It Begins

Welcome to my blog! Here I will document whatever I encounter as it relates to homophobia and heterosexism. This will hopefully complete my portfolio assignment for The Isms Laboratory at the Columbia University School of Social Work

So, why homophobia and heterosexism? Although I fully disclose that I'm gay and proud of it, I should also say that I can be alarmingly obtuse to the goings-on of gay-related issues in the media and even in my own interactions. (I typically consider "paying attention" to mean "keeping up with what each designer made this week on Project Runway.") I have an inherent interest in the LGBT community, and I think that will help keep me genuinely engaged in this project. Also, while documenting another ism that applies less directly to my identities might be more personally challenging, I still feel there is a void, both in my school and in the general culture, of awareness around LGBT issues. I will still, however, challenge myself to seek out aspects of homophobia that represent the diversity of the community as a whole. I will also challenge myself to speak personally and really own my feelings and opinions as they are relevant. Will I learn something? I think so, but ask me again in seven weeks.