by 20 people |
How Acceptable is it for Same-Sex Couples to Show Affection in Public?
...chances are you wouldn't care to put a number on such a common sighting.
Would you be more likely to register seeing a same sex couple holding hands in your memory than a straight couple. Would you take notice of the same act if it was between a heterosexual couple?
Just how acceptable is it in modern society for same sex couples to show their affection in public?
Contents
What you'll find and Where You'll find it...
- Visibility
- Oh Look Homo's Kissing!
- A Day In Hand - A Campaign for Equality
- Equality is in Your Hands
- Homo vs. Hetero PDAs
- How Do You Identify?
- Amazing Amazon - It's So Gay!
- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...
- LBGT Resources
- Gay / Lesbian Interest Movies on eBay - YAY!
- Burst The Bubble
- A Gay Lense Please?
- Something To Remember
- Reader Feedback
Visibility
How much notice is taken of Public Displays of Affection (PDAs) among Same-Sex Couples?
If we are to assume that minor displays of affection (hand holding, kissing, hugging) between straight couples is perfectly acceptable and any person might come across said PDAs at any given time on any given day then how common is it to come across the same between same-sex couples?
Do you see them?
Of course, the chances of you seeing similar affection by same sex couples is probably a lot less common. Now this is obviously affected by where you're living. If you're in a big city for example the chances are you come across it quite often - but you probably see it a lot less than you'd see a straight couple in the throws of a PDA...
This could be because homosexuals on the whole are a minority group. There are simply far less same-sex couples than there are opposite sex couples.
But I wonder what percentage of same-sex couples feel comfortable with PDAs versus how many feel comfortable with it in straight relationships?
As far as visibility goes, does same-sex affection feature on your radar?
Do you see these displays?
Do you take notice of any couple affection straight or gay or are you more likely to notice those between same-sex couples?
Photo by Claire Nathan.
Oh Look Homo's Kissing!
Did you see those two guys / girls in the midst of a full on PDA?
So is it even an issue? Do you shrug off all public affection or do you see everything? Would you be more likely to notice if the couple were gay or straight? I wanna know if you are aware of same-sex couples in your day to day life...
Place these points of view in order of where you stand to furthest away from where you stand on this issue...
Everybody's at it - Gay & Straight.
Yeah, I see PDA's all the time, gay and straight! more...4 points
Horray for Gays!
Yup, I see all the love around me and I love it! I more...3 points
There are Gays in my Village?
Nope, I don't see too many homos getting fresh whe more...2 points
No Exposure is the Best Policy.
I don't see any homos and I don't wanna see any ho more...1 point
I'm Feeling the Love.
Yes, love is all around me and I see all the loved more...1 point
OMG they're everywhere!
Is it me or are the homo's taking over? They are e more...0 points
It's So Not a Big Deal.
I don't notice same-sex PDAs anymore than the stra more...0 points
A Day In Hand - A Campaign for Equality
Same-Sex Hand Holding - Our Silent Revolution...
If you noticed the couple below what would you feel?
Would you feel happy for them?
Would you be indifferent?
Or even disgusted?
What does this image provoke in you?
This photo was taken by photographer Mark Weeks on behalf of a campaign to raise awareness and improve the acceptance of same-sex hand holding in public...
A Day In Hand is a campaign that is trying to change the world by creating a silent deluge of same-sex couples holding hands in public in order to increase visibility and hopefully at the same time acceptance of same-sex couples amongst the everyday backdrop of life...
From the A Day In Hand front page:
You don't have to fight to change the world. Promote love and equality by the simple act of holding hands.
This campaign's aim is to INSPIRE and SUPPORT same-sex couples who want to hold their partner's hand in public.
Holding hands with your partner, where you can, is about being true to yourself and to those you love. This is not a protest, a rally, a Pride or a march. This is about you and the life you lead every day. Support this campaign by registering with the site.
Equality is in Your Hands
"If you want to live in a world where you can hold your partner's hand walking down the street...hold your partner's hand walking down the street"
- David Watkins
Homo vs. Hetero PDAs
Is it all good are is one or the other unacceptable?
Here's where we try and find out if your against any form of public affection or whether it's all a bit one sided. What are your views on some of the questions I've asked so far and where do you stand on the whole issue?
Is it acceptable for Same-Sex Couples to show affection towards each other in public?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byOf course - every couple has the right to express their love for one another regardless of who's in the couple.
Write says:
I think love more than a right is every being's purpose, and expression of that love in its proper limits is only good, natural and necessary.
