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Today I was sitting out by the pool and was approached by a guy about nineteen.
His bag had patches on it reading names of punk bands - the circle jerks, the clash, black flag, the sex pistols, etc. I was flirting a good bit because, y'know, he had good taste in music and was pretty attractive. He asked me what kind of music I’m into and I repeated my regulars. Muse, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, No Doubt, The Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, etc. and hoping to get into a good conversation I said ‘and I listen to punk as well’. This jackass snickered and looked at me annoyed 'You dont look like a punk’
I snickered back at him and said 'I think that Henry Rollins made a good point and clear statement when he said that it doesn’t matter what racial background youre from, what you look like, your sexual orientation, or the clothes you wear. If you believe in the message and stay true to the music, that’s all that matters. These stereotypes were built on people who actually went for the music, and believed in it whole-heartedly, and were passionate about it. Now, if you like punk you have to dress like you came out of the punk scene in 1974? That’s ridiculous. I can like punk music, enjoy it, mosh to it, and believe in the message, without wearing a patched up leather jacket and a Mohawk.’
He looked at me, stunned, and said 'wait, who was the guy you mentioned at the beginning?’
'Henry Rollins.’
He looked around and asked 'Whos Henry Rollins?’
I laughed, tapped his Black Flag patch and walked away saying 'You have some learning to do before criticizing others for not looking punk’
Jackass.
Let me start by saying that Henry Rollins is a huge inspiration of mine. I would not be as clear minded and as opinionated as I am today without him.
Let’s take a second to take in everything he says. Homophobia is a made-up thing. We are surrounded by gays, lesbians, trans-genders and bisexuals. We are giving people with orientation a quality. People are making it a point that being gay is a quality - and if a quality can apply to anyone, they’re afraid that they might get some too.
I grew up in a house with a lesbian mom who’s best friend was a Cross Dressing waitress in a coffee shop. By the age of three I understood it. I got that this is not a choice, and taking away the rights of a person’s lifestyle is wrong.
He makes a fantastic point when he says gay rights are civil rights.
There’s a reason I look up to this man so much - and this is it. I encourage everyone to watch this.
