Remember When People of Color Used To Speak for Themselves?

GW Law hosts both sides of the marriage equality debate

It’s alright. I don’t either.

Only it isn’t alright. I’m tired of heterosexual, cisgender white men taking front and center stage on everything from reproductive rights to marriage equality to immigration reform. What makes them more qualified to talk about these issues than us? They actually sound pitiful. They are not a part of our community and do not understand the complex myriad of issues within them. Yet we continue to indulge and entrench their presence. And they always do more harm than good.

Discussions are framed from the vantage point of the white, heterosexual male. So when we talk about marriage equality, we end up talking about incest, bestiality and polyandry rather than draw attention to queer critiques of marriage (a more valuable use of time). I don’t understand how this benefits anyone besides those who see themselves as the guardians and gatekeepers of heterosexual marriage.

I’m calling it like it is. I’m done putting up with all instances of white heterosexual power and privilege.