Posted August 03, 2009
CountryGirl2oo2 says:
If only there was more love and handholding, by everyone... maybe the great day will come when sites like this are no longer needed to try and convert ignorant people... love and affection can only be good.
Posted July 01, 2009
Ramkitten says:
Sure it's acceptable. There's a point at which any PDA--same sex or not--goes beyond what's socially acceptable, but holding hands, kissing, hugging ... I'd say if it bothers someone, that's their problem.
Posted June 30, 2009
DaddyAshie says:
Why should it be a problem. The only thing I hate is people eating off each others faces, its just so chavi
Posted June 30, 2009
Kylyssa says:
Love is a beautiful thing. I think we don't see nearly enough hand-holding in public either in heterosexual or homosexual couples. I think PDA's such as hand-holding show that being tender is not only acceptable but celebrated.
Posted June 29, 2009
No way - whatever you do behind closed doors is you business but I don't wanna have to see it on the streets.
"Sometimes just holding hands is holding on to everything."
How Do You Identify?
In a world of labels how do you describe your Sexuality?
Amazing Amazon - It's So Gay!
Just in case you wanna read up a bit more on any LGBT issues...
Books are great. Books about gay stuff can be even greater - especially if your gay.
No really - here are some worthy reads for anyone who is interested in any LGBT issues: from weddings to kids and everything in between....
50 Gay and Lesbian Books Everybody Must Read
Amazon Price: $12.20 (as of 12/18/2009) 
Lesbian and Gay Book of Love and Marriage
Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009)
How It Feels to Have a Gay or Lesbian Parent: A Book by Kids for Kids of All Ages
Amazon Price: $88.65 (as of 12/18/2009)
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...
What's Your Take on All This Malarky?
It's true that there are many more issues facing the LGBT community than just the lack of visibility and acceptance of same sex couple affections - so here's a place for you to voice your views on any of the issues facing LGBT people today...
From discrimination to awareness and acceptance, from everyday living and basic human rights to inequality and violence - whats your take on all of this?
nycgrl wrote
The first time I saw a gay couple kissing goodbye in a public street I was really happy - it made me feel good that they felt comfortable enough to be themselves without feeling fearful. I took a photo of one couple once, more because one of them was a hardcore punk and the other was all formally dressed. I would have taken it if they were straight as well, it was just so freakin cute and hey, if you kiss in public, you're comfortable with people acknowledging that. I think it can be used as a power-play too though, and that's sketchy no matter who's doing it. Forcing people to pay attention to your lewd dry humps because you think you're bothering them is sort of an embarrassment for everyone who's ever pulled off that classy goodbye public kiss. It also signals the wrong priorities for sharing a moment with your lover. I always feel better about the community I'm in when I see signs of safety, and comfortable non-traditional couples is one of those signs.
Posted July 03, 2009
Ramkitten wrote...
Well done lens on a potentially controversial subject. Public displays of affection--that is, hand-holding, hugging, kissing--never has bothered me at all, regardless if it's same-sex or not.
I'm going to lensroll this to mine called, Someone's Sexual Orientation is NOT news. It's a duel lens, so feel free to stop by and add your comments if you'd like.
Posted June 30, 2009
lisadh wrote...
Very thought provoking lens. I do think same-sex couples are more restrained in most places when it comes to displays of affection (even hand holding) because no one wants to be the victim of a hate crime. Personally, I'm fine with tasteful PDAs (hand holding, hugging, quick kisses) by straights or gays, but I don't like to see anyone kissing passionately at length in public.
Posted June 29, 2009
StrangeConversation wrote...
A really well presented lens, thoughtfully written and unique.
I'm of the opinion than everyone should be able to live their lives freely as long as it is within the law and holding hands is perfectly fine. Although I have nothing against people wanting to show public displays of affection, I'd rather not see couples - gay or straight - kissing passionately in the street.
Posted June 29, 2009
mysticmama wrote...
I agree with Susanna that I don't feel comfortable with excessive displays of affection between any couples regardless of orientation... but holding hands, hugs & love pecks are just fine by me... but leave the tongue kissing for private...but I really don't care about the orientation of the couple :-)
Posted June 28, 2009
LBGT Resources
Information relating to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans) Community...
If you want to learn more about this issue and other issues facing the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans) Community then here are some places you can find out more...
- International Day Against Homophobia
- The International Day Against Homophobia, held on May 17 every year, is a rallying event offering an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans (LGBT) History Month
- Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month takes place every year in February. It celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. We are committed to celebrate its diversity and that of the society as a whole. We encourage everyone to see diversity and cultural pluralism as the positive forces that they are and endeavour to reflect this in all we do. You can also read testimonials of community groups and organisations supportive of History Month here.
