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Veilex

(1,555 posts)
2. "I was honestly surprised the numbers were not higher for those in the gay community for abuse."
Wed Aug 20, 2014, 12:55 PM
Aug 2014

Bear in mind, they say from the start that these numbers are likely severely under-reported.

Even being a progressive myself, and a self-proclaimed Egalitarian, I find it very difficult to speak up about whatever ails me, or whatever sociological issues I'm dealing with.

I recognize it for what it is: programming by society to "Be a man"... often without knowing what that even means. After all, there are so many sources that want to control exactly what it means to "be a man" from the Church and politicians to Corporate media and the cult of Machismo... heck, even Disney got into the action with the song in Mulan, "Be a man".

So, rule number one trained into most men? Don't complain... its not manly. If you complain, its only because your not a real man.
This singular rule is so ingrained into men and our culture, that even progressives have a hard time fighting for their own rights. I'm very fortunate in that my wonderful Fiancé watches out for me... because, frankly, I suck at it (uh oh, I've committed a cardinal sin here... I've shown weakness). Because of all that lovely training and reinforcement, I fight everyday to be a more open person... but its far easier to fight for someone else's rights than to stand up for my own. But I digress.

I'm happy to hear you've gotten out of that toxic relationship!
You're lady friend is a good one!
Nothing quite so valuable as someone who'll stand up for you...even when others wont.

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