hop and Homophobia.” Hell, I wish I’d known about it! What you all are doing is fantastic, and I hope it helps to create a bridge for those who are on the fence.
There are always going to be people who, no matter what, are never going to change their minds about what they believe is right or wrong. I think this is a direct link to their emotional and social maturity (or lack thereof). For too long, and through out history, minority groups have had to struggle for equality within their own society. And, frankly, it sucks.
It takes very little to show tolerance and kindness (if you can’t be open-minded enough to be accepting), and a hell of a lot more energy to actively hate a group of individuals. You don’t have to love the way someone lives to agree that they should be free to live it. And regardless of what anyone believes, homosexuality is not a choice to be made or a mental illness to be cured. Once people really believe that, maybe their moral compass will begin to shift. The hate and disgust and bigotry is so much more socially immoral.
I really support what you all are doing with the blog hop. Way to go! I hope you make a difference. (Please delete this if you think it is too inflammatory. I just get riled up at times).
Hugs,
Renee
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Thanks for participating in this event. I am enjoying reading all the blogs.
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Love should always triumph over hate and I believe it always will!
Thank you for taking part in the hop
kimberlyFDR@yahoo.com
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You picked one of my favorite quotes and it’s so appropriate for this!
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Thanks so much for coming by, everyone! I really appreciate your comments on this important issue.
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It’s hard to believe that this is still an issue. It shouldn’t be. Too many judge-y people in the world. You’d think they’d have better things to do than to worry about what everyone else is doing/loving.
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Great post Lacey. I’ve read some amazing & some very sad stories on this blog hop. Awesome that you’re a part of it.
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Am I living up to Gandhi’s quote? No. But I did USE the quote in my book! I think we may be on the same page with that!
I am trying to make a difference one reader at a time, on person at a time, and you are right- it does start with ME.
Thanks for participating in the HOP
Wade
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Thanks for participating in this great blog hop, I’m really enjoying everyone’s posts.
penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
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I showed a bunch of these post to the teens in my family to show them how hurt some “innocent” remarks are to many others. I get so annoyed when my nephew says “you’re so gay”. ERRRR drove me crazy. I know he didn’t mean anything by it but it is so wrong to use that as a saying. I think that these post have helped. Thank you all for sharing with us!
forettarose@yahoo.com
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Thanks so much for participating and bringing light to a very serious issue. I’ve faced people who think homophobia either doesn’t exist or isn’t a problem and that’s not true. Also, that’s a wonderful quote and is something we should all aspire to.
tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
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I think Erin’s comments nailed it. If people dont like what you do, they should butt out
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I grew up in a very red state. I witnessed every kind of bigotry you can imagine. I had to learn to speak up at an early age when I saw my parents or their friends say something that was inappropriate. When a child tells an adult that they are being a bigot it really gets their attention.
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Thanks for participating for this wonderful cause of awareness…I teach high schoolers and this is a topic that we discuss at length. I just want them to be aware and know that they have the power to change the world!
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
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I believe I speak up quite frequently when people close to me make stupid comments and I have to educate them. I do it mostly so my boys won’t stand for hate either.
pantsoffreviews@live(dot)ca
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Excellent advice. I am sure it is something that all of us could improve on. I am sure that I could. Being mostly shy and introverted I am positive there are occasions when I could have stood up and didn’t, but I am trying to do better these days.
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Thank you so much for taking part in this
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Thank you for the post on such a great cause. I loved the hop.
peggy1984@live.com