Since I started this blog I have addressed some contentious issues. Some topics caused quite a stir especially amongst a few fanatical Christians. Dealing with Homophobia, Discrimination, AIDS, Racism and even how we as a gay community discriminate amongst ourselves, the backlash was expected but the resulting hate mails ,at first, caught me off guard.
Later, as I wrote about topics that I knew could be controversial I anticipated receiving the nasty onslaught of hate in my inbox, and they never disappointed. But, it's not only the controversial themes that have sparked hate mail, some light-hearted articles surprisingly did too. Some of which left me utterly flabbergasted. Haters managed to take seemingly “innocent” articles and mutilate them with their narrow minded ignorance and turn them into something hateful and ugly? Leaving me to wonder, are there really people out there that can find hate in anything if they applied their twisted minds?
In the past three years since my blog’s conception I have posted numerous articles the majority of which, I must admit, have been humorous. Even when dealing with serious matters I attempted not to lose sight of the lighter side of life. However, some of these articles outraged a few people, outraged them so much that they decided to send me their thoughts in harshly worded e-mails. In total I have received well over 200 hate mails to date, 200 hate mails and counting...
In these hate mails I have been called everything from a Faggot, God Hating Queer, Turd Miner, Infidel, Satanist, Asshole, Mother Fucker, Vulgar Animal, Anti-Christ, and worse. They have also accused me of filling people’s minds with my filth, being a terrorist, spreading AIDS, trying to destroy religion, being a molester of bodies and minds and the best yet “The Abomination of Humanity” (note the use of the wording “THE Abomination” instead of “An Abomination”).So yes, I have received quite my fair share of hate mails and have been called my fair share of bad names. The common denominator amongst my hate mail is the fact that they mostly come from religious folks. This special category of hate mails are easily identifiable due to the quotations from the Bible, Koran, Torah and Tanakh; all quotations taken out of context to imply that I am going to hell and taking all my readers to hell with me. (So please take note my gentle readers pack light for the afterlife - it’s going to be warm!)
The hate mail I received after one particular article about Halloween (Horror, Weirdoes & Fagalicious Homos) “condemned me to hell”. I kid you not! The hate mail further accused me of promoting “hideous, dirty and vulgar sinful acts” but fail to name or list these acts so it was left to my very vivid imagination to do so myself.
The hate mail I received after one particular article about Halloween (Horror, Weirdoes & Fagalicious Homos) “condemned me to hell”. I kid you not! The hate mail further accused me of promoting “hideous, dirty and vulgar sinful acts” but fail to name or list these acts so it was left to my very vivid imagination to do so myself.In the same e-mail I was also singled out as The Abomination of Humanity. Well, to be honest over the last three years I have been condemned to hell by so many people, from so many religions, in so many hate mails that when I do get to Hell one day I am expecting one big mother fucking welcoming party. After all, according to my haters I have recruited most of its occupants and don't The Abomination of Humanity deserve an epic welcome? If not, don't I at the very least deserve some medal for all my evil achievements?
I still find it hard to believe that there are people in this world with such a narrow minded attitude to life that innocent articles can prompt such ferocious attacks. Having now become quite use to receiving hate mails, I read them with the same regard as I do flyers left on my car’s windscreen. It is just amazing how these individuals rather opt to send me personalized e-mails than posting their disgust on my blog’s wall.
One would think being so disgruntled, offended and taking such personal umbrage to what I write, they would want to share it with the world. After all my dear hate mail senders, do my readers not deserve to be informed that they are also condemned to the same fate as I, or be warned about how I am molesting their minds and corrupting their souls?
Over 200 hate mails and counting. No matter how perturbing they may be, a few hundred hate mails definitely will not stop this faggot from writing about any issue, event, holiday, topic, belief or highlighting the human rights abuses of the gay community whenever and wherever it occurs. A few hundred hate e-mails won’t shut this Queer up!As for my haters, one thing I have learned since starting my blog is that if people want to find hate, they never have to look very far as they can manipulate, twist and spin anything to suit their hate fueled agendas. Some even actively seek out hate, how else does one explain why my haters keep on returning to my blog? To all those hatemonger fanatics, I dare you to express your views openly and publicly. Come on now, if you are that upset and if it is that important to you, why be shy?
Till next time
Lilly Allen - Fuck you very much!
46 comments:
Without doubt there are homophobic haters out there. There are those who do not hesitate to send hate mail like the ones you have encountered and those who are silent too.The hate mailers are attention whores, so I wonder if acknowledging them doesn't elevate their status to the level of those whose responses you do care about receiving. Maybe the icy silent treatment is what they deserve.
