Agreed. That is why the pressure must be kept up and even intensified. Hate should be exposed.
> and some denominations, like the Episcopalians and
Anglicans, whose leadership embraced gay men and
lesbians as equal members of fellowship, are continuing
to have a sharp debate within each denomination, which
may lead to a split.
About time.
> But, if gay and lesbian Episcopalians, for instance, had
said, "Hell, the change is too slow, so I'll just say goodbye
to my church," even the changes that have already happened
in the Episcopalian Church would not have come about.
But look what just happened in Tanzinia. Maybe it is better to quit these institutions and do the best to destabilize them. Make them pay a price for their hate. (Just like leaving the Democratic Party).
> A majority of people in the world have yet to get to even
this point, of mutual respect for persons despite disagreements
over beliefs and practices, regarding people of other sexual
orientations and/or religious faiths. Should we write off much
of the world on account of that?
Not write them off, but continue the attacks while fending off their hatred and oppression.
> To take more concrete examples, many (or perhaps all) of
people who are held in Guantanamo, undocumented Mexican
workers exploited or deported, etc. in all likelihood have a view
that is more negative than Ramadan's toward GLBT individuals . . .
Should we say that they don't deserve our solidarity because of
their view of GLBT individuals.
No, we should acknowledge that we have solidarity in one area, but at the same time acknowledge the danger their beliefs pose to queers if and when they are acted upon.
> we have a better chance of building solidarity with upper-class,
out-and-proud GLBT individuals of the West, regardless of their
views about other issues?
Same process. Acknowledge solidarity on queer issues and then criticize their positions on other issues. I do it all the time and have even been effective in changing minds.
Brian