Gaymark.
It's like Hallmark. Only for gays. No, this doesn't really exist (At least I think it doesn't...) But perhaps it should. We talk often both at work and in class about living in a heterosexist and heteronormative world. I acknowledge it but I'm not always aware of it because it's been ingrained in me over my 27 years of existence.
I was reminded of it today while perusing the extensive collection of Hallmark birthday cards for my roommate. His birthday is Friday and we are going out tomorrow night to celebrate before he leaves town and I wanted to get him a card. I went to the "Birthday for him" section but all of those cards were catered to heterosexual men (lots of booze and women). So then I went to the "Birthday for her" section and found him the perfect card. A shirtless guy ironing. He'll enjoy it. I should have just started in that section knowing the cards would talk about shopping, gossiping, and men, stereotypical women and gay past times, but relevant nonetheless.
I'm not advocating for the creation of Gaymark or anything of the sort (though something of the sort is probably out there) as I doubt it would generate the kind of income that Hallmark does. All I'm saying is a simple gesture like going out to buy a birthday card for a friend can remind me of how heteronormative our society is and (most likely) will always be.
I was reminded of it today while perusing the extensive collection of Hallmark birthday cards for my roommate. His birthday is Friday and we are going out tomorrow night to celebrate before he leaves town and I wanted to get him a card. I went to the "Birthday for him" section but all of those cards were catered to heterosexual men (lots of booze and women). So then I went to the "Birthday for her" section and found him the perfect card. A shirtless guy ironing. He'll enjoy it. I should have just started in that section knowing the cards would talk about shopping, gossiping, and men, stereotypical women and gay past times, but relevant nonetheless.
I'm not advocating for the creation of Gaymark or anything of the sort (though something of the sort is probably out there) as I doubt it would generate the kind of income that Hallmark does. All I'm saying is a simple gesture like going out to buy a birthday card for a friend can remind me of how heteronormative our society is and (most likely) will always be.
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