Sing If You’re Glad To Be Gay

Tom Robinson’s song, Sing If You’re Glad to Be Gay, originally released in 1978, remains a biting commentary on the hypocrisy, prejudice, and double standards faced by the gay community. Despite the passing decades, many of the issues highlighted in the lyrics are still present today. From police misconduct to the sensationalism of tabloids, the song pulls no punches in addressing the harsh realities that many people continue to experience. This isn’t about preaching or giving advice; it’s about discussing the everyday realities with a practical perspective - like talking to a friend.

Dealing with Prejudice in Society

Even today, society’s attitudes towards us queers are a mixed bag. Some spaces feel welcoming, while others remain hostile or indifferent. It’s not always the blatant acts of homophobia that stand out, but the quiet, everyday instances of prejudice. Whether it’s subtle discrimination in workplaces or sensationalist portrayals in the media, there’s no shortage of ways that prejudice seeps into daily life.

Here’s what this might look like in practice:

• Microaggressions disguised as jokes: “It’s just a joke!” is often the defense when someone makes an offensive comment. These jokes might target stereotypes or reinforce harmful assumptions, and shrugging them off every time gets tiring.
• Media sensationalism: The tabloids still love to paint us queers in a scandalous light. Whether it’s stories about so-called ‘gay agendas’ or outrageous claims about public figures, these narratives stick and shape public opinion.
• Double standards: Certain behaviors are acceptable for straight people but draw criticism or even harassment when performed by us queers. Holding hands in public, expressing affection, or dressing in a certain way suddenly become ‘provocative’ or ‘inappropriate.’

Living with these pressures means constantly being aware of how you’re perceived and deciding whether it’s worth the trouble to push back. Sometimes, it’s easier to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

The Farce of ‘Moral’ Outrage

Much of the resistance to LGBTQ+ rights over the years has been cloaked in so-called ‘moral’ arguments. Whether it’s religious leaders, politicians, or pundits, they often disguise their prejudice as concern for society’s well-being. The problem is, this so-called morality is usually selective and hypocritical.

Here’s how it often plays out:

• Selective outrage: Issues like child abuse or corruption suddenly become front-page news if there’s even a hint of a gay person involved. Meanwhile, similar cases involving straight people often get swept under the rug or downplayed.
• Scapegoating us queers: Anytime there’s a public health issue or social problem, it’s not uncommon for certain groups to lay the blame at the feet of us queers. AIDS in the 80s was one such example, where instead of focusing on public health, bigots saw it as divine punishment.
• Politicians using prejudice for votes: It’s an old tactic: stirring up fear and prejudice to rally a certain voter base. Instead of addressing real issues, politicians often find it easier to demonize us queers as a distraction.

This so-called moral outrage rarely holds up under scrutiny, but it doesn’t stop people from clinging to it. Often, it’s more about maintaining power or protecting their status than any genuine concern for society’s welfare.

The Injustice of Legal Systems

When it comes to law enforcement and the legal system, us queers have often been targets rather than protected citizens. From police raids to unfair sentencing, the system hasn’t always been on the side of justice. Despite improvements in some areas, the remnants of this prejudice are still visible today.

Examples include:

• Police raids on LGBTQ+ venues: Male-only bars, gay clubs, or community centers, these places have often been subject to raids under the guise of public safety. Historically, such raids weren’t about enforcing laws - they were about intimidating people and disrupting safe spaces.
• Criminalizing private behavior: Consenting adults have faced harsh penalties for engaging in what would be seen as private acts if they were straight. Cases of people being arrested, charged, and sentenced for behavior that hurt no one are not just stories of the past.
• The uneven application of laws: While laws technically apply to everyone, us queers are often judged more harshly or subject to different standards. Whether it’s sentencing in court or how police decide to enforce certain laws, bias can be seen in how cases are handled.

These injustices don’t just harm people - they create a culture of fear. People learn to stay hidden, avoid certain places, or keep parts of their lives secret out of fear of being caught up in a system that isn’t designed to protect them.

The Press and Its Vendettas

The tabloid press, especially in the UK, has a long history of targeting us queers. From scaremongering headlines to invasive stories that cross all lines of decency, the press has played a major role in spreading misinformation and fueling public hostility. Their motivations aren’t hard to guess - scandal sells, and us queers have always been easy targets.

This looks like:

• Outing public figures: There’s a long tradition of newspapers exposing the sexuality of public figures against their will. This doesn’t just destroy reputations - it also puts lives at risk.
• Sensationalism over facts: Rather than reporting news, tabloids often resort to the most salacious headlines possible. This includes twisting stories, focusing on irrelevant details, and amplifying the most negative stereotypes.
• Hypocrisy in coverage: The same papers that run pieces about the ‘evils’ of us queers are often the first to plaster images of semi-naked women across their pages. The double standards are blatant - some ‘sins’ are acceptable if they sell papers, while others are fair game for outrage.

The press’s role in spreading misinformation and stoking fear can’t be overstated. They shape public perceptions, influence political decisions, and leave lasting scars on those they target.

Self-Oppression and Internalized Hate

One of the hardest things to deal with is how us queers can sometimes turn against each other. Internalized hate, self-oppression, and infighting often stem from years of societal pressure. It’s one thing to face prejudice from outsiders, but it’s another when it comes from within your own circles.

This takes different forms:

• Judging each other’s choices: Whether it’s how someone dresses, talks, or who they date, there’s often a tendency to police each other’s behavior. Instead of solidarity, people sometimes tear each other down for not fitting a certain mold.
• Internalized homophobia: Growing up in a world that tells you you’re wrong or less than others can lead to self-hate. This often manifests as distancing yourself from others who are openly LGBTQ+ or looking down on those who are more flamboyant or visible.
• Competing for acceptance: In some circles, people fight for approval from straight society by distancing themselves from anything ‘too gay.’ This competition for scraps of acceptance can lead to backstabbing and gatekeeping.

These behaviors are damaging to the broader movement for equality. While it’s easy to blame external forces, it’s also worth looking inward and recognizing how self-oppression plays a part.

Living Openly Despite It All

In the face of everything mentioned - prejudice, legal challenges, media attacks, and internal conflict - many people still choose to live openly and fabulously. It’s not about making a statement every day but simply existing without shame or fear. There’s something powerful in refusing to hide, even when society tries to push you back into the shadows.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

• Being visible without explanation: Whether it’s holding hands with a partner in public, dressing how you want, or simply living without hiding, visibility is a quiet but impactful act.
• Connecting with those who get it: Finding people who understand you, whether through shared experiences or just mutual respect, creates bonds that help you stay grounded.
• Standing up when needed: Whether it’s confronting prejudice or pushing back against unfair treatment, there’s value in choosing when and where to stand firm. You don’t have to fight every battle, but knowing when it’s worth the effort makes a difference.

Living openly isn’t about being loud or seeking attention - it’s about refusing to be made invisible. It’s about carving out a space where you can exist freely, without constantly looking over your shoulder or worrying about what others think.