Lions and Tigers and Bears: The Internet Strikes Back by George Takei

Author:George Takei
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Non-Fiction, LGBTQ, Humor, Memoir, Purchased From Amazon by GB
Publisher: Oh Myyy! Limited Liability Company
Published: 2013-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

Now, the Supreme Court is supposed to be above the sway of public opinion and the ever-changing tides in the culture wars. But the justices often listen to the counsel of their clerks, or are at least cognizant of the personal views of court staff or even their own family members. Many of the people around them, therefore, were part of a generation where same-sex marriage bans feel like the last vestiges of an era of intolerance and ignorance. And so while the justices themselves may not be active on social media, where these opinions were voiced daily, no doubt many who influenced them personally were.

I saw an opportunity to use the occasion of the marriage equality case hearings, as well as the phenomenon of social media, to help drive home the inevitability of same-sex marriage. I had learned that the Human Rights Campaign was running a program leading up to the hearings, in which Facebook users were asked to change their profile pictures to a pink and red version of the HRC “equal sign” logo. While the idea was a good one, there hadn’t been a large enough online response to create sufficient momentum for the campaign. A few hundred or even a few thousand profile changes would make little impression. I knew that, when it came to such an emotional issue and historic moment, three things would have to happen.

First, there would have to be a strong personal connection between Facebook users and the campaign organizers to have any impact. Having an organization, no matter how worthy or well-intentioned, as the sole rallying point would never work. It’s easier to let down a faceless organization than a friend or person you see regularly. Second, we would need to find a way to enlist the help of not just LGBTs, but our straight allies as well. We would have to get the word out to them, and they would need a compelling and personal reason to change their profiles in support. And third, for this to work it would truly have to “tip” and become a phenomenon. Like the doomed French students at the barricades, unless the people rose up in support, the cause would be lost.

So when I made the decision to change my own profile picture to the “pinkified” HRC logo, I decided I would use up some social capital and make a direct plea to fans to do the same. Now, I knew that my LGBT fanbase were ready to make the switch in a heartbeat. But how to get millions of straight fans to do likewise?

I read somewhere that the number one reason people have a change of heart for the better on LGBT issues is actually knowing and interacting with a gay or lesbian person. This is the power of “coming out” — not only does it provide a positive example to those still fearful that they will be alone after taking that step, it dispels commonly held stereotypes among ordinary citizens about the way LGBT people really are, especially in our own ordinary lives.

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