@ absolutwillie, I totally agree as the Youtube video says "F you very much!"
@ timethief, I disagree. I have done the ice silence thing. If they have an opinion they should share it openly in my blog by posting their hateful views instead of e-mailing it to me. If they feel so strongly about their views why not make it known in an open forum. I infer they don't want to because they fear being made to look like idiots.
Truthfully I find it very sad when people are so hateful. I see no use in hating another human being for who they are, what they believe in, how they live their lives or who they love. As someone who is both a Christian AND in a same sex relationship, I particularly don't undersatnd. Most of these religions are supposed to be teaching you to love your neighbour but I see very, very little love happening.
It's very sad when people take quotes from religious texts and see only what they want to see in them so that they can spread their hate instead of following the true meaning and purpose of those verses and books by embracing people rather than condemning them. I say leave the condemning to God!
Anyway. I am glad you don't take it to heart and that you will continue to write just as you have been. Other people's close mindedness should never stop someone from doing anything in this life!
I also think that people who spread such hate maybe fearful of posting things on your blog just because I am sure there would be a lot of backlash and perhaps they know they are biting off more than they can chew! It's very cowardly.
I totally agree that if they have such strong opinions, they should have the guts to post them publicly!
@ CupCake, there are so many gay Christians, Jews and Muslims in the world. People using religion to substantiate their hate is sickening to say the least. Most of these people do not even know the scriptures they are quoting from well enough for it to even remotely correctly reference to what they are referring to. It truly is sad, unfortunate and unnecessary!
@ Roshni Mitra Chintalapati, let's hope they do!
Welcome to my world Sugar. If they didn't have some hatin' in their heart, how would they get into heaven? I have experienced their loathing for quite some time. As has been rightfully put..."Fuck em!"
Rev. Brett A. Harris ~ Founder and creator of the "Save Bryce" campaign (http://savebryce.ergonomicalministries.org)and "Friends of B.R.Y.C.E." (http://friendsofbryce.info)
Brett, you must give me some pointers then! Besides these hate mails being annoying every now-and-again one really just piss me off!!!!
It never fails to confound me: if they don't want to hear a gay/queer perspective, why are they reading a gay/queer blog? I've had similar experiences in my personal blogs in myspace on occasion.
I make it VERY clear that I'm gay in my profiles. If they don't want to be a contact, don't be one. I can only think that, in their own delusional way, they feel they are "enlightening" us, or some such shit.
Well, as for me, I was raised in such an "enlightened" environment, and I made the conscious decision to leave it for my own sanity.
Those of us who are open and have opinions will always be attacked by those closedminded minions of orthodoxy, whose minds are unable to conceive of a legitimate thought that differs from them.
Welcome to our ranks of Abominations. Your Platinum Card will be arriving soon in the mail. Be sure to sign the back of it upon receipt, otherwise it will not be valid.
All I can say is WWJD? I'm sure he wouldn't be hating anybody for dressing up in a costume.
This kind of stuff has turned me off religion all together. I prefer the non religious, they aren't so righteous and hateful.
@ James Benson, and there I thought I was the only Abomination. At least I now know there's a club. I think I should start a pay subscription for all those closed minded minions of orthodoxy, we all know how fast they will lose interest in my blog as soon as they have to fork out money.
@ Ann Martin Photography BLOG, WWJD indeed. I don't think a few misguided fanatics should put you or anyone else off religion. They are the bad examples, but there are others who are truly inspirational. It's just sad that a few bad apples can spoil the whole tree,
I agree that the haters should have the guts to say their bit in public.
Keep writing; the hatred comes in part from those who know they are losing ground.
On a lighter note, you and we your readers can form a singing group in hell called The Abominators. We can join hands, dress in outrageous costumes and sing the Fuck You Very Much song around the "campfire." It's a catchy tune and we'll be in good company!
ChrisJ, like I said no person or hate group will shut me up! Great idea for a singing group, at least there will be fabulous entertainment. Everybody knows the gays throw the best parties and parades. Hell will be one colorful place. I came across the Fuck you song, and just loved it. So innocent, yet so bold and it gets the point across loud and clear ;-)
Ciao Pierre!! Just do your thing and share what you want to say with the world! You are an individual with the same rights as everyone else. It's just sad that people send hate mail...really why would you do something like that?! Waste of time, words and energy. And you're right if they feel so strongly about it and they think they are so right...they could have just posted it openly.
