No need for this

She'll be in Gor within the week.

The courts often ignore true rights in favor of giving more power to the state.

Still doesn't mean the law is right. Anti discrimination laws trample both on the freedom of association and the freedoms of thought and speech. How can we be truly free when there are protected classes? How can we truly own our thoughts unless we are allowed to express them?

These laws are based upon a false reading of the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

I say this as a disabled person. One who would never use the provisions of the ADA. If a business doesn't want to provide services to me, I will spend my money elsewhere.

It could as well be a Furry Mall, a BDSM Mall or an Atheist Mall. Gayness isn't just a sexual orientation, it's also a lifestyle. Doesn't mean they don't want you there, just that their products are tailored for a certain interest group and might not appeal to anyone else. And of course it also means: "This is one of the few places where we can be among like-minded people and don't have to fear harrassment and insults".

ANd if anybody wants to judge people who go through a social hell throughout their whole life, walk a mile in their shoes first. Then you might understand why any place that suggests "you can be yourself here", like gay bars and clubs, is a welcome haven in a world full of intolerance and harrassment. Doesn't mean that the rest of the world is discriminated, it's just a hint that they better stay out if they aren't tolerant.

I came across a shop for robots. Why did they have to mention it was a "Robot Shop" in their description? Why can't robots and humans get along?

Ask Isaac Asimov..or Karel Capek. Or Dr Zachary Smith.

And in the end....."Once you've seen one........you've seen The Mall."

Actually, that's all too true of most RL malls. That's one of the advantages of SL, IMO. Gay malll? Sure. BDSM mall? Ok, for those who want it. Furry mall? Of course. General sex mall? Oh wait, that's Brenda's complaint. Still, ok. You can have any damn mall here you want! As long as it pays its way or you are willing to pay the tier. Loving the diversity, myself.

As Mao Tse Tung probably wishes he'd said, "Let 10,000 malls bloom."

There is a difference between a activist group for a segment of the community that is the victim of legitimate discrimination.

And a Activist group directed at Increasing discrimination against such groups.

Since Gays are discriminated against, the existance of Gay Rights groups is not at odds with equality.

A Hetero - Rights activist group would not be legitimate per-se since their aim would be to increase discrimination based on Sexual orientation. Heterosexuals not being discriminated against as the overwhelming majority.

As far as a Gay Mall - thats simply a business venture that targets a minority audience to identify with a Niche. Like someone said - marketing.

A Hetero Mall (in my opinion) should be allowed as well - however it wouldnt accomplish anything becuase theres no Niche there - Since 90+% of the population Lives a Straight lifestyle.

No doubt! I mean c'mon... it's just like those damn "Coffee Shops", I mean... why not just a "Shop". Those damn coffee drinkers are always wanting to set themselves apart from everyone else. Just because they sell coffee mugs, coffee beans, different kinds of coffee and other things that people who are looking for items that are coffee related doesn't mean that they have to tag it as a "Coffee" shop. In fact, why do the coffee shops discriminate against more mainstream items like bubble gum, toys, video games and makeup. I really think that it's the Coffee Shop owners that are being discriminitory against the majority of everyone else. Why can't they be held to the same standard afterall. I'm going to sue the next Coffee Shop I come across if I'm unable to buy a Mountain Dew there because goddamnit I don't like coffee and just because I walk into a shop labelled "coffee" doesn't mean I should be subjugated to those items just because I was thirsty and didn't think "Coffee Shop" actually meant they sold coffee. I find that broadly offensive.

Interesting point. However...

See, "us people" — of whom I am one — have been trying out that strategy for a long time now. We pay our taxes as equally as everyone else does (or should). We follow the laws as equally as everyone else does (or should). The only difference is that "us people" have sexual and committed relationships with others of the same sex.

Other than that, we go about our lives just as everybody else does and do our best to "act" equal to our heterosexual counterparts, figuring we'll get treated equally... someday.

However, for the moment while "us people" are all so busy "acting equal", a lot "us people" still live with the possibility of losing homes and jobs because of that one little difference and have no legal recourse in many places in the U.S.

A lot of "us people" get our heads kicked in by bashers — of whom I was recently one — just because of that one little difference. (I'll be happy to share a picture of my face taken two days after the incident. The police can't do a thing because I never saw them coming. I was too busy leaving a gay bar — but not in a gay mall — in a city where we supposedly have "equal rights."

A number of "us people" have been discharged from the U.S. military for "acting" like patriots and doing our jobs defending this country.

A lot of "us people" aren't allowed to visit our partners in the hospital. Or even have legal rights to handle their legal affairs when they die, no matter how long we've been together.

Also, did you know there are 1,138 federal legal benefits that "us people" in committed partnerships can't have because we cannot be legally married. Don't believe me? Look it up.

See, a lot of "us people" who try so hard to "act" like we're equal eventually discover how a lot of "those people" don't think we're all that equal after all, no matter how we try to "act equal" like it's true.

So, if anybody here feels like they have a strong enough personal issue about someone naming their mall in SL something like the "Gay Mall", and finds the burning need to express it in this forum, it's probably their right to do so as someone with equal rights in the U.S.

However, as a gay man who knows quite well he's not as equal as some — no matter how hard I try to "act equal" — I believe I also have the right to tell "you people" who think up these kinds of myopic and generally clueless criticisms to STFU.

Or is that just a little too gay of me for you to handle?

