When I started dating men, I was really quite hesitant about too much PDA. Since I had heterosexual privilege, I didn’t want to seem like I was flaunting it (plus, I had to come to terms with the fact that I could be attracted to men, again, and I had some identity issues with that). I was still cautious, but mostly because I was used to feeling cautious. It felt weird for me that people didn’t even blink an eye. Now, I do show more affection with my current male partner in public, and it’s the most I’ve ever shown. I am proud to show that we’re together. Now, I think I would feel more comfortable holding anyone’s hand in public – friend or lover – with pride, but I think that has a lot to do with feeling more comfortable with myself and my identity.

the only place i’ve run into “public” homophobia was, in fact, in europe. but northern ireland is a bit spiky in all respects, so i suppose it only had a little to do with being gay =)

also, roland – what’s in our constitution here seems to have less and less impact on how we live or (notably) govern. but i’m just a disgruntled hippy liberal ;)

Considering America is the land of the free and the right to have a relationship (or marry) with anybody you like is technically instilled in our constitution, I find it REALLY weird and disturbing.

Loving vs. Virginia – the supreme court case which allowed interracial marriage – is documented proof of this. The judge’s ruling NEVER mentioned gender – just that the right to marry who you want regardless was inalienable, covered by ‘the pursuit of happiness’ in the Declaration of Independence.

So technically, America should be more gay friendly than any other country in the world.

I don’t know. For this particular European (i.e. me), it’s one of the things that highlight that stark differences between American and European culture. I’ve lived in UK and France and always believe that France is closer to England than America is (and somebody once said that lesbianism was to France what cricket was to England.)

I adore America – love it to bits – but this particular facet of popular culture is one that makes me uncomfortable (and I’m straight – just a bit of a hippy liberal, according to some.)

I can understand your reluctance to have PDA given some people’s opinions on the subject. I commend your bravery for not letting it hold you back in any way.

lovelovelove.

So while I completely validate your experience in Philly, I ask that you don’t try to “convince” me that my experience was any different than I experienced it.

I’m sorry you don’t understand it. If you’d read my blog for the last two years, perhaps you’d understand a little bit better my dislike for the city of “brotherly love.”

-Essin’ Em

So while I completely validate your experience in Philly, I ask that you don’t try to “convince” me that my experience was any different than I experienced it.

I’m sorry you don’t understand it. If you’d read my blog for the last two years, perhaps you’d understand a little bit better my dislike for the city of “brotherly love.”

-Essin’ Em