But it's like you said...even though you learn to deal with it and to brush them of there will always be a few that will piss you off and that will leave you flabbergasted. But they are just words and it will only take you a bit more time to brush it off...
I love your posts ^_^! You have a clear and funny way of writing! Just do what you do best and leave the bad apples aside! take care
I get my share of hate too ,and my blog only 2 months old ,those emails from different sort if people ,they hate that proud of being Saudi Arabian . Once I recieved this telling me that we are monsters and we should go back to our caves or die another someone sent an article about this news channel which they refer to it as a Saudi to the core channel and how this channel is biased and hateful toward the west ...but I know it is not a Saudi channel it is not even located in Saudi Arabia ..any how the email sender finished her email by "shame on you"
I really do not know what is that all about? We are a very humbledand passionate nation,we make great friends ..sometimes it feels that the whole world does not know us and some even do not want to understansome .However,It does not bather as much after all hate mail only shows me how sad and/or angry the sender is ,it is really about him/her having issues that she/he can't deal with well...
I'm really sorry Piere that you get such emails and take care
@ TJ Lubrano, Thanks for the kind words. I believe in freedom of speech and the people who are sending me hate mail also have the right to air their views and opinions. However, if they won't do it publicly why bother? Then it just becomes a personal attach. One person suggest that I start publishing them on my blog and I am entertaining that idea.
@ Sam Sall, it's nice to know I am not the only blogger that gets hate mail, but disturbing at the same time. Last week sometime I received an e-mail from Blogspot.com informing me that my blog maybe banned in your country (Saudi Arabia), because of its content. Well if you can still access my blog I guess it's not banned yet. As a fellow blogger that's targeted by hate mail my advice to you is keep on blogging, let the rest of the world get to know the true nature of your people and be their voice! We have more power through our blogs than what the hate mail senders has, at least our voices are heard by many but their hate only reaches us.
No hate from me. I'm sending you much love. Thanks for the post.
Dear Pierre,
Even though I know this kind of hate exists in the world -- and I do believe it is an illness -- I am nonetheless appalled at what you have recieved in these emails. Speaking from my heart, I have to say that I apologize to you for the horrible treatment of my fellow humans. I am so so sorry. This is 100% inaapropriate behavior. It does not reflect on your dear soul; it reflects on them. It shows me people who live in great fear and ignorance.
For me someone prefering the same sex is a NON issue. So I am always shocked when people become violent and abusive. Often verbal or mental abuse is the worst.
I am sorry that you have to live in world filled with this type of ignorance. To me it reflects people who are very afraid -- not of YOU, but of THEMSELVES. They fear someting in themselves. I will not tolerate this kind of abuse (and it IS abuse --- and it has NOTHING to do with someone prefering the same sex -- it has to do with the abusers own fear). For ceturies people of colored skin, women, same sex relationships, and so on, have been targets for this kind of fear and ignorance.
I don't know what is the best way to deal with it. I really understand you need to post about it here. And I would block all the abuser's email addresses from coming into your box. I don't know whether ignoring them is best or if speaking out is. I understand that they aren't even worthy of a reply, and yet I also understand you desire to not have to carry it alone or keep it inside.
I also really agree with you that people should post their comments here and not email on the sly and where no one can see it but you. But usually people who are abusive are very gutless and that is their MO. The same fear than makes then abusive makes them cowards in terms of posting a public comment.
You could always remove your email address and change it and then people are FORCED to comment here. It's just an idea. I really do not know how to deal with this.
I really admire your openness and honesty and I pray that you see a day in your lifetime when same sex relationships, love and "being" aren't even an issue, where people don't even bat an eyelash. I know that is probably a long time in coming...so in the meantime, I apologize for all the poeple who hurt you.
The truth is you are a beautiful human being ...and that is ALL you are. The rest has nothing to do with anything, certainly not YOU. I wish you well, stay strong and true to your heart.
Robin
@ Cathy, thank you ;-)
@ Robin Easton, thank you so much. I truly believe that the majority of my blog readers homosexual, heterosexual, religious or not share your view and mine of tolerance and acceptance.
It is most unfortunate that this kind of hate still exist, but receiving hate mail will not make me remove or change my e-mail address.
Many gay people living in countries where they are persecuted sends me e-mails because they fear of being identified in their own countries if they post to my blog. I treasure these e-mails, appreciate the trust they bestow on my by contacting me and truly feel I am accomplishing something through my blog whenever I am afforded the opportunity to interact with these friends who are isolated and in need. They are important to me! They are the people I would like to believe I make a difference for. They can see that all GLBT can have a normal life, get married and be happy even if it's not in their own countries. They can see they are not alone.
