Can you hear me?
Are you listening?
I have a service announcement for you
In regard to those we generally don’t speak of
The word society’s not to say
Shh, GAY
I hear it everyday
In the halls
On the walls
Scribbled on bathroom stalls
You- don’t-hide-your-HATE
So why should we
Hide-our-LOVE?
That's right
You don’t like it?
Tough
Go home and cry over it
While I rise high
And fly over it.
Your pathetic-ignorance-disgusts me
Next time you have the itch
To infest our minds with your toxins
Turn around, face the mirror
So that when you spew your deadly poison
Your reflection swallows it,
Regurgitates it,
And spits it back out to
Slap-you-in-the face
And after you’ve felt the pain
That I often feel
Cry some more in bed
While-I-stand
And recite my “No s...”
Too many to count
Because I know…
No, I don’t own flannel or men’s clothing
No, my hair’s not short and spiked
No, I’m not butch
And don’t you ever call me a DYKE!
Stop stereotyping me because I support Rosie O’Donnell
No, I don’t have a lisp
Nor do I aspire to be a runway fashion designer
No, I’m not pierced on my right ear only
No, I’m not a fairy
No, I don’t idolize Twinkie Winkie for his upside down pride triangle
Nor do I worship Cheer Bear for the rainbow across his chest
No, I won’t stop,
So listen please
No, I don’t wear rainbows from head to toe
No, I don’t go around saying,
“I’m as straight as a circle.”
Nor do I say,
“Who cares about skittles, taste my rainbow.”
No, I don’t wear shirts that read,
“Get one thing straight… I’m not.”
Nor do I have, “I like pussy.”
Printed on a thong
No, I don’t go to gay bars
I’m not even twenty-one
And no, I’m-not-done
No, I don’t fantasize about Britney and Madonna’s kiss
No, I don’t carry dildos or vibrators in my purse
No, I don’t want to be in your “movie”
No, I don’t want to do “favors” because I won’t get attached
No, I’m not like this because I couldn’t “get any”
No, my tongue’s not two feet long
No, I won’t answer that question
So stop making that obscene hand gesture
No, I’m not staring at your rack
Nor what you got in back
I’m talking to your face
Using eye to eye contact
No, I’m not checking out your girlfriend
We were just talking, ok!
No, I’m not dating the girl with whom I was holding hands
We were just walking, ok!
No, I’m not sleeping with my female best friend
And no! I don’t date “him”
I date “her”
I resent when you say, “he” instead of “she”
No, I am not trying to “convert” you
Whatever that’s supposed to mean
No, I am not a rebel of religion
And, I am in no way, shape, or form
Immoral, a sin, or disease
Gee, I wonder how so many “No s…” came to be
Created by all the stereotypes that I hear and see
Don’t go on and assume
Because it only makes an “ass” out of “u” and “me”
Haha, get it?
Please explain to me how an inanimate object can be gay
And do you have any remote idea
As to what it’s like to be afraid
To fill out a job application
That doesn’t state whether or not the employer discriminates
Against sexual orientation?
Do you know what I’m talking about when I say GSA?
Do any of these sound familiar to you yet?
Statistics show that at least one of you
Has said something from my list
On that, I’m willing to bet
“How much?” you ask
Oh gee, I don’t know
A life maybe
Sometimes that’s what it costs
Like in Prayers for Bobby
When someone GLBTQ
Do I need to explain that acronym too?
Is driven into deep, dark depression
And commits suicide
As a final solution.
They say one’s sexuality
Is determined by the age of six
So why did it take me seven more years to realize this?
I am who I am
And that’s all you need to know
And if you don’t like it
Go complain on your own time
To-the-wall
Because no one’s going to listen to or tolerate
Each and every verbal abuse
And if you still don’t like it
Kiss-my-FLAG
RED for the blood that’s been shed by hate crimes
ORANGE for the sun’s golden rays that shine down and bring hope for better days
YELLOW for the fear you impose upon us so that in the closet we must stay
GREEN for our envy of your so-called “equal opportunities”
BLUE for the tears that sometimes stream down our face
VIOLET for the image of red blood and blue tears blending and being burnt into your mind
And BLACK for all of those whom had AIDS and died
And sorry America
But I can’t stand you
With your stars and stripes
of RED, WHITE, and BLUE
For those often waver
While mine stand true
And you know what?
I don’t even care about the so-called “American Dream”
I don’t want a white picket fence
Around my humble home on a hill
I don’t want a husband,
Several strapping young men,
And a little girl too
And I really don’t want to bake pies
With my neighbors’ wives
Now how about that?
