# For opponents of SSM, how do you react to seeing images/video of happy gay couples being married? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 10, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602 "2012-12-10T15:23:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2012, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/161 "2012-12-14T14:46:59Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > Tell you what, WW, best way to show your disdain for that “fancy piece of paper” and the rights conveyed is to protest and refuse a civil marriage yourself. That’ll teach us! Aye. And how arrogant can a person be to deny homosexuals the right to protest that “fancy piece of paper?” Really, the gays should have an equal opportunity to say “No, I will not participate in the state-sponsored regulation of my relationship” as any straight couple, but they cannot fight againt The Man if they aren’t allowed to participate in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2012, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/162 "2012-12-14T19:14:52Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > I don’t know about our scholarly friend here but often when I hear it, it’s obvious that the unspoken bit at the end is “…because that’s what I’d do in that position.” Which says more about the speaker than the minorities. Right. The first few times heard such a sentiment, my thoughts were, “Good lord, WASP men sure are a blood-thirsty, vengeful bunch,” but these days I liken it to moron guys who say if they were ever a woman, they’d spend all day playing with their tits. Dude, no you would not. If you had a pair of tits, you’d be over it, and the only thing you’d be concerned with is finding a good bra. If you were a minority, you wouldn’t be sharpening your knives, plotting revenge against the oppressor. The only thing you’d want is some damn equality. ---
**Author:** ![Krouget](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b38774/32.png) [@Krouget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krouget)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2012, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/163 "2012-12-14T20:00:47Z")
> [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](#): > > From a moral/legal point of view it makes me sad because it is something I don’t think should happen. > > Seeing Jerry and Tom get married and being happy is like seeing them enjoy smoking; I’m sure they are happy but I don’t think they are in a good way.; no ewwww factor at all. Though I fundamentally disagree with your position, I understand that you’re merely addressing the question asked of you, in the OP, and get the analogy. I think in a different thread, it would make sense to argue the details, but that didn’t seem to be the original intention behind the topic. This one seemed to stem from a genuine curiosity, asking for insight into how opposing people perceived SSM. So I’d have to agree, in that the OP did ask a focused question, but at the same time, it did also serve as “bait” (not saying that was your intention, **iiandyiiii** :)), and you did react. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/164 "2012-12-15T03:23:10Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Nope. It took me about five minutes. I don’t think that anyone was claiming that it was difficult though. Even easier than the search was typing it out and not being a pill about it. Y’know, if this was Great Debates, where you’re expected to explain your opinions, or General Questions, where you’re expected to provide cites for them, I’d agree with you. It’s IMHO. He was asked for his opinion. He gave it. Move. On. ---
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/165 "2012-12-15T03:51:12Z")
The idea of gay sexual activity (male to male) makes me go eww. People in this thread(early on in this thread at least), and elsewhere seem to be saying that this must mean I’m gay. Seriously? Why do people think that a reaction of mild disgust equals secretly being sexually stimulated? For the record, I’m not opposed to SSM. I don’t think much of the institution of marriage in general, but that’s a personal viewpoint. Two people want to get married, why on earth would I want to get in the way of that? ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/166 "2012-12-15T03:58:19Z")
> [@bldysabba](#): > > The idea of gay sexual activity (male to male) makes me go eww. People in this thread(early on in this thread at least), and elsewhere seem to be saying that this must mean I’m gay. Seriously? Why do people think that a reaction of mild disgust equals secretly being sexually stimulated? Maybe they’re projecting. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/167 "2012-12-15T04:11:47Z")
> [@bldysabba](#): > > The idea of gay sexual activity (male to male) makes me go eww. People in this thread(early on in this thread at least), and elsewhere seem to be saying that this must mean I’m gay. Seriously? Why do people think that a reaction of mild disgust equals secretly being sexually stimulated? I’m mildy digusted by the idea of kissing a man with a thick 70s 'stache, doesn’t mean I secretly want to make out with Ron Jeremy. It’s the folks wethinks doth protest too much who are suspect. Those who bring it up at every opportunity and solicit the opinions of others might be testing the waters before they jump in. Those who exclaim an extraordinary amount of disdain might be trying to convince others (or themselves) of their straighteness. Those who claim strong religious conviction might have dedicated themselves in hopes of suppressing their own tendencies towards the same sex. Those of us who support equality without giving much thought to the sex acts that occur between gays have less if anything to hide. Maybe that’s what the protesters need to hear: you guys find so many opportunities to mention what happens in the bedrooms of gays that it certainly seems as though you are fascinated. Maybe you should take a closer look, you know, for research purposes. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/168 "2012-12-15T04:52:01Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Y’know, if this was Great Debates, where you’re expected to explain your opinions, or General Questions, where you’re expected to provide cites for them, I’d agree with you. > > It’s IMHO. He was asked for his opinion. He gave it. > > Move. On. I posted that a day and a half ago and that was my last mention of it. It sounds like you need to move on. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/169 "2012-12-15T04:54:41Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I posted that a day and a half ago and that was my last mention of it. It sounds like you need to move on. Sorry, I work Friday-Tuesday and don’t have internet access at home. I’ll try to keep better track of your posting history in the future. