Question about Homosexuality...

[tina martin]

Better catch my breath before I post here; or, better yet, not even bother. Sorry.

[MrCleveland]

Better catch my breath before I post here; or, better yet, not even bother. Sorry.

That's Okay...I just want to learn about life and people more.

[mosaic1989]

Well Dr. Dobson is a Conservative Christian, in his point of view. I think that is what they thought in the past. I kind of followed him until he got political. I don't think his view represent the majority, but I think he is on the idea that it is a choice. Certainly if you have a difficult upbringing that makes any kind of relationships more difficult but I think their is more to it. I don't think we will know the answers, I definitely think their is genetic factors that show up in fetal development that may contribute to feminine or masculine qualities in the opposite gender. I think it is difficult for me to take a particular side, because we don't know all the answers. But it sounds like you need some answers on this matter, good luck with your search.

[tina martin]

I simply cannot understand why people refuse to accept what gay people will tell them, "I knew from the time I was young that I was different. It confused me. I was so alone: no-one helped me."

In fact, many a parent will kick such children out of their home, abandon them to try and find their way on the streets. Many turn alcoholic and suicidal. The Bible and religion are at the root of the problem. I hope I'm being polite even as I rage on the inside at the astounding hypocrisies.

[mosaic1989]

I guess I have been thinking about your question some more, and wondering what information was out there. Here is an article that comes from NARTG which studies issues in human sexuality from a psychological perspective. Here is the link.

http://www.narth.com/docs/coll-harren.html

I thought it was an interesting article and to be seems to be more reasonable than an either or perspective. Hope it helps.

[tina martin]

Maybe the scientific experts can study the Cheney family and the kind of environmental dynamics and influences that cause such a specimen as their daughter.

The compassion and empathy and love extended to them will move everyone to tears.

[SeaRunner]

Hey all -

It's been a long time since I've posted but this thread caught my attention. I can't speak for everyone, but I was definitely born gay. I didn't want to be and I fought it for most of my life, even to the point of getting married. I finally came out at age 30 when my wife at the time decided rightfully that our marriage would never be complete given I had no sexual attraction to women and a strong sexual attraction to men.

I had a very normal childhood with no horrible events or incidents that many folks want to attribute to being gay. And I don't consider myself feminine either. In fact, most people don't realize I'm gay unless I tell them, which I'm now comfortable doing. As to whether it's a choice, Tina said it perfectly. I certainly wouldn't have chosen to be gay if given a choice at birth. Why would I bring on all the negative things that come along with being gay? That being said, I'm happy with who I am and have been with my partner now for seven years.

Regarding James Dobson, you need to look at his point of view. Everything he says come through the prism and bias of the traditional church. As such, he believes that homosexuality is a sin and must be avoided. Furthermore, he is associated with programs like Love In Action and believes that homosexuality can be "cured". Trust me, that's not possible. The best you can hope for is a celibate homosexual. Even programs like Love in Action have admitted this. Nor is a cure needed. Homosexuality is not an illness. Sexuality is just another personal trait that makes each of us who we are. Yes, homosexuals are less common than heterosexuals but that doesn't mean it's abnormal. All you have to do is look to the animal world. There are plenty of documented cases of homosexual animals and there certainly aren't the same social an behavior factors there that we have in the human species.

The easiest way for a heterosexual to understand is to simply ask the reverse question: could you choose to be gay? And I mean lose all your attraction to the opposite sex and have only sexual attraction to the same sex, not just performing same sex acts. There may be a few bisexuals out there that could truthfully answer yes, but for the most part, a heterosexual has as little chance of becoming homosexual as a gay becoming straight. We can pretend and give appearances on the outside, but the inner feelings don't change.

[tina martin]

SeaRunner, what can I say to this glorious post of yours that says it all? Even today, as is evident, it is an uphill battle. We are to be "educated" better. To what? Bigotry? That's what it amounts to amidst the distortions.

You've endured enough. Hope you are happy with your partner. Thank you for returning, for joining and posting. You were much needed.

[Loveslife]

~Peace and love to all~