- Schools Out
- Working towards equality in education for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people since 1974.
- Regard
- Ju, the co-chair, took part in a photoshoot for A Day In Hand. Regard is a UK organisation of Disabled Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals and Transgendered (LGBT) People. Regard was founded in 1989. They aim to raise awareness of disability issues within the LGBT communities, and to raise awareness of sexuality issues within the disability communities. They also work to combat social isolation amongst our membership, and to campaign on issues specifically affecting disabled LGBT people.
- Gay Pride UK
- This site contains all the information that you need on Gay Pride in the UK. We hope you will find it useful and informative for you to participate in, raise awareness of, or simply find out about any UK LGBTQ Pride event (whether in your area or anywhere in the UK).
- Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival
- The Dublin Pride Festival, organised this year by Dublin L.G.B.T.Q. Pride Ltd., starts this June the 19th, and culminates in the Dublin Pride Parade on the 27th of June 2009, which this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York, a significant turning point in the history of gay rights.
Here's my favorite link:
Gay / Lesbian Interest Movies on eBay - YAY!
A great place to find movies with a gay twist...
Whether your gay or straight some of these movies are soo worth watching / buying.
I've fished out some of my faves, so they're decidedly more female orientated - but still good!
Enjoy!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Burst The Bubble
My Top Pick for Most Moving Gay Interest Movie Right Now!
The Bubble
Amazon Price: $25.99 (as of 12/18/2009)
This is one of the best movies highlighting the same sex love - it's all in the description:
Three young Israelis, two guys and a girl, share an apartment in Tel Aviv's hippest neighborhood: headstrong Lulu, who works in a bath products boutique; flamboyant Yali, who manages a trendy café; and brooding music store clerk Noam, who spends his weekends serving at checkpoints in the National Guard. When Noam meets and falls in love with a Palestinian man named Ashraf, he and his friends conspire to help Ashraf stay on in Tel Aviv illegally. They participate in a beach rally, celebrating a peaceful coexistence, and calling for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. But ultimately, their carefully constructed utopia is shattered by the political and social realities of the Middle East, and the constant outbursts of violence.
A Gay Lense Please?
Here are some Lenses dealing with all sorts of LGBT stuff...
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TransHistory - A Colourful Past and Present
-
Trans men and women have been persecuted throughout history - mostly though ignorance. This lens aims to put an end to the ignorance. People get so confused about us, which is hardly surprising when you think about it. ...transgender, transsexua...
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Gay Parents and LGBT Families
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According to the 2000 U.S. Census, approximately 600,000 same-sex couples live in the United States and more than a third of these have at least one child. Of those LGBT parents, about half have two or more children. That means there are approximatel...
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Gay news: Feeds and links
-
A collection of feeds with information about and/or for queer folk. For commentary about these and other stories, see our Queer commentary lens. Dishing and celeb rumor? Queer pop. Get local: Queer Seattle. This lens is a service of lgbtQnews.com. It's...
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Same Sex Marriage Should Be Legal
-
Same Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage, or marriage as I like to call it, is a sensitive issue recently, especially for us here in California. Same-sex couples deserve the right to marry each other just like heterosexual couples do. It is about equality...
-
Gay Pride
-
Hello, friend! I'd like to welcome you to my gay pride lens. Here I will be bringing the latest news in the world of LGBT culture and gay pride. Take a look at some of my other lenses for more information from the LGBT community. I h...
Something To Remember
Holding your partners hand might seem like a small part of your day - but for many same sex couples it's not so simple. Every person should feel safe and comfortable to express their love in the most subtle of ways. If you are part of a same sex couple - join the silent revolution and hold your partners hand in public with love and let the world see that we are no different than any other couple. Happy and in love...
Reader Feedback
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- a_willow a_willow Jul 1, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
- This lens entered Fresh Squid Contest for July as one of featured lenses on Fresh Squid group in June! Come by and vote!
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- a_willow a_willow Jun 29, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
- Welcome to Fresh Squid group! Glad to have you aboard!
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- StrangeConversation StrangeConversation Jun 29, 2009 @ 10:56 am
- A very worthy lens. 5 stars!
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- aj2008 aj2008 Jun 29, 2009 @ 8:44 am
- Very interesting lens.
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- mysticmama mysticmama Jun 28, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
- Wonderful lens, Welcome to Squidoo :-)
You should submit this lens to the fresh squid group for new squidoo members,
it's a great group to get your toes wet :-)
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