Heterosexuals should suport gay rights also
A lot of controversy has recently been raised over GAMIT, its presence on campus, and attacks against it. I would like to add another viewpoint. I am a heterosexual. I am also a member of GAMIT. Many people wonder if the two aren't contradictory. I would like to explain why they are not.
First, GAMIT officially stands for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Friends at MIT. I consider myself a friend.
Second, GAMIT fights for the freedom of choice, the freedom to express who you are and to love whomever you choose. It may seem that I already have these freedoms, but in truth I am often confused because I love someone of a different race or economic background than myself. I feel that if I want to maintain my right to love, or to be different, I must protect that of others. Censorship and prejudice rarely stop with one group.
Third, a personal reason: my sister is a lesbian. I know what a great experience coming out was for her and also the pain she has gone through. I would never ask her to go back into hiding to save herself from prejudice and hatred because I believe she, like all people, has a right to be her whole self, including loving women. I want to make this world a little more caring and a little less frightening for my sister, my friends, and everyone who is different.
The free expression of sexuality is a basic human right. Sexuality is a part of all of us whether we are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or straight. We must be able to affirm and be proud of who we are. Anonymous attacks on any group censor that group's identity and therefore deny people their basic rights. The HAMIT poster's [The Tech, Nov. 3] "save it for prison" and "silence = death, quiet = silence, therefore shut up GAMIT" do not constitute jokes of any kind. They are clear threats to homosexuals and bisexuals who merely wish to be accepted for who they are. These threats cannot be taken lightly. We must continue to fight.
I am proud to be a member of GAMIT, and I will not "shut up" about it. I will continue to speak out for human rights and I will continue to wear my buttons and GAMIT T-shirt. I hope to continue raising awareness until no one can claim not to have at least one gay friend.
Mary Baxter '93->
View Archives