So I haven't wrote in this lately due to weddingy type stuff, which is thankfully all sorted now, so there for do not actually have to think about it until the the actual day (2 days after Christmas!) Anyone who actually knows me as well has already let me know how suitably impressed at my organisation they are, as I am known to be the most unorganised person EVER, so the fact that I actually have this wedding planned almost 4 months away from the actual day is a MASSIVE DEAL!!!!! Anywho, I have had the urge to vent/get rid of some...feelings I suppose lately and thought here may be the best place for it. I'm not actually sure how many people actually read this, but for once it's not about that,it's just about putting into words how I feel.
Okay, first things first. My family is quite close. We're typically Irish...loud and protective, who love the odd drink of an alcoholic nature and are fiercely protective of each other. My two sisters, brother and myself make it a thing to catch up together properly at least once a week, which usually ends up with us being down the pub!
Okay so to the actual point of this. 2 years ago, my brother came out to the family as being gay. Which given the nature of our family dynamics came as a surprise to absolutely none of us! But still, it was hard for him. It made no difference to any of us, we didn't care as long as he was happy, and even though he knew deep down that that was going to be our reaction, you could see on his face how much it meant to him when we said that. Now I am lucky in that most of the people I associate with are of the same opinion as me and my family, but at the same time, I am aware that for some people it is touchy subject. Now here is where it gets tricky, and I just want to say here and now, that I am all for free speech. Everyone has the right to an opinion, even if it is different to mine and I completely respect that...as long as the person with the differing opinion does the same. Basically, not too long ago I found myself in a situation where I was out for a few drinks in my local pub with mutual friends of mine and my fiances and some of their friends we had never met. One couple was from New York, and talk turned to politics (which really in hinsight was a really bad idea!) and inevtiably soon turned to the American Presidental Election, and Mitt Romney vs Obama came up. Which in turn lead to the whole homosexuality thing being brought up. The male half of this particular couple said some extremely vulgar things about gay people, which made the entire table feel uncomfortable, which he picked up on, and then jokingly said "what, don't tell me someone here is gay are they?" To which I replied no, but my brother is, and promptly got up from the table to go outside for a cigarette. Now, maybe I was being over-sensitive, but I couldn't help it.I was mad, and quite upset actually and didn't want to make people anymore uncomfortable by getting into an argument with the guy. Whenever I hear derogatory things said about gay people, I can't help but automatically go on the defense. Because it is personal for me...that's my baby brother that they are talking about, my family and no one talks about my family like that. Because he is not sick, or evil. He's not a deviant he doesn't have a disease and he is most certainly not going to Hell thank you very much! He is a 20 year old young man, who loves music and Irish dancing (World Champion btw!). He has a wicked sense of humour and likes going out with his sisters and our mutual friends on a Thursday night for a few drinks. If we can all actually arrange to be off the next day, because it's never just 'a few' with us! He has a huge circle of friends and has a better social life than me...he also suffers from the worlds worst hangovers. He is training to be a nurse, has 2 more years to go and then plans on travelling the world with his friends. And he is also gay. And if you don't like that, fine. As I said earlier, everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if it's not the same as mine. But if I don't shove mine down your throat, then don't shove yours down mine. I don't judge you based on your opinion on something, so please, don't you dare judge me on mine, and please. if you are going to be horrible and say horrible things then please just keep your mouth shut, because at the end of the day that is my brother that you are talking about. And I am fiercely protective about my family. Like I said, maybe I am being over sensitive, but what he said has just stuck with me and I needed to get it out. I realise that this is a sensitive topic for a lot of people, and apologise if I caused anyone offense, I just needed to vent!
hot
bouncy
jubilant
stressed
thoughtful