Never say "Faggot"

I have never been called a faggot before. The first time I read it is in a gay forum when a member called another "faggot", and the rumble started in that site. When I hear that word, it causes me undue distress. Why? Faggot is a word used to describe the "bundle of sticks used to burn people at stake" during the Middle Ages. Calling someone faggot is another way of saying, "Go, burn yourself up and die." or "You're just meant to be burned."

Yes, I'm a gay, and who are other people to say we are destined to be burned. So much for liberty and equality. It's a live and let-live society, unless of course you're living in a backward civilization or worse, a barbaric one. The right vernacular is GAY, or if you want technically-sound term, use Homosexual. Faggot for me is offending, as everybody in the gay world would say. But calling me gay or a homosexual, or even queer liberates me. To call someone properly or appropriately means acceptance, not necessarily approval. Still you may accept him as gay though you're not totally approving or condoning the lifestyle. Confused? That is, accept him as a person worthy of his rights and respect, though you don't have to approve everything that he does. Much more, appropriate terms may also project respect (for a fellow human, and his rights). Denying somebody of due respect creates hostilities, gaps, and misunderstanding. If you cannot accept the way we live and the way we love, better live life your way, nobody won't kick you for that. We live, and we won't interfere with you. And we live to show ourselves that we have the right to be respected for we respect others also.

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I still can't forget the scene in the movie, "I Now Pronounce You, Chuck and Larry", where anti-gay groups picketed at the entrance of a gay AIDS-benefit party. When the participants tried to exit the premises, they were barred by the protesters. They have shouted faggots, and other derogatory abuses against the gays. What's the most unforgettable part is when the camera moved to a gay couple --- one is crying while he leans on the shoulders of his guy lover. Seeing him crying over the abuses is heart-breaking, but when the guy said, "it's alright honey (or sweetie?)" all I can said is "wow" --- that's gay love - a love made stronger amidst all the obstacles.