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/170 "2012-12-15T04:59:48Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Sorry, I work Friday-Tuesday and don’t have internet access at home. I’ll try to keep better track of your posting history in the future. Thanks. This whole thing could have been avoided if only there was a way to ascertain the exact time that a post was made. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/171 "2012-12-15T05:00:56Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > It’s the folks wethinks doth protest too much who are suspect. Those who bring it up at every opportunity and solicit the opinions of others might be testing the waters before they jump in. Those who exclaim an extraordinary amount of disdain might be trying to convince others (or themselves) of their straighteness. And who also rather tellingly talk like being homo- or hetero- is a choice, and like homosexuality is some huge temptation. You can’t tempt someone with something they don’t want. ---
**Author:** ![Scholar\_Beardpig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@Scholar\_Beardpig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scholar_Beardpig)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/172 "2012-12-15T05:05:26Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Right. The first few times heard such a sentiment, my thoughts were, “Good lord, WASP men sure are a blood-thirsty, vengeful bunch,” but these days I liken it to moron guys who say if they were ever a woman, they’d spend all day playing with their tits. Dude, no you would not. If you had a pair of tits, you’d be over it, and the only thing you’d be concerned with is finding a good bra. If you were a minority, you wouldn’t be sharpening your knives, plotting revenge against the oppressor. The only thing you’d want is some damn equality. Well, seeing as I want them not only to get what they say they want, but also what I assume they really want (even though it would cost me), I maintain my essential nobility. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/173 "2012-12-15T05:16:35Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Thanks. This whole thing could have been avoided if only there was a way to ascertain the exact time that a post was made. I’ll move my chair a scootch to the left. That ought take care of it. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/174 "2012-12-15T05:25:27Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > And who also rather tellingly talk like being homo- or hetero- is a choice, and like homosexuality is some huge temptation. You can’t tempt someone with something they don’t want. You’re right, and that’s the most likely reason for opponents’ unseemly interest in the sexual aspect of homosexual relationships. I wonder what degree of titillation one achieves by dwelling on and decrying homosexual sex? On second thought, haters reveal quite enough by the volume of their protests. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/175 "2012-12-15T05:26:36Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > I’ll move my chair a scootch to the left. That ought take care of it. Have you considered backing up? ---
**Author:** ![thenonepercent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@thenonepercent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thenonepercent)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/176 "2012-12-15T07:13:54Z")
All the anti SSM sentiment seems to boil down to “eeww gross gays are icky”. Anyone have an opinion other than “it makes me feel funny in my nethers so I have to hide from it?” ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/177 "2012-12-15T07:46:02Z")
> [@thenonepercent](#): > > All the anti SSM sentiment seems to boil down to “eeww gross gays are icky”. > > Anyone have an opinion other than “it makes me feel funny in my nethers so I have to hide from it?” Yes. At least one person in this thread said that he was against it because his religion forbids it. I think that that’s why most people who are against it feel that way. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/178 "2012-12-15T07:52:51Z")
> [@Scholar\_Beardpig](#): > > Hell, I _already_ feel that way, and all my grievences are petty and private. How could someone with a genuine grudge feel more forebearing about it than I do about mine? Does not compute. Because that sounds bleeding _exhausting_, that’s why. It sounds like it would take a hell of a lot of time and energy, and I’d much rather make art, bring meaning to the world, and spend time with friends and family. Also, there are quite a few straights that I like well enough that taking vengeance upon them would be awkward. “Hi Mom! Now line up against the wall…” ---
**Author:** ![Scholar\_Beardpig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@Scholar\_Beardpig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scholar_Beardpig)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/179 "2012-12-15T08:57:50Z")
> [@Kaio](#): > > Because that sounds bleeding _exhausting_, that’s why. It sounds like it would take a hell of a lot of time and energy, and I’d much rather make art, bring meaning to the world, and spend time with friends and family. > > Also, there are quite a few straights that I like well enough that taking vengeance upon them would be awkward. > > “Hi Mom! Now line up against the wall…” Well, how I feel about the world is my problem, so long as I’m not in the way of anything. And in this instance, at least, I am categorically not. But even though it’s stupid, I can’t see one and not the other right behind it. ---
**Author:** ![Scholar\_Beardpig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@Scholar\_Beardpig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scholar_Beardpig)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2012, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602/180 "2012-12-15T09:01:35Z")
> [@Kaio](#): > > Because that sounds bleeding _exhausting_, that’s why. It sounds like it would take a hell of a lot of time and energy, and I’d much rather make art, bring meaning to the world, and spend time with friends and family. > > Also, there are quite a few straights that I like well enough that taking vengeance upon them would be awkward. > > “Hi Mom! Now line up against the wall…” Alright, you’ve sussed me out true. I just hate it when other people have something I don’t, and that includes healthy romantic relationships. So while the sight of happy gay wedding kisses makes me see red, it doesn’t make me see a different amount of red from happy straight marriage kisses. The rest is all just hollow justifying. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-opponents-of-ssm-how-do-you-react-to-seeing-images-video-of-happy-gay-couples-being-married/643602.md?page=10)