The Harmful Stereotype of Queer Men as Predators: How Homophobia Perpetuates Dangerous Narratives

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Curtis Stone singled me out by questioning my use of the handle "QueerGranddad" and implying that there’s something questionable about my identity because I am both queer and a grandfather. His rhetoric taps into an insidious stereotype that queer men, especially those who are openly proud of their identity, are somehow a danger to children. This damaging insinuation perpetuates a longstanding and harmful narrative that equates queerness with deviance or criminal behaviour.

The Roots of Harmful Stereotypes

The association between queer identity and predatory behavior is a harmful stereotype that dates back decades, originating from misinformation, fear, and prejudice. The notion that queer people, particularly gay men, pose a danger to children was heavily popularized during the "Save Our Children" campaign led by Anita Bryant in the 1970s. This campaign equated homosexuality with pedophilia and positioned LGBTQIA+ individuals as threats to family values and child safety. These ideas have persisted over time, despite being thoroughly debunked by scientific research and mainstream organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which affirm that sexual orientation has no correlation with criminal behavior.

The Impact of Implying Queer Men Are Predators

Comments like Stone’s, which play into these harmful tropes, do more than just attack one person—they reinforce dangerous attitudes that have real-world consequences for the entire 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These include:

1. Increased Violence and Discrimination: Perpetuating the false notion that queer individuals are inherently dangerous can escalate hate crimes and discrimination. When society views a group as "dangerous" or "predatory," it becomes easier to justify acts of violence against them.

2. Barriers to Visibility and Advocacy: Queer people, particularly those who advocate for children’s safety and well-being, are unfairly accused of having ulterior motives. This not only attempts to silence advocates but also undermines legitimate efforts to create safe and affirming spaces for queer youth.

3. Internalized Shame and Harm: For queer individuals, especially youth who are still discovering their identities, hearing such stigmatizing rhetoric can lead to feelings of shame and fear about their own sexuality. It can reinforce harmful internalized homophobia and transphobia.

Challenging the Myths

It's important to debunk these myths whenever they arise. The reality is that being queer is not an ideology or agenda aimed at "converting" or "corrupting" anyone. Queer identities encompass a spectrum of orientations and gender identities that have existed across cultures and history. Advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is about promoting acceptance, equality, and the right for everyone to live without fear of prejudice or violence. It is not about encouraging anyone to "become" anything other than who they truly are.

Suggesting that identifying as "queer" or advocating for queer rights somehow equates to inappropriate behavior, as Stone implies, is not just ignorant—it’s dangerous. It perpetuates outdated and disproven stereotypes that continue to harm a community that has long fought for recognition and safety.

Why This Matters for Queer Grandparents

As a queer grandparent, my identity encompasses more than just my sexual orientation. It represents a commitment to ensuring that future generations can grow up in a world that celebrates diversity. Being a "QueerGranddad" means advocating for love, acceptance, and safe spaces for all, especially in the face of harmful narratives that seek to marginalize people like me.

When someone like Curtis Stone suggests that there's something sinister about my identity, he not only disrespects my role as an advocate but also the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community who continue to push back against these outdated and dangerous stereotypes.

A Call to Reject Fear-Based Rhetoric

It is crucial for society to reject fear-based rhetoric that aims to paint queer individuals as dangerous simply for existing and advocating for their rights. We should be moving towards a society that recognizes the humanity and dignity of every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s time to put these harmful stereotypes to rest and to focus on creating a safer, more inclusive world for everyone.

If Stone truly wishes to understand what "queer" means in the context of being a grandparent, he should start by challenging his own assumptions and engaging in open, informed dialogue instead of perpetuating harmful tropes. The real threat lies not in queerness, but in the prejudice that seeks to deny queer people their humanity. 

Update: Mr. Stone's Response to this Blog Article

Curtis's comments have crossed into defamation territory by suggesting that I am a danger to children or implying I have something 'wrong' to hide because I am a queer grandfather. Defamation includes not only direct statements but also insinuations, and his remarks fall within that scope. My blog post expressed genuine concern about being singled out due to my identity and was not defamatory. It reflected my perspective and did not make any false or harmful claims about him.

Regardless of how big he perceives his voice to be, I won’t be silenced by bullying tactics or accusations. I will continue to stand up for myself and advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.