Part of the reason is an illness in my family.
But another part is my own struggle with anger. Like many women in this country, I was taught from childhood that being angry isn’t “nice,” that “good girls” don’t get angry, that happiness and even sadness are acceptable, but that anger in any form must be suppressed.
On top of all that, many people in today’s climate are suspicious of the slightest hint of anger expressed towards the U.S. government, as if every criticism must end in another horrifying attack. And that, of course, is another myth about anger, that it invariably results in violence or harm.
So, here’s my rather difficult position. I love the United States. I am not proud of everything our government has done, but I am proud to be an American. However, I am furious at the way the United States has mistreated and continues to mistreat its LBGT citizens.
In this article, I will look at getting in touch with anger, dealing with anger, and making sure anger does not become a destructive force in our lives.
Getting in Touch with Anger
Some people have absolutely no problem getting in touch with anger. But many of us have learned to stuff anger so deeply into the most hidden recesses of our beings that we scarcely recognize it for what it is anymore. “I’m not angry,” we say through gritted teeth as we clench and unclench our fists, “I’m just…hurt.”
If you have trouble getting in touch with your anger, check out the following web sites, guaranteed to make even the most mild-mannered lesbian foam at the mouth.
Radical Feminist Quotes A list of true zingers from women who are not afraid to be angry.
Gay Today’s Matthew Shepard/Hate Crimes Series A chilling, infuriating look into the world of hate crimes.
The Equality Project Learning Center: LGBT Teen Suicide Written by a seventeen-year-old lesbian, this essay is a painful look at abuse suffered by LBGT teens.
Channeling and Discharging Your Anger
Okay, so you’re angry. Now what?
In the past few weeks, we’ve all seen how destructive anger can be. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several effective and positive ways to deal with anger. Here are some ideas:
