I agree that a person's sexuality does not, and should not define them as a person. This idea should be supported inside and outside of the LGBT community.
Yes, seriously, this. It irks me a little when people assuming supporting of things such as equality and civil partnerships means you must be LGBT yourself. I was under the impression that this concept was just common sense.
And following your line of thought, it seems only reasonable that someone who supports gay rights would also support womens rights, civil rights, and other related concepts, yes?
Alas, With time, such notions have become deeply ground into the subconscious minds of us all. Thankfully, reason and understanding; it can clear us of these horrid associations, and yet, it seems to me that some find this politically advantageous. After all, such things are imprints left from the previous century. Something must have sparked them there, something influential. I just hope that given time, this things will fade. After all, this isn't the only time that such ridiculous notions have discriminated against peoples unjustly. It pains me to know that here in Canada women only became persons in 1927 by Judgement not of the Canadian court, no. It was the Privy Council in England that came to that decision. Furthermore, I simply don't understand the fear some have of being associated with any person whom may be LGBT. All I ever wish to do is ask the question: Are they less of a person?
Exactly. It's an umbrella concept in a way. It's not so much about accepting that people aren't all attracted to other things, it's more a case of the glaringly obvious that sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity or size have absolutely nothing to do with how we should be treated. As I said, it's just common sense really. If someone can't accept that, then they are less of a person.
This is all well and good and I wish it was true, but right now it seriously does matter to me. I'm surrounded by homophobic friends and family, and I'm finally trying to tell someone about my sexuality as close to me as my father, and I'm pretty terrified as to how he'll react. Will he be fine with it? Mad? Will he hate me? What do I say? How do I say it?
@Chap It's not something simple. And as much as I'd like to say something positive; Unfortunately, I can say nothing that would help you in your endeavor, Though I can give you a small bit of wisdom, Taken from the a devastating result of someone I know: It would be best if there was someone whom you could trust no matter what. And possibly bunk with for a couple of days. (A sad truth.)
Thing is, Humanity as a whole is afraid of change. The Normality of "Heterosexuality" is the accepted truth, and like all other truths that are not accepted, the other ones are cast out and those who do not follow the "Normality" are persecuted by the general public because of their "Religion" or because they "Think" it's wrong. Humans are stupid, plain and simple. Whetherwe fight this stupidity and become the thinkers, or we accept this stupidity and become sheep is entirely up for us to decide. There are no defined borders, and whether we cross them or not really just depends on the person and their mentality. There is no such thing as a perfect person. Everyone makes mistakes, and that's what makes us human. But being homosexual or bisexual is NOT a mistake, and nobody should really state otherwise.
Yes, we have all the possibility at any time to stop following the 'flock' and start thinking for ourselves. And thus see taboo on subjects like sexual preferences is grounded on nothing at all, really. Just fear of the unknown. But this doesn't make one a 'shephard'; the ones that tell the flock how to behave. If this were to happen, the majority of the flock still wouldn't think for themselves. In the worst case scenario, think of cult-leaders that claim their followers were blinded of the truth before they joined him. I'm not sure if this is what you meant by using shephards as metafore, but I still wanted to point this out However, by simply 'not blindly following the flock', you can set an example to people around you that they, too, are not bound to the mass and can be an individual.
I'd like to point out, that, having LGBT and the like as a taboo/forbidden fruit makes it all the more enticing to explore. One of my previous posts touches on the idea, but it is an interesting psychological theory that is evident everywhere. In a primarily homophobic environment, homosexuals emerge. I don't think it's a bad thing, just that it too closely borders the idea of people being bullied into the notion. I wish this was an openly taught theory in the youth so they could constantly acknowledge that this is a choice. (I don't believe in the whole 'gay gene', for example.) Luprony puts a very world-wise view on things. I openly joke about my sister being bisexual, and tend to explain it (and how it was a good thing, especially my mom glad that she wouldn't wind up pregnant when she was younger). At the same time, I never forget to mention she is with a man and has two kids (with a third on the way). That background gives the theme of choice, and how that choice may change in life and circumstance. The finality of her choice does not change that concept. Her ending up with a man doesn't change her preferences. Also, resurrecting a relevant thread is just fine. It keeps everything consolidated into a single thread for discussion.
Only the T is genetically caused, really. The whole "Gay Gene" thing is stupid. You DISCOVER it, not ARE it the moment you're born. For instance, look at Zephyr. He never thought that he'd be in love with another guy, (Nomad) and yet he discovered that he did anyways. That's not inherited. That's a choice. If you love someone of the same sex, that's a choice. You love them because they love you unconditionally, not because they've got the same... "Parts" as you. Anyone who genuinely thinks that LGBT is Genetically caused (Including my Grandfather) really needs a reality check...
It's probably worth pointing out that sexuality is not a choice. We can't help what we're attracted to. It's not genetic, that wouuld make absolutely no sense, but I it's not a choice of 'do I want to be attracted to this or not'. As Saikyo said, we discover it.
The world is filled with both good and bad ideals. Unfortunately, most of the time the Bad severely outnumbers the good. Christianity started the whole "GAY IS WRONG, GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE, NOT ADAM AND STEVE" Argument. And I'm a Christian. @Luprony: Agreed. YOu can't help who you love. Romeo and Juliet may be a poor example, but it's a story of how People suck, and how petty family arguments or stupid ideals made by stupid people can result in destruction and hate. People suck. And it's up to us, the "Good Guys" (And even then, we're not the good guys here.) to spread this around and convince others of this fact. Homophobia is an irrational fear, and like all fears, it is conquerable.
What I would not give to change the world. Alas, I alone cannot give enough. The political powers of the world; I can do little to sway their views. I hope time can and perseverance can.
Well, Chap, I'm not sure this will be helpful, especially since I don't know your parents, but sometimes just being blunt will do it. Just say flat out, "I'm gay, I like men, I want to be with men." Then, perhaps, in the rest of your e-mail, you can talk about your self-discovery on the matter. It would be best if you could do it from a point of strength, but I'm not sure how you're situated in that matter. Or, you could go with the humor approach: "Dad - I got four girls pregnant. [big space here] Just kidding, I'm actually gay. See? Now you don't have to worry about that." And you're always welcome to talk to me on Skype, Chap, any time. One other thing - I was actually thinking of raising this thread from the dead, for a question or two, so it's no big deal.
I am straight and am friends with many gay people and they are really nice and normal. I support this thread
There is a something along the lines of a club at our school dedicated to this matter. It's named 'Rainbow' and it encourages many of the things we have touched upon in this thread. That and a concept called 'Positive Space'.
