Eye-opening Radio

I'm not typically the sort to spout about political, religious or social beliefs in a public forum, but...

The other day, I was driving home late at night and the radio station I was listening to started airing a GLBT radio program. I've been trained to appreciate all sorts of talk radio while working on some podcasts for my old company, so rather than spend the .47 calories required to reach up and change the station, I listened.

The show was focused on upcoming state elections in New England, and how votes will impact the gay community. (Yes, I didn't know it at first either, but GLBT is not a new type of bacon-and-veg toasted sandwich, but Gay Lesbian Bisexual and (I have to assume, the didn't spell it out) Transexual. I have to say that I was amazed at how many relevant political issues directly or indirectly concern the GLBT community. I'm almost ashamed to admit that I was unaware of most of them (all except the gay marriage issue). In fact, it became clear as I listened that I know pretty much nothing about the gay community.

I feel (probably unjustly) that the disclaimer should be made: I am not gay. I am also not a homophobe. Heck, I went to a liberal arts college and worked in the theater for years. I have several gay firends. But if you know someone who is gay, you probably never talk about it. I mean, I've never said "so hey, what about that [insert gay issue here], huh?" in conversation. And my gay friends never bring their sexual preferences up in conversation either - understandably so, with so much intolerance in the world.

Anyway, I guess there's no point to this post other than to share my own surprise at how little I know about relevant issues that affect a large population of Americans. The radio show was an eye-opener.

For those who fall into the category of "Intolerants" -- in the safe privacy of you home, when your intolerant friends aren't watching or listening, tune your radio to the show: it's called One in Ten. You might learn something about a very real part of our social landscape, and yes, you will still be a heterosexual afterwards.