With these words I break the silence
Of the Day of Silence
April 13th, 2005
In the honor, memory, and support
Of those deceased, silenced, and alive
Now hear my voice
I’ve been silent all day
And longer than that
These thoughts and feelings pent up
Forced to stay
In my head
I’ve had to hold my tongue
Guarded by a barricade of teeth
Locked behind lips
My eyes see life through the full SPECTRUM
And by doing so
I’ve
Already
Won
by:Stacie Kessler
Author notes
this took me a week to write and i read it loud and proud at my breaking the silence rally.also,i read it today at a poetry slam workshop.hope you enjoyed.for more info please got to www.glsen.org
Written April 12th, 2005
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What did you think
Comments
1 - 62 of 62
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Wow. Just...WOW
This was so amazing and so heartfelt and true
I loved it so much
Great job!!! -
aww thank you,that means so much that this has helped you have the will power to get past such ignorant people.keep up the spirit and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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I've read and commented this before, but I feel I need to do so again because I want to thank you. After reading this poem quite some time ago, I've had the courage to be proud of who I am. When I walk the halls and someone whispers "queer" or "dyke" in my direction, it now doesn't even penetrate my ears because I'm too busy repeating this poem in my head. You've inspired me to be strong and I could never thank you enough. You are an insperation. Thank you so much!
-Holly -
WOW....i just dont know what to say.... that was truely amazing. i dunno.... this poem is just pure genious. awsome write, very well done
~Hidden Angel~ -
You make some good, solid points here. I , for one, don't care at all what other people do in their own bedrooms, so it doesn't bother me when I find out they're gay, unless, of coure, they try to involve me. Then they get one warning. "lets get something straight...I AM!". most of the time that's enough. I've only had one gay guy try and force the issue, and since i knocked him on his ass, I hav'nt had a problem since.
gay, bi ,or straight, people's boundaries should be respected.
No, i do not support Emperor Bush-atine and his ban on same sex marriage. that's just an asshole pandering to the religious right (which is NEITHER). I could'nt care less if gay couples marry or not. it isn't going to affect my marriage one way or another. no, I don't feel threatened to work with gays. as long as they don't pinch my butt,or something stupid like that, it's cool. my wife is bi-sexual. i knew that when i married her. she promised to be faithful to me, and i did the same for her, so what she did before is in the past, and i don't even want to know about it. so screw these self-righteous assholes that say we can't be together because of her past. like, they're so flippin' perfect. if i don't give a shit, it's none of their business. that's how I feel about the whole gay issue. what goes on in someone else's bedroom is none of my business, and i don't even want to know (unless they're screwing little kids, THEN they're breaking the law) -
AWESOME1
That was one of the best poems i have ever read.. good on you.. you stood up for yourself!! it was an amazing read well done!!! a very enthusiastic two thumbs up -
this is powerful! i congratulate you on this write
granted it's long... but when i was done i felt as if i'd just read a person's rant that had been held in for an entire lifetime... therefore the length is understandable and works well. you've spoken for millions with this write!
one small typo i found... "back pies" was meant to be "bake pies" i believe
... if not it's a term i haven't heard before
i applaud the poet and the poem! -
This RAWKS!
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Awesome write. I have experienced alot of these things you wrote about in my life. Persecuted to hell for my beliefs and my sexuality and appearance.
Amazing Work -
SO awesome! Great Job! I can totally relate. Thanks for writting something that expresses how all of us lesbians feel.
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This was fantastic, power to you. I am not gay but a lot of my friends are and since I was a child and my best friend was gay I have just accepted it though the town I grew up in it was a mortal sin and you would be bashed for it.I have always supported diversity all though I grew up in an extremely narrow minded town. It is a shame that there are still so many ignorant judgemental people in the world . I commend you on this piece and your bravery to stand up for what you so strongly believe in. a most powerful piece I shall have to re read again later. All the best with this. Stella.
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Quite a long rant, but I suppose the more pent up and heartfelt a rant is the longer it can be. Prone to them from time to time myself. Not too crazy about gay self-righteousness, or any other for that matter. Do agree that the American dream is, though it can be true, so manipulated that it has too much farce attached.
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my sister told me to read this i like it alot...this should be a contest topis...its so controversial and everyones all hush hush about it...hey i say we force america to hear our voices the same way were forced to pay taxes and things of that nature...good write i loved it
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Brilliant
OMG........OMG......MY GIRLFRIEND TOLD ME TO RED THIS AND I WAS JUST BLOWN AWAY BY THE ENTIRE THING. lINE BY LINE WORD BY WORD. LETTER BY LETTER. DAMN...i don't even know what to say. Amazing...I don't even like the U.S.A. their full of crap. So I don't really refer to mysef as an American citizen. I don't even say the Pledge of Alligance anymore. You've said everything that ever needd to be said. Wonderful!!! -
This is dead long and worth reading through. I think all the relevant points have already been made by previous commentmakingpeople - all one word, I just decided - but I'd just like to add that
You- don’t-hide-your-HATE
So why should we
Hide-our-LOVE?
