The Gay Male Double Standard

Twitter gave me the first indication that something was up because he became a trending topic instantly and the comments were electric and divided.Some in awe of his brazen performance and some aging dowagers fainting at his exploits. I watched the video and I still wasn’t moved to write a blog about it.

Then on Monday an email from someone I truly respect asking me to sign this petition: “The American Music Awards, Adam Lambert and American Indecency” utilizing Change.org’s new petition tool.

What?

It went on to read “Please take action on behalf of bringing decency to our public airwaves and hold corporate media responsible when it acts irresponsibly.”

Now, I was inspired to write a blog.

Where was the outcry for public decency when Madonna went in for a full fledged kiss with Britney Spears on another one of these award shows? How about most of Madonna’s videos and public award show performances? Then I remembered the true double standard for gays.

Lesbians - or acts of lesbianism – are hot. Well, as long as the women are hot. Gay males are not to be seen expressing love and affection on national television because it’s apparently “indecent.”

If Shakira put a big plant on Beyonce I’m positive I would not have had a invitation to sign a petition on behalf of Decent America. I did see Shakira grind all over a stage full of men and Jennifer Lopez shake her famous and married ass all over the place as well. But the Marriage Police weren’t there. The Straight Police weren’t there.

I would say that the Lesbian Police wouldn’t ever show up but if Rosie O’Donnell tried to kiss someone on television it would be a spectacle. See two paragraphs up for the “hot lesbian” explanation. The Gay Male Police are always there espousing the “hideousness” of their behavior.
For example, yesterday I Twittered this:

Adam Lambert kisses a man on national television and it’s a spectacle. Madonna and Britney kissed and it was just another Sunday!Ridiculous!

And one of the responses was this: The best Sunday EVER.

It’s time for this double standard to end. Adam Lambert kissing a man on television should be no more decent or indecent than a woman kissing a woman or a man kissing a woman. He is a man that loves men… get over it.

What equally surprises me is that the petition came from another member of the Black community. I know first hand as a person of color what it feels like to be judged solely on the color of my skin. I know what it feels like to be judged solely on being a woman. It almost hurts me when I see other minorities who have experienced this firsthand not extend a hand out to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities because they are also being judged on who they love or who they identify with and not who they are.

I have faith that one day people will all be seen equally. That’s the promise of America… now let’s live up to it.

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