So I won't delete my e-mail address or change it, the reward of what my blog achieves in some people's lives far outweigh the displeasure of the hate mails I receive.
Just keep on not paying attention to other folks ignorance, Pierre, you're better than them and you know it.
SIKyren, I will and I do! Just thought it was about time a raised this issue and deal with it, hopefully for the last time, but I am not convinced the hate mails will stop and if not I'll start saving them and one day publish my memoir of hate.
Yes, I really admire and relate to your reasons for leaving your email address on your site. I would too. You are very wise and committed to your beliefs of freedom and equality. I relate to that. I also love your commitment to helping others. That is exactly what it will take to change the world. I am with you and send my highest respects.
I agree with timethief, there are always those out there who try to aggravate and hold the attention through their hate.
You are definitely braver than I am and I salute the fact that you're standing against discrimination. Even though some are unwilling to admit it, that is exactly what it is! Keep it up!
The people who send these kind of e-mails are cranks and cowards at heart. Ignore them, laugh at them, feel pity for them and just continue on your free, gay way.
@ Robin, Thanks Robin, you make me sound like a saint which I hardly am but I will take the compliment and Nobel Prize in the category "Most Abrasive Queer of the Year" ;-)
@ Ciss B, Ciss B, discrimination is a part of life whether we like it or not.
To some extend we are all guilty of discrimination and bias (whether we want to admit to it or not). The important part is to stand up against it when it affects you and realize it when you show signs of perpetrating it yourself.
The world would be a better place if we all just learned to be more tolerant, worked at it and paid more attention to it in our own day-to-day existence.
@ nothingprofound, I will do ;-) However I will not ignore them but I will face them head on!
If someone doesnt like what you write, why do they read it? How boring reading stuff that you dont like or agree with or dont believe in or or or, it would be like me reading a hunting/dog fighting/badger baiting blog! Stupid people. So sorry you have to endure this.
Joanne, I have been asking myself the same question. Maybe they literally have nothing better to do, and spread hate as a hobby.
Hey C:) (for short) - I love your blog! BTW, people with hate in their hearts are like those of us with love to give in our hearts, in ONE respect - whatever a human being overwhelmingly feels is always too big for that one person to contain so he looks to pass some of it to his fellow human beings so it doesn't consume him. The obvious difference of course is hate is born of fear and demolishes and distinegrates all that embrace it while love uplifts and encourages one to take a chance, and only grows stronger as its shared. I think one of the lessons we're here to learn (at least in THIS incarnation) is that hate and injustice and the people who adopt it as a statement cause us to reflect on the true nature of people and things and in the process, find our own:)
Thanks Surveygirl46 ;-) What you wrote is so profound and so true. It really gives one perspective.
Being a psychology major one of my favorite paradigms we had to study included that of the psychiatrist Victor Frankl who once said:
"Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it."
That too is profound and i've never heard it before - what true words...
I'm a Christian and I am embarrassed with some of the things I hear from people of my faith. I don't know what else to say other than "I'm sorry".
I don't even know if calling some of these people "homophobes" is proper. Most of them aren't afraid - they just hate. Sure, some may actually have a phobia to gay people, but all I see is hate.
Keep on doing what you're doing, brother, and the hell with everyone who send you those awful emails and give people like myself (Christians) a bad rap.
The Man With Problems, thanks. I also find it quite shameful that people who call themselves Christians behave in such a manner. But I suppose there will always be people who take things too far. At least most of us can see them for who and what they are and can distinguish between people of true faith and those who just use it as a vehicle to spread hate and discrimination.
Wow - I go away for a bit to handle some family situations & wow. I just caught up on the past several posts and I must say, you are still one of the bright spots on my reading list. Even with this post on the stupid haters - I wonder do they protest too much - I find your blog to have some of the best written & funniest takes on life.
Witch Baby, what a nice thing to say. I really appreciate the compliment ;-)
Hey, first off, this is my first time visiting your blog, and I love it! Secondly, as Christian, I apologize for all of the people sending you hate mail. It isn't right, and they clearly forget that a major part of the Christian doctrine is to love everybody, no matter what.
Thanks Opinions With a Spot Of Truth. Like mentioned in the comments, it's just a small group of religious people who tarnish the image and true spirit of the other believers. I firmly believe in taking the hate mail with a pinch of salt as we all know not all religious people are like them.