Is a very valid, well thought out point, and more people should see things this way. Hmmm. Have a monkey.
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this fucking rocked great work babe! makes me feel proud to be gay!
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EXCELLENT!
Bravo. Bravo. BRAVO! The diction in this poem is excellent, and every subject you touched are so hauntingly true. You just inspired me to write a GLBT poem in my free time. I applaud and thank you for writing this piece. -
Wow! you say everything there I've always wanted to say! This is a fantastic piece! You're in our Lesbians group right? Well, you should be! You are AMAZING!!!!!
~Elsie -
absolutely wicked, listen!! you are so talented and this piece is fantastic. you touch on every major point of DOS and make them hit home so well. after reading this i am so proud to be out and gay. thank you for this piece and all of the effort and time that went into creating it. it is things like this that keep our spirits up and our heads held high in times of turmoil. blessed be...
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beautifully written
WOW! i think u have just said what all of us have been tryin to say...and maybe...just maybe it'll make a differnce crosses fingers sometimes we have to get in the faces of those that discriminate ...just so they will listen...bravo....well done... i cant express the pride i feel for being lesbian. thank you for sharing that with us. much love, take care. -Sable- -
Dang I am speechless....even if I do fit most stereotypes lol... seriously a great write
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Wow, I loved this for so many things
The way you broke the gay stereotypes and also (I felt) the female stereotypes at the end. The description of the flag. The tragic statistics. And the passion and pride Amazing poem, keep writing because this is a wonderful, true write
All the best,
Pozo
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thanks hun,that's cool with me.the point is to share and spread it to get the message around.to make people more openminded.it's a real wake up call poem.
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S honey, this totally blew me away! What a fantastic, honest, and emotive poem, I do believe that this has to be one of the best pieces I have ever read. You are so proud, and ready to stand up and say so. My favourite part was the Rainbow, and what each colour meant to you, and to many of us. I also applaud the line 'So why should we hide our love'fantastic write, that I will certainly be bookmarking, and showing to some of my out and proud friends if thats cool with you?
's 
K
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WOW! This poem knocked me every which way. lol. I myself am a lesbian. Everything in this poem held power in it. All who read it hopefully come to understand who and what we are and are able to accept it in the end. This was an awesome write and I'm proud to know that someone is finally able to write down in poem form what I've been screaming in my head all along. Thank you.
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thank you!
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sheer excelence
my dearsest friend.................you have done a most exceptional job with capturing the emotion we all feel............this poem grabbed me from the very first line.....and holds on to me even now..............this piece has touched me on a level that takes alot to reach...........you are a masterfull poet to have done that............this makes me VERY VERY PROUD to be who i am...............am gives me the courage to say what i need to too those ignorant students at my school..........it gives me the courage i need to stop myself from giving up........thankyou................you are an exceptonal poet my dearest friend.........keep the talent flowing through your veins and always share your gift...
Meus Opus Magnus and Blessed Be my Friend...Alison-Maree
P.S....don't be a stranger....just be strange -
thank you very much
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a-maze-ing
*falls to knees and parises you* altho it was long =) it's just so A-MAZE-ING *claps* and omg the words
"You- don’t-hide-your-HATE
So why should we
Hide-our-LOVE?"
just made me shake it was soo in your face =) just wow i don't even know how else to say how much i adored this poem *claps again*
_love_kait(lyn)
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woah.. amazing... im even mor proud to be queer than i ever was before having read this
PROUD,
~Lucas -
Bravo!
Hehe, truly though, very nice. It's a testament to the legions of morons out there. Protecting thier dear country and ideals from the 'gay agenda'. What have we imposed upon them? Nothing, but they have imposed life times of sorrow and death upon us.
I applaud your work here, it's really refreshing to hear such a strong, unccensored voice. Great job. -
Wow, this is so powerful! You did an amazing job. I really admire your bravery to be who you are and to stand up for yourself when someone tries to discriminate. I wish that someday I can be that brave and be true to myself. I am slowly starting to come out and it has been pretty shaky. There were so many wonderful lines from this poem, I loved the whole thing. My favorite parts were how you said that people's words come back to slap them in their face and also how discrimination can lead to a member for the GLBT community killing themselves. You did a great job breaking the stereotypes. People need to understand that we are just like everyone else and that we are not amoral. Thank you for your mission of reducing ignorance and your activism. Keep up the great poetry.
-Kevin -
thats cool.oh and for ellen,one time in class i said"omg ellen degeneres(dont know how to spell it) is the best"and this kid was like"the generous?does she give away $?"
