33, when I read your comment, I didn't think you intended it as an insult. But it just makes assumptions about people which, while seemingly reflexive to you— that is, "it's common knowledge that clothing designers are mostly homosexuals, and it's common knowledge that homosexuals are mostly effeminate"— are stereotypes. It also implies that homosexuals are somehow controlling things and inconveniencing you because of this— I assure you that this is not true. You've picked up on beliefs which are indoctrinated into people by homophobic society. That's not your fault, but the first step toward making society not homophobic anymore is for all of us who have those beliefs to critically examine them, and wherever they are not true, throw them out.
This is just a friendly heads-up that many of us on barbelith, when we see people repeating beliefs which are indoctrinated by homophobia or other -isms, challenge those beliefs, and ask the person who stated them to rise above them. If you cannot or don't want to do that, many people will get frustrated with you, and some of the things they say will be unkind. If you respond by attacking others or persisting in homophobic comments, precedent shows that you may be banned. You might have a look through policy to better understand how and why people have gotten banned in the past.
People who are good people and who mean no harm can say things which are homophobic, racist, misogynist, etc. Their mistakes can make others upset. If the person who said the comment in question apologizes or otherwise reconsiders, usually things are fine. If they persist, often they either leave the boards on their own or they are banned. This is sort of how things happen around here. I hope that you find a way to have fun on the boards which doesn't jeopardize your privilege to be here. |