THOSE PEOPLE THAT SENT YOU EMAILS....give them mine i will sort them out! they are the ones to be sorry for who they are! they are the ones that makes planet earth a worse place to live in-
Roberta
Gays are human beings and should be treated with respect.
Who are we to judge someone's actions?
I think that gays come from different origins and religions and that they must assume their identities and so, we must respect them.
@ Roberta, I am sure you'll go all kinds of Italian hit woman on them ;-) BTW haven't seen you ages, we must arrange a something, before we forget what each other look like.
@ Mutuelle, I couldn't agree more. If they want to classify us differently we should be exempt from paying tax. That would teach them a lesson. Imagine what gay people could do with all that extra cash...
@ Defiscalisation, I guess radical Christians believe God bestowed that right by "arming" them with the Bible.
@ Rachat Credit, respect should not only be limited to gay people but all humans no matter what race, religion or sexual orientation. But for some people respect is not an option, as they can't respect groups of people the hate and see as inferior to them.
Thanks for sharing this. First, a couple things about me. I'm a gay Christian man and a former follower of the religious wrong as I prefer to call them. Because I believed everything they said, I hated myself for being gay and, with the help of my still-conservative mom, found an ex-gay group and joined that in the hopes that I could stop being gay. (Did I ever really wanna be str8? I doubt it. Asexual was more like it. I didnt really like girls but didnt wanna like guys.)
Because of my past association with such ppl, I can relate to them even still. I don't agree with them now as I did before, but I at least understand where they're coming from.
But of course not every homophobe is a Christian, and just cuz someone can spout off a Bible verse or two doesnt mean they grasp what it's really saying. Because I've wrestled for so long with my own faith & sexuality issues, I've actually taken time to research the subject, from both sides. I've learned over the years that God loves me AS I AM. I don't hafta change to be acceptable to God. If God wants me to change, HE alone will make it happen, and in a gentle and loving way. Having some idiot spew hatred at me only makes me want to resist and rebel.
It's quite ok to disagree with someone's point of view. That's what makes us unique & original. But I've also learned to do it in a respectful manner, rather than pointing fingers and throwing about baseless accusations. I might (and probably will) even disagree with what you write in your blogs. But when I do, I'll respond in a manner that respects you for who you are and not in a way that attacks you or defames you or falsely accuses you.
OK enuf from me for now. Thanks for taking the time & effort to write and to share with others. Keep up the good work!!!
@ timotito,thanks for your comment and insight it's truly valued!
Funny thing is that you probably have more than one email from a person, meaning they still read your blog. I am always amazed at the emails I get rather than comments too. But then it is easy I guess to vent your spleen to one person then ignore, rather than blast in a public arena where there may be reprisals. Cowards. I'm grateful you will continue. As for the party in hell, I already got my table booked.
@jamiessmiles, thanks, it's gonna be one "hell" of a party!
Sorry that you too, are being beseeged by these haters, We get it too, for taking care of PWAs. They have knifed our tires, taken subscriptions out of our trash and sent them in, Harass us on the Phones and of late turned us into the County, for having unkempt property. ( fine of 400.00 each time they cm,e out) all it is is a wood pile for the fireplace in winter...
The sad thing is that is group of so called Christians left their Home Land in the old USSR, because of being persecuted for their faith. Now they Persecute us in the land of the free; I just wish if they didn't like Liberty and freedom of Religion.(as well as FROM Religions,)they would return to their native Land!
Keep up the Good work; you are a great gadfly, in and out of our Gay community!
I just recently discovered your blog and I love it. I find it well written, quirky and witty. And I love your view on hate mail. I feel as if I would get so discouraged by it if I were in a position to receive such nasty people. So good on you for that!!
I am a straight female from a Catholic background. Although there is much about the Catholic church that I do not agree with, I do identify with their God. I am a religious person, I believe in God but I also believe that God does not hate.
Forget what these people say to you. In my opinion, God is real, he exists and he loves every person. I have a lot of uber-Christian family members who I get into arguments on a regular basis with. They, like some of your hate-mail senders believe that gay, lesbians, transgendered people are "disgusting, wrong, terrible humans". Its just so hypocritical. Why is it, that the most "religious" people are the most hateful?
Regardless of that fact, just know that not all Christians hate gay people. Although I identify myself as straight, I am a supporter to all and I love all. It shouldn't matter what your sexual orientation, your race, your gender, etc are... what matters is if you are a good person or a total douche.
So keep up the awesome writing! And I apologize for my ramblings.
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