Am I the only one who thinks this whole “_____ Month”‘ has gotten a bit out of hand? We now have Pride Month, Black History Month, Asian American History Month, Irish American History month, Heart Disease awareness month, Autism Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s Awareness month (which is near and dear to my heart), Breast Cancer awareness Month, Glaucoma Awareness Month, Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month. Future Farmers of America Month, Audiobook Month and so on. Not that I don’t think each and every one of these is important, but I just can’t keep them all straight in my mind.

Personally, I think we could combine several of these into “LIVE AND RESPECT EACH OTHER’S RIGHT TO LIVE” year. Personally, I identify as a straight female with submissive leanings. I don’t really care how other people identify as long as they are happy and comfortable with their choice and if their choice (or mine!) does not interfere with anyone else’s lifestyle. I have a son in law who is a transgender man. His husband (my son) is primarily a straight man. I was concerned when they got married. However, they make each other happy, and that’s really all I care about. I have close friends who are gay. They are not my friends because they are gay, but because they are good people who would, if needed, help me at a moment’s notice, make me laugh, and hug me when I cry. I don’t care about their sexual preferences because – and this is key – IT’S NONE OF MY BUSINESS!!!!

Maybe I just don’t get it, but here’s my take on things. Unhappy people are more likely to  commit crimes because they are unhappy. Some of these crimes might include using illegal drugs, murder, or self harm (okay, that one isn’t a crime, but it IS concerning!) Happy people tend not to do these things nearly as often!

Another way to look at it is this. As a straight woman, I am attracted to men. If society shamed me for my natural inclinations, I’d be unhappy. I’d become depressed. I doubt if I’d murder anyone, but I can’t say I wouldn’t consider drugs, alcohol or self harm. I’m pretty sure I’d slip into a deep depression. All because society has told me that my own nature is sinful and unacceptable and what I do in the PRIVACY OF MY OWN HOME with another consenting adult is deemed inappropriate.

I’m calling bullshit on that.

At the same time, I really don’t want to see a gay couple making out in public. I also don’t want to see  a STRAIGHT couple making out in public! I mean kissing, holding hands, and other public displays of affection are perfectly fine, but doing the down and dirty? Nope. Again, not my business. Besides, children could be around and I really, really don’t think little ones should be exposed to such goings on. Like I said, kissing, holding hands, etc – sure, but not slurpy, swallowing each others’ tongues, caressing genitals stuff. Gross.

On the other hand, if I’m at a club or someplace where it’s ADULTS only who CHOOSE to be there – go for it!! These semi-public displays of love and affection I personally find sweet and, at times, erotically exciting to witness!

Hopefully, I haven’t offended anyone. If I did, I apologize. That wasn’t my intent. I’m straight. I’m not proud of it. I’m not ashamed of it. That’s simply who I am. One day I really, really hope my son-in-law and friends can be as readily accepted as I am.