Heteronormative

This is probably one of my favorite words. Ever.

I like that there is a word to describe the way "things should be."

I like even more that this word has basically been claimed by the gay community, and that slash fans use it whenever possible.

It's pretty much amazing.

Aside from that, I actually had a serious thing to post about today (and I will try to keep it brief).

My roommate, Bobbie, has been in a sort of quiet rage over the unsuccessful repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. (Many others are too, of course)

Now, I think a lot of us can agree that it's utterly stupid. This is a law that flat out discriminates against homosexuals in the military.

I can almost understand the logic behind DADT from a comfort standpoint. If we have men and women putting their lives on the line they shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable while, say, showering.

I get that it's awkward to think they might get checked out while showering. But, is that really the only thing these people can think of? Are they so focused on this potential issue that it consumes their thoughts? (If so, I think we need to discuss their mental health rather than their comfort.)

Isn't this just kind of denying the basic human right to exist as you are? Isn't this prohibiting gay and lesbian service peoples from calling their significant other and being able to share stories about them?

Article 1.

* All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

* Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 5.

* No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 7.

* All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.


Article 12.

* No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.


These come from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 62 years old, remembered on December 10th each year.

Personally, I don't see how DADT doesn't oppose this. How does this give equal dignity? How is this not degrading punishment? How does this provide equal protection by the law? How is this not arbitrary interference?

And, for those that want to get snarky and say that the UDHR calls government the deciding body I say this to you:

Article 21
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government...

Article 30.

* Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

I don't really understand the issue here- the military is about serving and protecting. It has nothing to do with sexual orientation.

And yet, what DADT is saying is that sexuality DOES matter. That somehow, homosexuals are less fit to serve their country.

I can't wrap my mind around it. We were once a country that promised freedoms, that provided refuge from hardships.

Why are we so f***ing far behind on something this simple?