Any soldier worth his salt should be antiwar. And still there are things worth fighting for.
Homophobia and the closet are allies. Like an unhealthy co-dependent relationship they need each other to survive. One plays the victim living in fear and shame while the other plays the persecutor policing what is ‘normal’. The only way to dismantle homophobia is for every gay man and lesbian in the world to come out and live authentic lives. Once they realise how normal we are and see themselves in us….the controversy is over.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that openness and authenticity can dismantle homophobia by showcasing the normalcy of LGBTQ+ lives.
Anthony Venn-Brown's quote highlights the interdependent nature of homophobia and societal norms, suggesting that the fear and shame associated with being gay create an environment where persecution thrives. He boldly advocates for the importance of coming out, asserting that when individuals embrace their true identities, they can challenge and change the misconceptions of those who fear or persecuted them, ultimately leading to greater acceptance and reduced controversy around LGBTQ+ lives.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a pride event to encourage individuals to embrace their identities.
Similar quotes
I am not the least afraid to die
I walk on the wire; it's my profession, and there are no two high wire walks alike.
I find it amazing that the only group of people who are not fighting and not killing and not pillaging and not burning and not raping, and the group of people who are mostly — though not exclusively — who are keeping life going in the midst of war, are not included in the negotiating table.
Even in my really bad, drugged-out days, I didn't go away. I still toured, still did interviews. I never gave up the fight. That's why I'm who I am today, because I didn't leave. And I think I made the right choice.
Let me be a free man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers, free to follow the religion of my fathers, free to talk, think and act for myself — and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty.