Much of how society views me is structured around media images of gay men, usually originating from “Will and Grace,” “Ellen,” and RuPaul. But by rejecting what LGBT is today, I am expected to forfeit all cultural experiences linking me to the gay community.
I grew up with a generation of gay movies, magazines, online chat rooms, musicians and, of course, drag queens. Like most gays my age, I have a set of common social experiences, but I am told I am not entitled to enjoy or appreciate them. At best, I am accused of being ignorant of my history, and at worst I have betrayed my own people while benefiting from their hard work and sacrifice. My life as it is today-married, equal, and normal-is argued to be the direct result of the activism I shun and criticize. I am often challenged to answer for generally rejecting LGBT activism with the accusation I am taking for granted what my LGBT ancestors fought for.
