Reflection #15

Reflection 15: What do you think to be the cause of homosexuality? Have your views on homosexuality been affected by the study of this topic?
I can remember when the topic of homosexuality for me became prevalent. I believe this discovery was around the mid eighties and I was getting ready to graduate from high school. I can recall the shock of seeing a young man at my school that was openly gay. There was of course a lot of chatter about this person and teasing as well. Soon thereafter, my awareness blossomed by great proportions. This really hit home for me when a very close childhood friend “came out” to me. I have to say, that I was extremely taken aback but it did not change the parameters of our friendship. We still hung out and had a good friendship thereafter. I thought she was courageous to tell me, her family and others – it could not have been easy. Like it was yesterday, I remember her pleading with me to still be her friend before she divulged her big secret. I supported her and was proud of the decision she made not to live in fear or to hide and live a lie.
Psychologists believe that coming out – a term used when an individual reveals publicly His sexual orientation for the same sex– can have a positive effect on family members and friends to dispense the fear, adjust and understand homosexuality better. When you know a person and can see that they are no different in the major scheme of things, then you can still enjoy the connection or relationship you have with them. This will also demystify the fear that they somehow will become magically homosexual if they communicate with someone that is gay or lesbian. People are less likely to be homophobic when they can relate personally with another person. People who claim to experience homophobia which is a fear of people that have the same sex orientation may not have had the exposure and is therefore ignorant. I do not believe this is a true phobia such as claustrophobia; rather it is a self imposed decision to remain ignorant. Some use the term homophobia when they really are displaying sexual prejudice. This term defines all negative attitudes or judgment of people’s sexual orientation. Some people even exhibit fierce hostility which can lead to physical injury or death.
A percentage survey in the United States revealed that two-thirds of the population believed that being a homosexual is not natural and is wrong. Another sixty percent felt that being a homosexual is sordid. The remaining one-fourth deemed homosexuality as being an acceptable and natural sexual orientation. Whatever your views are on homosexuality – whether it is wrong or right; genetics or environment; personal choice or innate – the fact is that it exist in our world. We must make the correct choice of treating each other with respect and tolerance even if we do not understand or approve of homosexuality. Where do I stand on this subject you asked? I do not believe that it is my responsibility to pass judgment but rather to give love to others. I can only harness my actions and I would never want to be the cause of someone feeling dejected and isolated. Everyone is looking for acceptance and love whether they admit to that fact or not, therefore, who am I to deny them of that.