Nice piece, Clint. I think my difference from then until now is very similar. If someone says they're straight, they're straight; if they say they're bi, then they're bi -- whether or not they're having sex with men. I'm so OVER the judgement shown by making people fit into pre-determined boxes. It's not new thinking, ofc, Kinsey was proving fluidity & the spectrum 60+ years ago. I've matured to the point where I accept folks for who they say they are -- something I wasn't so good at in my impetuous youth.
I also am very glad to see that Gen Z is way ahead of some of us in that respect. They give me hope that the categorization so endemic to American society will eventually be a thing of the past. Just as we see the "browning" of a truly interracial society, I hope they will be as accepting -- and adventurous -- as they are espousing across social media.
I won't live to see it, but I do have great hopes for the future.
The college kids I worked with in the last years leading into Covid give me hope. They're pretty laid back on average. But what strikes me the most is how many things that were major crises to older people are utterly trivial to them. They're bemused and a bit amused that such importance older people place on race, religion, sexuality, hair style, hair color, tattoos, jewelry, etc. They're not 'open' or 'progressive'. They just don't see why those things are so important. They sort of remind me of Gen Jones and early Gen X in that they seem to lack both the protest gene and the sheeple gene. They smile, nod, and say all the expected words to those in authority, and then quietly go about doing exactly as they please. One major difference is that many seem to determine gay/straight/bi/etc. by whom a person dates. If a guy dates women and has only ever had girlfriends, he is straight. The fact that he might have fun with any number of men while in between relationships isn't relevant. Rather mature if you ask me.
Agreed. It’s taken me a long time to come to a similar point-of-view. My early need to find my “tribe” left me a bit disillusioned…because I found individual friends and sexual partners but not much “community” in the community. Outside Pride parades and HOA-style organizations. :-x
Well said, Tom. With that kind of attitude, I wouldn’t be surprised if you made it to see that day. Gen Z and Alpha are ahead of us on many things. But like every generation they need some gentle reminders from those who came before…help them put their strides in context. At least I think they do. And doubt will listen. lol
Nice piece, Clint. I think my difference from then until now is very similar. If someone says they're straight, they're straight; if they say they're bi, then they're bi -- whether or not they're having sex with men. I'm so OVER the judgement shown by making people fit into pre-determined boxes. It's not new thinking, ofc, Kinsey was proving fluidity & the spectrum 60+ years ago. I've matured to the point where I accept folks for who they say they are -- something I wasn't so good at in my impetuous youth.
I also am very glad to see that Gen Z is way ahead of some of us in that respect. They give me hope that the categorization so endemic to American society will eventually be a thing of the past. Just as we see the "browning" of a truly interracial society, I hope they will be as accepting -- and adventurous -- as they are espousing across social media.
I won't live to see it, but I do have great hopes for the future.
The college kids I worked with in the last years leading into Covid give me hope. They're pretty laid back on average. But what strikes me the most is how many things that were major crises to older people are utterly trivial to them. They're bemused and a bit amused that such importance older people place on race, religion, sexuality, hair style, hair color, tattoos, jewelry, etc. They're not 'open' or 'progressive'. They just don't see why those things are so important. They sort of remind me of Gen Jones and early Gen X in that they seem to lack both the protest gene and the sheeple gene. They smile, nod, and say all the expected words to those in authority, and then quietly go about doing exactly as they please. One major difference is that many seem to determine gay/straight/bi/etc. by whom a person dates. If a guy dates women and has only ever had girlfriends, he is straight. The fact that he might have fun with any number of men while in between relationships isn't relevant. Rather mature if you ask me.
Agreed. It’s taken me a long time to come to a similar point-of-view. My early need to find my “tribe” left me a bit disillusioned…because I found individual friends and sexual partners but not much “community” in the community. Outside Pride parades and HOA-style organizations. :-x
Well said, Tom. With that kind of attitude, I wouldn’t be surprised if you made it to see that day. Gen Z and Alpha are ahead of us on many things. But like every generation they need some gentle reminders from those who came before…help them put their strides in context. At least I think they do. And doubt will listen. lol