Ive seen some rather 'gay' mens outfits in the conventional malls. I did buy a frilly shirt for a pirate attire once. Im thinking they offer a higher percentage of pastel colors or something? Oh wait, we are talking clothes right? Not umm..gadgets and stuff? I dunno, what exactly constitutes a 'gay' mall?? All I can think of is stereotypical gay. Men in touch with their femme side and women in touch which their male side. Tho I do have these two gay friends who have an immaculate condo and some really kool furniture.
I wouldnt mind owning their sofa and chair combo. So what the hell do you sell at a gay mall that you wouldnt sell at a conventional mall? Capri pants for men??? Or is this intended to be more of a social, gathering type of venue? Sounds like niche marketing. Find something nobody else is doing and give it a shot.

/me shudders at the thought of men in Capri Pants

Wasn't my idea. Really. Not my fault.

Hope you will be okay medically, and I hope you are not a victim of violence again.

This is of course a good example of why Activist groups for discriminated minorities are different that "Majority Pride" groups.

Its been long enough since the 60's people do not realize what things can really be like.

Fighting for the right to be treated as an equal and not live in fear is a lot different than the supposed wish for preferential treatment those who forget what civil rights strugles are about.

Quite a response to the op.

I saw where a few people thought my choice of words "These people" were wrong to say. I don't think so. Call me what you like, it's fine with me.

I asked why a "gay" mall and a few responded saying it's better to indentify items for this crowd, fine. But pulling a way a bit more why is it necessary to say, "I'm a gay lawyer." Or "I'm a gay so and so." And you constantly see this all over the place. This constant indentifying themselves when it has nothing to do with whatever it is you're talking about. There's no reason to indentify you're gay to the world, why? For a bar or a place of business it's ok I guess but for a person indiviually it's a different story.

Should others indentify themselves the same way by saying they're white straight male lawyers? Or Hispanic straight female doctors? Because you're gay does it mean you have to announce it to the world? Why bring attention to yourself especially since you know you're easily targeted?

I think people are too thinned skinned and shout discrimination at the first thing they see and not just about being gay. Hey, if you're so eager to put your business out there for others to see then don't bitch the first time you see someone say something about you. You now have to handle it.

This was not about people identifying themselves. It was a store with products for a niche group identifying itself so the right shoppers could find it. You people make me ill.

I partially agree.

I find agressive heterosexuals about as offensive as agressive homosexuals. I generally don't want to know what you do with your genitals unless I specifically ask you.

However, there's a thin line between "putting your business out there" and hiding who you are.

Some dudes are effeminite (sp?) and dress fruity by traditional standards. Some chicks are butch and dress tougher than some men! They do it because they like to. They like the particular styles they do.

Should they not do so because it might indicate what they're preference/orientation/whatever is?

From what I've seen with labels, they're usually used to indicate the significance of their position. A gay lawyer might advertise such a thing because they're accustomed to legal situations that a gay person might get into (i.e. gay bashing) or because they want a gay client to know that they won't be judged in any way. The same would go for a black or hispanic laywer.

Other times it's meant to show that this person was able to get to the place they did DESPITE the hardship that might come upon them for their race/class/orientation/etc.

The sad fact is there is still discrimination in this world. Sometimes it's prepetuated by such labels, I agree, but often times these labels are a RESULT of the discrimination.

I can't wait for the day when on one cares that a guy is a "black" lawyer or "gay" investor...kinda like how no one cares that I'm a "white" deadbeat!

homo greek, homo latin, argue argue.

This must be why Scott Thompson said "I prefer to be refered to as a sodomite"

What about Homo Simpson? Or Flaming Moe?

I second the title of this thread.

There was absolutely no need for this thread.

One thing I would as is would this thread even BE here if the little "morality blog" had never happened.

It seems to me that the whole thing has emboldened every hater with an opinion to jump out and stick their dislike of one thing or another into the open.

Honestly, just don't go to the gay mall, or the bdsm club, or the furry forest.

Why are we even discussing this? It's a person's property. They can call it whatever they want as long as they aren't breaching the ToS.

If you have a problem with what something is called, then don't go there.

Heck, look at some clubs... Women Only.. Men Only.. etc... Do we have a problem with that? Not in the least. I'm not saying that the "Gay Mall" is for the GLBT Community only, I haven't read the covenant/rules for it, but if it was.. who cares? If it is, and you feel left out because you aren't welcomed there as a heterosexual, perhaps the shoe is on the other foot? Think of all the places in the world where gays would be ridiculed. Hell, you go to a local sports bar and announce that you're gay.. lets say your evening would't be fun.

People want to do what they want to do. If they don't want your patronage.. then leave it at that.

I had to do it.. I did a search for "Gay Mall" just now and saw about 4 matches... and they specialize in male shapes/skins/clothing/poseballs/sex items.... What's the problem? They are directing their business to a specific clientelle. Males and/or Gay males.

Thread is a waste of time, I'm displeased that I actually replied.

Honestly, I can see both sides of the argument. In private do as you want. In public it needs to be a bit more neutral. If someone dislikes gays thats fine. But in public there needs to be tolerence... on both sides. Don't shove unwanted lifestyles/opinions down the throats of people that don't want it... again, on both sides. I get along with and will respect any decent person but reserve the right to dislike someone for any reason I damn well please.

That said, SL is an experiment in life. We have been given a basic set of tools to see what grows in our little virtual garden. But, it seems the world that was created is somewhat chaotic and ugly in areas. I have always wondered about SL zoning. One would see a pretty house or two and then a sprawling casino with giant airborne ads right next door. In RL arn't cities designed to have commercial and residential areas? Why not have the gay mall but place it on an island so people can't stumble over it and be offended. Folks that wanted to go to this mall would have to search for it and teleport to it. To some people that would be discrimination by forcing this type of action but I think there has to be some sort of a happy medium.

No, I am not a Nazi and no this reply is not as articulate as I would want to be. I am torn over issues like this and could type out miles of drivel but I will spare you.

-AB