Now we know how the Jews felt, eh?

[Brian_Expat]

Hated and feared in many of the most powerful countries, with other countries tut-tutting the USA but not exactly welcoming us with open arms -- just as happened in places like Britain, France and Switzerland right before World War II. The question is, what comes next?

I don't get the idea we're going to get our own country, nor do I get the idea that the "rest of the world" will fight for us. Oppression of us will be pointed out by other powers (Europe, Canada) to prove how much more progressive they are, but at the end of the day it's unlikely they'll lift a finger to help the average American gay person. Nope, we're on our own I'm afraid.

So what to do and where to go? And, as a gay person in this situation, do you particularly begrudge the Jews for wanting their own place to call home? I know I'd love a similar place for myself and my friends.

[anitar1]

1. Get thee to Canada nt

[Zep]

3. Canada? How about ...

... any good blue state big city?

OK, we didn't get what we wanted this time, but it ain't so apocalyptic.

New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, many et-ceteras.

There are even islands of blue in the red states. Austin TX and Chapel Hill NC immediately spring to mind.

[Brian_Expat]

4. Oh sure

Until the FMA is passed and faith-based funding gets imposed.

Then, if you fall down on your luck in the shitty blue-state economies, you get to go to ex-gay camp before getting any assistance. Hurrah.

And even in the blue states, things are increasingly hostile.

[Zep]

7. Until the FMA is passed ...

The hurdle is too high to pass a constitutional amendment.

If it gets as far as even being voted on, count on me to join in the demonstrations.

But as for running off to Canada, don't be silly. I live in Chicago, a very gay friendly town and not the only one.

I don't see that changing, even with that schmuck in the White House.

[Brian_Expat]

8. Berlin was the gay capital of the world in the 1920s and 1930s

And even more gay friendly than San Francisco today.

[Zep]

11. I think you would really like ...

... Nazi style persecution. It would validate your apocalyptic vision.

Sorry, pal. Things are going just fine, with a little set back here and there.

[Brian_Expat]

12. No, I'm just being realistic

I see hatred and the consequences of hatred in the USA today. And it worries me. I certainly am not assuming there are "safe places" when Bush and his people are running the show and our "allies" aren't willing to fight for us when the going gets tough.

[Brian_Expat]

5. Canada's great if you're rich and highly-skilled. . .

. . . it's not an option for the other 85% of American gays and lesbians.

[davidinalameda]

9. or unless you find a Canadian to marry

then its easier to get citizenship

[Brian_Expat]

10. Yes, but even in that case. . .

Canada MIGHT take 20,000 Americans of all types in total in a year.

[proudbluestater]

2. You have my deepest sympathies in your situation.

I cannot blame you for wanting a place of your own. Lately it's been all-out war on most of the Democratic party, I'm afraid. We are all targets of a very sick regime where the REAL criminals go free as long as they sign the loyalty oath, and people still get ticketed for jaywalking.

I have family members who are also gay. It was quite devastating to see the anti-gay marriage amendment passed everywhere, even in blue states. This is a direct result of right-wing hate propagandizing on the public airwaves for at least a decade, with little time or place for the opposing point of view.

I now have three channels on satellite where I could see, if I could stomach it, the 700 Club. I have three religious networks on the dish, and one local religious channel.

I turn on my AM radio at noon and I can hear Rush Limbaugh on FIVE different channels locally.

And I cannot hear one liberal talker anywhere, though with Democracy Now I can at least see a single one hour news show that is progressive.

And the FCC, it is only concened if somebody says FUCK or shows a boob. The FCC is supposed to PROTECT the airwaves for the citizens. I see precious little of that with Powell in charge.

[Arancaytar]

6. Re: Democracy Now

"though with Democracy Now I can at least see a single one hour news show that is progressive."

Not much longer, I expect. Progressiveness is unpatriotic and dangerous, and will likely be censored out soon. :-/