Hop against Homophobia - A Confession

I have a confession to make. I used to be homophobic. Shocker, isn’t it? Well, it’s true. Kind of.

Due to my upbringing, I never once considered homosexual relationships, not even as a hypothetical fact. In my mind, they didn’t exist. Marriages and love could only happen between a man and a woman.

And then I left my small town and went to university. I met a lot of wonderful people and read some very interesting books. At first, it was all in good fun, but then it got me thinking. Why should love be restricted by gender, or anything else for that matter? It is the most beautiful thing in the world, and shouldn’t be shadowed by prejudice in any shape or form.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe I’m the same person I was during my high school years. But that’s normal, and I feel that I’ve grown a lot since those days. I am proud that I’ve gained new understanding.

And this brings me to my point. What is the root cause of homophobia? Partially, at least, it must be people who do not understand, who do not ask themselves questions, who blind themselves to new experiences. In my country, strong traditions keep many from arguing in favor of modernity, leaving them completely lost in their old ways, in their prejudice. Unfortunately, I have loved ones in this situation, and I cannot say I blame them for it. We have agreed to disagree, because at this point, I know I don’t have a chance in changing their minds.

This is why it is important for the young generation to grow in a different spirit. They should learn, like I did, that, as a good friend of mine says, love is love is love. There are no boundaries, other than the ones you set for yourself. As long as you and your chosen partner (or partners) care for each other and are consenting adults, no one should mind or should throw stones.

On this note, I’m going to share a small story with you. A few years back, while strolling in the city center with my best friend, we noticed two young men walking in front of us. They weren’t holding hands or anything like that, but I saw the closeness, I saw how they were trying to reach for each other without being obvious. Their affection was a beautiful thing, but I want them to be able to truly touch and kiss one day, without fearing public scorn.

I was very happy when I noticed how many authors, publishers, reviewers etc. enlisted in this blog hop. The task we have isn’t easy, and knowing that a lot of people out there are fighting for it encourages me, makes me think that one day, things will be better, for those young men and for all the other gay and lesbian couples out there.

Thank you for reading through my ramble. Comment to this post for the chance to win Deadly Mates 1. Moon’s Sweet Poison and Spirit Wolves 1. A Mate Beyond Their Reach. The blog hop lasts until the 20th, at which point a winner will be randomly drawn out of those who comment. Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you.

Also, find more authors, reviewers and publishers participating in this campaign here: http://hopagainsthomophobia.blogspot.com/

Look around, read through their experiences and don't hesitate to share your own. I'm sure that, like me, all those participants are looking forward to hearing your opinion.