Is Being Gay "Too Political"?
Added 2022-07-07 18:46:45 +0000 UTCHello Family! We had a big drop off of support after our July 4th comic. I wanted to make a video addressing it. What do you think? Is it possible to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community and not be involved in what's going on politically?
Comments
So Nice and Lovely to Watch you and Hear your Voice! What you say of what the US Government is doing is WRONG and BAD ... so it's hard not to get involved, when the policies can't be decent or sensitive to certain matters. How dare they control humanity when they are humans themselves, but sexist men (and arrogant women?)!! I really hope this all gets resolved and amended soon!
Sam A Milazzo
2022-07-10 02:49:46 +0000 UTCDoubled my support now. Hugs ❤️
BärliGaymer
2022-07-09 19:48:28 +0000 UTCthe very nature of your work is political; and these are worthy fights to fight. Keep up the good work
Trey
2022-07-09 16:44:28 +0000 UTCAs queer people, our very existence is political; we can be open about it or not, but either way the choice is political. I applaud you for being open about the other issues that matter to you too. I hope that doesn't translate into a lasting "hit" on your income. If it were just about number of followers, it would be easy to say "well, I didn't need them anyway," but this has got to be harder for you if it affects you financially. I'm going to up my support a little bit and I hope your devoted fans who are able to will do the same.
Chip Prince
2022-07-08 18:21:07 +0000 UTCYour 4th of July was so heartwarming especially on a day usualy reserved for uncritica dogmatic patriotism! It got a chuckle out of my bf too. I cant beleive people are dropping support…do they live under a rock? Or have a heart of stone? Ugh. Wishing you guys the best
Citrus C
2022-07-08 15:57:04 +0000 UTCWe appreciate the support Burrton! Big hug <3
Bryan & Simon
2022-07-08 13:08:20 +0000 UTCI truly will never understand Log Cabin Republicans in any other way than it's the insecure kids who want so desperately to be a part of the "cool" crowd they're willing to sacrifice their dignity to achieve it. And they sure do sacrifice their dignity. It's very sad.
Bryan & Simon
2022-07-08 13:07:51 +0000 UTCHonestly, it's confusing to me as well. But then again we have a thing known as Log Cabin Republicans which are openly gay people who support the Republican party so truth is definitely stranger than fiction...
Bryan & Simon
2022-07-08 13:05:54 +0000 UTCI love that! The world needs more hugs so you're doing it right <3
Bryan & Simon
2022-07-08 13:04:50 +0000 UTCIsn't that the problem? The moment we decide to keep our mouths shut in the face of injustice for our personal benefit, aren't we complicit? I've been wrestling with this for years and have absolutely had people pull their support of our comic because of my personal beliefs. The problem is all my personal beliefs are about equality and respect. I don't bend on these yet feeling like I need to keep the opinions to myself for "polite society" just feels like oppression. I understand the game, I just think the rules are wrong.
Bryan & Simon
2022-07-08 13:03:38 +0000 UTCOn target. I boosted our sub by a $1.00. Wish I could do more. I was delighted to see your July 4th comic. A few other comics I read were there too.
Burrton Woodruff
2022-07-08 12:56:34 +0000 UTCYou guys did the right thing. Sometimes, people want to digest their gays without being inconvenienced by the realities of the issues that directly and indirectly affect us. And that's a sign that someone isn't a true ally, just someone trying to think highly of themselves. But you don't get to "love" us while contributing to our oppression and danger. And some of our fellow queers delude themselves into believing the same thing: that the rights we've won and the battles we're fighting just magically happened; that they don't need to concern themselves and can just sit and reap the rewards without lifting a finger to fight against the systems that even now are preparing to disenfranchise us again. The epitome of laziness and foolishness. Wolves are at the door, and they want to invite them in.
Terence Ng
2022-07-08 12:54:22 +0000 UTCI hit like on this post before I even saw the comic, or the video. Now that my computer problems are past and I could take a look: I love the comic (and need to go share it on various platforms) and I absolutely love what you've said here. Well spoken. Thank you.
Tris Lawrence
2022-07-08 12:24:15 +0000 UTCI canNOT believe you've lost support. Jesus wept. I'm throwing you guys a couple extra bucks a month to make up for the geniuses who got offended by politics in a gay comic strip. Oy.
Lyn Belzer
2022-07-08 03:23:33 +0000 UTCI stand for those who can not. I am with a group here in Omaha called "Free Mom Hugs" & we stand at the pride parades & hug those you need a Mom hugs. My motto is "No judging just hugging". I am 6' 2' & a little over weight & I give awesome hugs. Anyway, I applaud you this weeks comic & for a for all it stands for.
Michelle Elliott
2022-07-08 01:37:59 +0000 UTCEverything in the 4th comic resonated perfectly with my personal politics, as has been the case for AJ&M's entire run thus far. Thanks to a cocktail of mental disorders I personally can't fight the fight, but I support those who do, you included. Thank you so much for sticking up for us.
