Hello,

I just read this: http://bravenewmods.dreamwidth.org/3003.html?thread=12475 and wanted to say that the implications of this post, no matter what the "rationale" is, make me very uncomfortable as a player.

Please think of the far-reaching implications of saying that heterosexuality is prized in this society, and that homosexuality is devalued. Real world practice has shown that when a person's sexuality is devalued, the person as a whole is devalued, and that it can lead to horrible real-world consequences.

I hope to play Green Oak. He's a highly ambitious character who wants to accomplish great things and reach a high social standing. Does this mean that if he wanted to be successful societally, he would have to consider the fact that pursuing a homosexual relationship could hurt his societal ambitions, because it carries a social stigma? Does it mean that he would have to work twice as hard to be accepted if he were open about his sexuality, or if anyone "found out"? Does it mean that he would have to be afraid that someone would use his sexuality against him in an argument, or use it as an insult? Does it mean that he would be ashamed or afraid to hold hands with his boyfriend in public, because he could receive societal censure?

Or perhaps does that mean that if Green's sexuality would only be accepted if he were to have a baby or two with someone, because then he has "done his duty"? Does that mean he'd feel socially pressured to have sex with someone he was capable of impregnating, regardless of whether or not he cared about them, or if he were only attracted to other men?

My friends have assured me that nobody would actually RP this, because everyone here is kind and friendly. But the point is this: if someone did use Green's sexual orientation against him, I wouldn't feel as if I could turn to the mods for help. After all, it would be an "in-character" move, considering that as you stated, "it's not openly approved of" societally. And that makes me very nervous as a player.

RPing is something I do for fun, as an escape from real world concerns. It seems like this societal ideation introduces real-world politics to my RP, and I really don't want to be forced to consider these sorts of problems and social structure whenever Green is in a public place in the game. I don't want to play Green in a closet or out of one; I don't want Green's sexuality to be on the table at all. I just want to be able to enjoy the game and its truly wonderful premise without having to worry about this.

In short, I'd like to please kindly ask you to reconsider your stance on this topic. Thank you.