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Is being gay "natural"?
Each culture defines what is "natural" or "normal" to fit its own context and these definitions differ. Historians tell us that homosexuality has existed since the earliest of human societies. Anthropologists report that lesbians and gay men have been part of every culture, that in many cultures bisexuality is the norm, and that in some societies homosexuality is very common. Lesbians and gay men are represented in every socioeconomic class, educational level, and race. It is often said that homosexual behavior is not natural because the purpose of sex should be reproduction. In addition to the fact that most heterosexual encounters are not intended to produce children, homosexual relationships, like heterosexual relationships, consist of much more than just sexual encounters. A homosexual identity involves both an emotional commitment to people of the same gender and membership in a community.
Do gay men and lesbians have long-lasting relationships?
Yes, long-standing relationships are common. The difficulty, when compared to heterosexual relationships, however, is that society and the family (for the most part) disapprove of homosexuality. This disapproval puts an extra strain on gay and lesbian relationships which also have to cope with the common stresses that affect all couples.
Should gay men and lesbians be barred from certain jobs?
Sexual orientation does not affect one's job qualifications. Unfortunately, some people believe that gay men and lesbians should not be allowed to hold certain positions such as teacher, foster parent, soldier, counselor, religious leader, or police officer. They fear that gay men and lesbians are sexually irresponsible and less trustworthy than heterosexuals. (In fact it is well documented that the overwhelming majority of those who molest children are heterosexual men.) These beliefs, like those used to discriminate against people on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, physical ability or gender, are based on prejudice arid ignorance rather than on accurate information.
Why are lesbians and gay men so blatant?
Gay men and lesbians are often accused of being blatant (wearing buttons, marching in gay rights marches, talking and writing about homosexuality, holding hands in public, etc.). Our culture teaches that the only semi-acceptable way to be gay or lesbian is to be silent or invisible ("in the closet"). Any openness about lesbian or gay identity is labeled "blatant" or derided as "flaunting it." "Blatant" heterosexuality is rarely questioned (ads, TV, song lyrics, institutional practices such as benefits for spouses and hospital visitation rights). Heterosexuals are rarely criticized for talking about their love lives, wearing buttons that proclaim, "I'm his/hers," or being affectionate in public.
In our society, the assumption of heterosexuality is so strong that unless one proclaims one's lesbianism, gayness, or bisexuality, one is automatically assumed to be heterosexual. In order not to be misperceived, "coming out" in some fashion is often a necessity.
Won't gay parents make their kids gay?
Research has shown that children of lesbian or gay parents are no more or less likely to become gay or lesbian. Most gays and lesbians had heterosexual parents. Lesbians and gay men are as likely to be good parents as heterosexual parents. Of course children growing up in non-traditional families may face a certain amount of societal prejudice, but such challenges can be empowering for children if they have love and support. Fewer and fewer children are growing up in two-parent, heterosexual, nuclear families. Lesbian and gay families are one of the many diverse family types that exist.Why do gay people need Gay Rights laws - isn't that asking for special privileges?
Gay rights laws do not give lesbians and gay men special privileges. On the contrary, gay civil rights laws are consistent with the traditional American belief that all people are entitled to such basic necessities as employment or housing without fear of discrimination. Currently there is no federal protection for lesbians and gay men who are discriminated against. Unfortunately in all states except CT, MA, HI, NJ, WI, and VT lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people can be (and are) fired from their jobs, and denied housing, credit, or insurance solely because of their sexual orientation. Gay civil rights laws would extend the same protection to gays, lesbians, and bisexuals that other groups in the U.S. already have.
Do homosexuals spread AIDS?
No. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is spread by the HIV virus. So far in the United States there are certain groups who have been disproportionately affected by AIDS, but anyone who practices unsafe sex or shares needles while using drugs, is putting themselves at risk. There is another disease that has been equally virulent, the disease of AFRAIDS. Those affected by AFRAIDS are misinformed and blame AIDS on different groups - gay men, bisexual men, people of color, IV drug users, people from Haiti etc. The gay community has been an inspiration to many because of the courageous and powerful way it has responded to this human tragedy.
No. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is spread by the HIV virus. So far in the United States there are certain groups who have been disproportionately affected by AIDS, but anyone who practices unsafe sex or shares needles while using drugs, is putting themselves at risk. There is another disease that has been equally virulent, the disease of AFRAIDS. Those affected by AFRAIDS are misinformed and blame AIDS on different groups - gay men, bisexual men, people of color, IV drug users, people from Haiti etc. The gay community has been an inspiration to many because of the courageous and powerful way it has responded to this human tragedy.
What is homophobia?
Homophobia is the irrational fear, disgust, or hatred of gays, lesbians, or bisexuals or of the homosexual feelings in oneself. Homophobia refers to the discomfort one feels with any behavior, belief, or attitude of self or others which does not conform to traditional sex role stereotypes.
Homophobia results in: fear of associating with gays, lesbians, or bisexuals; fear of being perceived as gay, lesbian, or bisexual; fear of stepping out of accepted sex-role behavior; and fear of knowing and befriending over 10% of humanity.
What is heterosexism?
Heterosexism is a form of oppression (like other forms of oppression - racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, classism, ableism, etc.) that targets gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Heterosexism includes the belief in the superiority of heterosexuality and inferiority of homosexuality as well as assigning rights and privileges to heterosexuals that are denied to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Heterosexism is revealed through: personal behaviors (telling "queer jokes," anti-gay graffiti, verbal and physical harassment); institutional policies (discrimination in jobs, housing, immigration, child custody, etc. with no civil rights protection); and cultural norms (no positive images of gays, lesbians, or bisexuals in the media, in courses, or as role models).
Excerpted from "Straight Talk about Homosexuality" by Diversity Works, Inc.