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No problem here
Well it was long and gave you the opportunity to vent but I am one that is not ignorant. I happen to think that the gays are entitled to their rights same as others and do not look down my nose at them. I like Rosie too and Ellen she is funny and most people just don't admit that they have gays in their families etc. I don't know what they are trying to prove. Me I say live and let live. And I am straight and have no problems with gays. -
An amazing poem. This poem catches you on the first word and holds you raptured the entire time. The subject of the poem was very powerful and you captured the essence of it in this poem. Amazing job, keep it up.
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This is very powerful. Your strength is inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
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absolutely amazing.
the only good pride poem i have ever read in my entire life, no exaggeration whatsoever
i particularly loved the explanations of the rainbow colors, the utter shattering of stereotypes, the comment about "how can an inanimate object be gay" and this:
You- don’t-hide-your-HATE
So why should we
Hide-our-LOVE?
amazing
julie
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also
may i suggest that you join my group "lesbians", you'd be a great addition to the conversations
http://allpoetry.com/application/1075300 -
*mwah* and thank you for reading and loving it.this is the poem that you originally didn't want to hear.but i'm glad you had a change of heart.
<3stacie -
79 thumbs up
Stacie, that was amazing. Your use of examples, everything it was perfect. It was so intelligent I dont know another word to describe it. I loved it. You are amazing!
xoxo
::rainbow:: -
BRAVO!
this is so true and so filled with emotion. personally ive never cared whether a person prefered one sex or another. ive had friends from many diffrent situations, races, and religions. and im proud to say each one of my friendships has taught and made my life richer. if we limit our views then we limit ourselves...as youve illistrated quite well here. -
thanks! i did print it up and read it at a poetry event.and people in school have been asking about it so i'm going to email it to them or give it to them at school.and i'm trying to get it in the glsen yearbook too.one chick was like,"this is going with me to college"lol.thanks for the standing ovation
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THAT FUCKING ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!that was so great go gay rights and go you. you should print it out and put it up around your school. that was frigin awesome. standing ovation.
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hey there!*hugs and kissies* i miss you!thanks for reading and the standing ovation*curtseys/bows*
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Amazing
Standing Ovation Speak your mind, with the words that come from your heart.
Much love to you sis,
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AWESOME!! This poem shouts loud and clear - "Wake Up People...Who are we to dictate who someone can love...!" I admire your courage in posting this. Very powerful and emotional, and your heart speaks loudly!! I will be passing this to my gay friends, and others as well. Bravo!
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cool.it's fine w/me then
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yeah...don't worry...I'll make sure no one does that. thanks
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you may share it as long as no one plagarizes it.i know you won't but i don't want others to.
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Wow. This is very blunt and sends the message about what hate is all about. Spread this poem around your school. May I do the same? This is a great eye-opener tool. But it is much more than that. It is the mixing of your soul the rest of the GLBTs' souls. It is stikingly true. Awsome job!
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AMAZING!!! I never stick around long enough to read the whole thing if it's this long, but I read every word! YaY! This is seriously so awesome. GAY PRIDE!!
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glad i kept your interest.
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thanks for the support and good luck and happiness finding yourself(i hope that doesnt sound cheesy)lol
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ok usually I HATE reading long poems, but i was interested in this one all the way to the end. I loved how you expressed ur animosity towards america too.. u didnt try sugar coat it er ne thing... great write - thanx for sharing
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yEs! I can totally relate to you. I have a gay friend who is very open about it but gets angry when you can only refer to him as a 'fag'. He wants to be known as Sean the Fashion Designer (he kinda fits the stereotype). lol. I can personally relate because, though i am not 'gay' ot 'bisexual' but i do have homosexual tendencies. Maybe it is a phase? Anyway, i appreciate you coming out and saying this b/c it inspires me to write about my "phaSE" or whatnot. Way to go, Alamo
All the best
Arielle
The One and Only -
thanks for the support
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that was exactly my point!everyone one of those stereotypes i have been asked or called and i wanted to make people eat their words.lol.thanks for the support.
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Aww I just wrote a little ditty about hate myself. I think it makes the point well, if it were mine I would shorten it a bit I think it would be more affective. But then I didn't hear the speach. I agree though. It's hard when someone hates you for simply being who you are. I know the feeling too well.
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thanks for the support
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this is awsome! this is how i feel sometimes when people point at me and ask those same questions! lol! poeple's ignorance makes them look stupid and that's the one thing they haven't figured out. great write!
~HeaTheR -
I really liked this. You have all the emotions and catching images. Love the subject matter too, I've been doing day of silence for years now. Good job... glad you feel the same was as I do about this issue.
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as a poet,i thank you for liking my poem.as a person,i'm sorry i wasn't able to touch you with my message.
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I dont agree with this. Im not a supporter of the GSA, but, i do think this is a very well-written poem. You did a great job at putting how angry you are. great job
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