Curt Clark
2022-07-08 01:04:42 +0000 UTCI appreciate y’all talking about this. Trans rights are human rights. Black Lives Matter. Protect queer youth 100%.
GenderMeowster
2022-07-07 22:01:39 +0000 UTCI love your take that not being involved in politics is a privilege. And that basic human rights are not up for debate, that's not an "agree to disagree" thing like pepsi or coke. You are totally right that we should stand up for each other. As one of my favourite creators says: "If you don't get involved in politics, someone else will make your choices for you."
Zsuzsanna Sarkadi
2022-07-07 21:09:04 +0000 UTCIt's not just abortion. It's also the gun debate. The more you subdivide by issues, the smaller your potential audience is going to be (but the more fervent your supporters will be). Question is, are your more fervent supporters going to make up the aid that you would otherwise have gotten with a broad (but shallow) appeal? Personally, I'm navigating this, because I'm starting a business in a small town. For the forseeable future, I'm going to have no (public) political opinions, because my livelihood depends upon appealing to a wide audience. You are welcome to take another path, but you should go into it with your eyes wide open about the implications of reducing your appeal.
Tilghman Lesher
2022-07-07 19:45:13 +0000 UTCWell last time I checked the US First Amendment is still in force- for now. This is your forum and you are allowed to state your opinion.
Allan Meyer
2022-07-07 19:41:51 +0000 UTCWhat kind of comic did these people think they were supporting? I'll admit I've been disappointed in the quantity of comics released BUT the fact that you were so up front about your personal struggles I continue to support you here. Thanks for keepin it real. 👍
The Mighty Oobu
2022-07-07 19:32:02 +0000 UTCYou absolutely nailed it. Many people don't like seeing reality.
George Forth
2022-07-07 19:30:33 +0000 UTCI loved your comic. I’m sorry you’ve lost support, but it’s best to be true to yourselves. Thank you for saying what many of us *do* think.
Kendra Tompkins
2022-07-07 19:28:47 +0000 UTCWe loved your July 4 comic, and once it was available widely we shared it because it captured our feeling perfectly. Sadly some people think creators are only for entertainment, but art has always been a form of protest and that’s needed now more than ever. We’re speaking up more in what we’re producing, and we hope you guys keep doing what you’re doing. This isn’t the time to sit quietly. ❤️
Jeff & Will
2022-07-07 19:26:24 +0000 UTCI agree with Alex's lawn signs 100%, but apparently some people are triggered by the word "abortion" and start going into defense mode whatever their opinion is. I'd say continue to insert politics wherever appropriate, but keep it gentle and find a way to avoid trigger words. Also, we aren't getting many comics these days and people might have used their discomfort as a final-straw excuse to drop their support.
Frank S.
2022-07-07 19:14:44 +0000 UTCIt's sad that people protest in real life so what's the difference in a comic. Honestly I would never quit showing support for you all. LGBTQ+ needs support and rights and not pushed in the shadows like everyone is bad. I will always fight for rights. Lots of love and hugs
Tonya Cinnamon-Tackett
2022-07-07 19:13:04 +0000 UTCI, for one, felt that it was a statement that was needed. We do need an intervention
Bitter pill
2022-07-07 19:10:47 +0000 UTCHonestly, if anyone has an issue with what was said in that comic, they’re the kind of fans you DONT want. A good business in more concerned about the quality of their customers, not quantity.
Erroneous
2022-07-07 19:08:26 +0000 UTCI'm sorry to hear this. You have a very committed, strong base of support from people who actually care about others. It appears that some people just want to have a "gay connection" as arm candy rather than actually caring for the causes. I know it's cold comfort, but bravo for putting your words where your mouth (and pen) is. You have my deepest support ( and apparently lots of the rest of us)!
Zac
2022-07-07 19:05:27 +0000 UTCI think a lot of people think of comics as an escape from what's going on in the real world, but we can't afford to bury our heads in the sand, not just about LGBTQ+ issues, but for everyone that gets marginalized. I love your comics, not just because of the feel-good segments, but also for the realistic portrayal of how gay families are responding to these times. Don't stop making art that fights the good fight.
Tommy O'Malia
2022-07-07 18:56:16 +0000 UTCIf people aren't wanting to talk about these issues that are hurting others, and say that some people don't deserve rights, then they definitely don't deserve your amazing comics 💙
STEMGamingDND
2022-07-07 18:55:58 +0000 UTCheartbreaking. everything is politics- your "politics" is do i uphold the status quo (or go backwards) or do i want something better. 'i'm not political' is such a weak cop out. total privilege as you say
zea
2022-07-07 18:54:18 +0000 UTC😞😞
Fanney Omarsdottir
2022-07-07 18:54:11 +0000 UTCI'm sorry to hear you've had a drop off after that comic! We feel the same way here at home, that it really doesn't feel right to celebrate at all with everything going on...
Jayson Murray
2022-07-07 18:53:22 +0000 UTCApparently anything can be too political to those nut jobs. My condolences to you and any sensible US citizens these days…
FoxKid1302
2022-07-07 18:51:25 +0000 UTC
