An LDS Ad Campaign to Counter Mormon Stereotypes
According to news sources, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has begun a television campaign to reach out to the American people, many of whom have reportedly never met a Mormon. The campaign aims at breaking down stereotypes of Mormons as stiff right-wing religious fanatics by providing snapshots of the lives of real Mormons to show that they’re not so different from everyone else after all.
Sound familiar, folks?
I won’t go so far as to say that the Mormons stole my idea, but in an effort to address the same problem, they certainly came up with the same solution. I started this blog as a space where real live Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning individuals could share insights into their lives. I believe that this is the best way to counter the stereotypes that so often spark judgments about us that don’t really address us as people.
The I'm a Mormon Campaign currently contains over twenty videos of normal people—couples, artists, athletes—comfortable with talking about who they are and what they do on a daily basis that makes them unique and worthy of acceptance. “It’s time to reintroduce ourselves,” say leaders of the campaign. I never thought I’d say this, but there is one area where the Mormons and I agree. People can’t really understand and appreciate you if all they have to know you by is an overblown cliché.
I’ve been calling out to all of you help drive this effort forward, one story at a time. If you have any interest in changing the minds of those around you, please participate in this project by emailing your LGBTQ in the Life story to gay.in.the.life@gmail.com. Here you have a chance to show the world the real you.
C’mon. Introduce yourself.
If you would like to participate in the Gay in the Life Project, email your story to gay.in.the.life@gmail.com, along with your fist name or pen name, age, location, and/or any other information that you’d like posted to introduce yourself. Include a title that begins, "A Gay (Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Questioning) in the Life of..." All contact information will remain private and confidential.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Gay in the Life of a Witness to History
Hey Everyone,
No doubt you've heard the good news about yesterday's ruling against Proposition 8 in California! For the first time, a federal judge has struck down a ban on same-sex marriage. The decision is certain to be appealed, but our community can celebrate a victory and express our hope that things will continue to go well at this new level.
Each of us is watching history be made as the months pass and daily strides are made in the movement for the rights of LGBTQ citizens.
What are your thoughts on the movement, on our recent successes in marriage cases, hate crimes legislation, and Don't Ask, Don't Tell?
How do feel toward those who oppose this progress, about the people, their motives, and their arguments?
And what's it feel like to be part of a generation that is witnessing strides that no one would have dreamed of fifty years ago? The seeds that the Stonewall generation planted are finally maturing. We're watching it, and some of us are even taking part. For one thing, LGBTQ people have finally found their voice, the ability to express themselves and be recognized. Take advantage and participate in the Gay in the Life Project. Tell your story today!
UPDATE: People have already begun posting their thoughts on Facebook, so here they are!
I come from Iowa originally, so when we gained our rights last year, I was overwhelmed with sense of community, unity, and overall joy for my friends who have waited for so long to be considered one with their partners. Now, living in Nebraska, I'm back to watching people suffer for the stubborn, misguided opinions of others. As for the opposition, I feel nothing but pity for them and their families. They know nothing about what its like to actually live life the way we do. They dislike what they don't understand and try to make us conform so they feel more secure in their world, but what they need to understand is that everyone (gay, straight, or otherwise) is different. Nobody will ever understand everybody and that's the way it ought to be. My name is Kris. I'm 21 and the father of an amazing baby boy. I am proudly gay and will fight in whatever way I can to be considered equal. [Posted to the Facebook page for The Gay in the Life Project on 8/5/10]
No doubt you've heard the good news about yesterday's ruling against Proposition 8 in California! For the first time, a federal judge has struck down a ban on same-sex marriage. The decision is certain to be appealed, but our community can celebrate a victory and express our hope that things will continue to go well at this new level.
Each of us is watching history be made as the months pass and daily strides are made in the movement for the rights of LGBTQ citizens.
What are your thoughts on the movement, on our recent successes in marriage cases, hate crimes legislation, and Don't Ask, Don't Tell?
How do feel toward those who oppose this progress, about the people, their motives, and their arguments?
And what's it feel like to be part of a generation that is witnessing strides that no one would have dreamed of fifty years ago? The seeds that the Stonewall generation planted are finally maturing. We're watching it, and some of us are even taking part. For one thing, LGBTQ people have finally found their voice, the ability to express themselves and be recognized. Take advantage and participate in the Gay in the Life Project. Tell your story today!
UPDATE: People have already begun posting their thoughts on Facebook, so here they are!
I come from Iowa originally, so when we gained our rights last year, I was overwhelmed with sense of community, unity, and overall joy for my friends who have waited for so long to be considered one with their partners. Now, living in Nebraska, I'm back to watching people suffer for the stubborn, misguided opinions of others. As for the opposition, I feel nothing but pity for them and their families. They know nothing about what its like to actually live life the way we do. They dislike what they don't understand and try to make us conform so they feel more secure in their world, but what they need to understand is that everyone (gay, straight, or otherwise) is different. Nobody will ever understand everybody and that's the way it ought to be. My name is Kris. I'm 21 and the father of an amazing baby boy. I am proudly gay and will fight in whatever way I can to be considered equal. [Posted to the Facebook page for The Gay in the Life Project on 8/5/10]
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