GLAAD Asks LGBTs To Make This an “#awkwardthanksgiving

It may sound a little odd at first, but the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is encouraging LGBTs and their allies to speak up and out at the holiday dinner table to make sure this Thanksgiving is an awkward one.

And here’s why.

While the LGBT community has a lot to be grateful this season, we can’t ignore the basic civil rights denied to many, nor the violence, bullying, and oppression many LGBT individuals face in a wide array of places and situations.

But GLAAD came up with this genius campaign to talk real to your loved ones on Turkey day and go ahead, “Let Aunt Betty Feel Awkward.” If enough people start a dialogue, the collective result could lead to real changes in anti-gay myths and prejudices.

From the GLAAD website:

…Believe it or not, putting down that forkful of stuffing for a minute and just talking about yourself (if you’re able to) this Thanksgiving can make a huge difference. We’ve all had those Thanksgiving dinners where Aunt Betty decides this is the perfect time to discuss a year’s worth of ailments and medical treatments. Well, you know what? If she can talk about her podiatrist, you can talk about your partner.

The fact is, while you’re scarfing down mashed potatoes and staying silent while everyone else at the table is freely speaking their minds, you’re missing a golden opportunity to make real, honest progress by talking about your life, and the things you care about. It’s okay if Aunt Betty feels a little awkward at first, it’s important for her to know that someone she loves cares deeply about LGBT equality. And the more we all talk about what’s important to us, the less awkward those conversations will become.

The media watchdog organization goes on to praise the “banner year for the movement towards LGBT equality. The number of same-sex couples who can get married in the United States doubled when New York legalized marriage equality. Gay men and women are now legally allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military [after the repeal of DADT]. Millions of people “went purple” around the world to show support for LGBT young people on #SpiritDay. Chaz Bono brought unprecedented awareness of the transgender community when he was picked to compete on Dancing with the Stars.”

But for real change to foster in hearts and minds it can’t come from the media—it takes real life people sharing their thoughts and exchanging ideas.

“It doesn’t just put a human face to an otherwise politically charged issue. It puts YOUR face on the issue,” GLAAD points out. “And to people who care about you, that really matters.”

For more information, check out the complete story on GLAAD.org and keep an eye on the #awkwardthanksgiving hashtag on Twitter this holiday weekend to see what progresses.

How do you feel about making "Aunt Betty" uncomfortable at the Thanksgiving table? Is it the right place and time for you?

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