Few can dispute the benefits that the Internet has provided society. There is unlimited information that we can peruse for intellectual stimulation or entertainment. For businesses, the Internet ( mainly, using the World Wide Web and e-mail ) means the chance to advertise one's products or services to people in Joliet or Japan.
However, few can also dispute the disadvantages and dangers lurking on the information superhighway-;especially if it is abused. For the gay community, there are special ways that the Internet can be used to devastating effect-; with outing being among the chief offenses.
Although many consider information regarding sexual orientation to be inherently private, there are others who feel it is their obligation and right to force gays out of the closet. One argument that "outers" use is that outing discredits myths by confronting ( homosexual and heterosexual ) homophobes with the fact that gays are ( indeed ) like everyone else. "Outers" also feel that "exposing" homosexuals addresses the internalized homophobia of self-hating closeted gays and lesbians. Ultimately, they argue, young persons would find it easier to come to terms with their own sexuality if more gays and lesbians were out because they would have positive role models.
However, are these reasons truly enough to override the privacy of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals? Individually and as a community, we still have to face numerous social ramifications if we decide to come out. Granted, people have made some strides. ( Yes, Will & Grace is relatively mild but it still would not have been made 20 years ago. ) However, we still have to deal with uncertainty and negativity concerning others' reactions. These are scary prospects for anyone who considers outing himself.
Also, coming out is important because one is out at the end of the process but also we are in charge of this development. Each person has to come out in his own way. Having someone else out us prematurely interrupts this process and robs us of our autonomy. Obviously, outing is not a new phenomenon. Since our days in Miss Kincaid's kindergarten class, we have faced taunts with accusations of being "queer." ( However, maybe we shouldn't even view them as accusations; this implies that homosexuality is a badge of shame-;which it definitely is not. ) Recently, even magazines have joined in the outing frenzy.
However, the Internet kicks everything up a notch primarily because of a factor that we usually consider advantageous: an instant global audience. Therefore, it's not just possible for someone in Denmark to know but also your Web-surfing Aunt Emma, who inexplicably strikes so much fear in you that you "de-fag" your apartment before she arrives. Basically, you end up confronting your fears about coming out before you're ready. The closet door isn't gently opened for you; it's blown apart with the psychological equivalent of a TNT blast. Your life is instantly changed-;and not necessarily for the better. All of this can happen because of a Webmaster who feels it's his right to assume what's best for society - and you.
As previously stated, the online world provides a world of advantages. However, also be aware that there are drawbacks as well. You know the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword"? Well, when it comes to the consequences of outing someone on the Internet, the keyboard can be a mighty-;and dangerous-;weapon.
Andrew's Picks:
1. FileAmerica.com ( www.fileamerica.com ) : There are certain things you can expect: death, outrageous FOX specials, and government paperwork. I can't recommend much to help you with the first two, but with the latter there's FileAmerica.com . This site provides free and easy access to government services. Simply select a state and download the form you need. For example, in Illinois, you can obtain forms for procuring birth certificates, vanity plates, and even CTA transit cards.
2. Open Road Riders of Chicagoland ( hometown.aol.com/gldwng77/clubs ) : Get your motor running with this mostly gay and lesbian bike ( read: motorcycle ) club. The group tools around different Midwestern sites, sampling restaurant fare and visiting tourist spots. Wanna be a member? All you have to do is be over 18 and own a bike "of at least 350 cc." If you don't know what that means, you might want to take your Schwinn and hit the lakefront.
3. The Grey Gay Guide ( ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pewit/greygay1.htm ) : Believe it or not, there are middle-aged gay men out there. ( In fact, I saw one just the other day. ) Anyway, this site caters to those baby boomers ( and beyond ) as well as the people who love them. You can read news excerpts and even find meeting places, which are geographically organized.
Contact me at turn_it_up@hotmail.com .