Homosexuality

[flip-flop]

Thinking homosexuality is wrong is not a phobia, it is an opinion.

Discuss.

[flip-flop]

Just received this as part of an email and thought it would make for an interesting debate!

[noxlumos]

My opinion on most things is that as long as it harms no-one and doesn't adversely affect me then I have no problem with it.We have many gay friends and many straight friends and their sexuality never really enters my head, as I like to think I judge each person on their own prsonal merits irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability,colour, creed etc.My eldest natural son Danny is gay and is very happy with his boyfriend Liam and although it seemed slightly odd at first and can cause slight confusion when talking about family to people I couldn't have wished for any of my kids to end up with a nicer partner.

My issue with most people who feel that homosexuality is wrong is that they make a crusade out of it and/or are rude and unpleasant to gay people. I have no problem with them having their opinion because we are all entitled to an opinion, but when it gets aggressive or hurtful to people then it becomes a phobia and unacceptable.

[littleoldme]

I guess it is an opinion, albeit a very narrow-minded one. I wouldn't say it was a phobia in the sense of it being a fear. After all, if a person is confident in their own heterosexuality and knows there is no chance of them ever "turning", what do they have to be afraid of? If you don't like the idea of it, don't indulge - simple!

I'd be more inclined to put it down to a lack of understanding, and possibly being raised in an environment of some bigotry on the issue. I sometimes think some people forget that none of us chooses our own sexuality - it chooses us. I'm straight (and perfectly happy about it, thanks!), but that wasn't a conscious "choice", it was just the way the dice of fate rolled for me. No-one is gay just to be rebellious or upset the Daily Mail, it just happens to be the way some people turn out.

Everyone is entitled to love, and if that means being with someone of your own sex, so be it.

[jake-the-peg]

Phobia is an irrational fear - is that what you meant?

Also please explain whyt you mean when you use the word "wrong"

Or is this just a case of "I'm bored lets start a contraversial thread" :c)

[jake-the-peg]

PS sorry didn't spot your addendum

err I think they don't know what phobia means :c)

[Drusilla1S]

I think the difference between opinion and phobia is a matter of degrees.

Many religious people have a problem with homosexuality, but don't actively seek out gay people to abuse, assault or denigrate. I would suggest they have a misguided opinion, but that's fair enough.

On the other hand, 'gay bashers' have an altogether more disturbing pathology, exhibiting all the traits of a phobia.

[rojash]

Right on Drusilla1S.
Thinking spiders are creepy is an opinion; chasing them round and persecuting them indicates that you have a phobia.

Exactly the same applies to many of those who deny they are homophobic. They may deny it all they want, but they affirm it by their actions.

[Lauren91303]

God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. If there were only gay people, there would be no more people. We were made the way were for a reason, men to be with women, not men.

[Drusilla1S]

I don't believe in God and therefore don't subscribe to an elaborate fairy tale regarding creation.

[raysparx]

so lauren we could also say god made adam & eve

NOT eve& eve couldn't we or don't lesbians count?

But I don't think anybody choose to be gay it can't be something you decide to be overnight, surely it is mix up of genetics for which people shouldn't be persecuted

[Drusilla1S]

Before we get too many Bible quotes condemning homosexuals, lets not forget Deuteronomy 21: 18-21 states a rebellious and stubborn son who drinks too much should be stoned to death. That's the young population of most cities wiped out in less time than it takes to perform a miracle.

[El D]

Thinking homosexuality is wrong is not a phobia, it is an opinion. Correct.

Having an irrational fear of homosexuality is a phobia. Correct.

Or am I missing something?

[bernardo]

It depends what you mean by "homosexuality" - the orientation, the people, or one particular sexual activity?
It depends what you mean by "wrong" - morally, culturally, aesthetically, legally?

[Gnisy]

My answer spanned 3 to 4 paragraphs which kinda climbed over the fence and ended up in China.. so I deleted it and re-wrote the summarised version. Here goes...

It's an opinion. Talk to the hand.



On a lighter note, I'm more interested in the words 'thinking' and 'wrong' as opposed to phobia or opinion. Thinking is an act. Whatever you think, it can be an opinion, a question or an answer but it can't be a phobia. ( I think I am afraid of buses today. neehhh, it don't add up ) It's a different kettle of fish all together.
Plus, an opinion can be wrong, a phobia can't be. A phobia can be funny, weird or downright disturbing but it can't be wrong.

[Pippa68]

rojash ~ I have a frog phobia, & certainly wouldn't run around after one & terrorise it..if anything, they terrorise me!!

If a phobia is a fear, then we would have to deduce that anyone homophobic whould be fearful of homosexuals ~ therefore running a mile if they came into contact or even saw one. 'Gay bashing' is pure ignorance & to be honest is down to a violent nature more than regareding the subjec itself ~ ie. if homosexuals didn't exist, these peole would be thumping someone or something else.

I am with Drusilla1S regarding the bible.

[Pippa68]

In A Pickle ~ I had to reply to you!

You mentioned having slept with 'straight' men. I have a gay pal who tells me the same..he has slept with quite a few mostly married straight men who had the same view...they were straight men who liked to sleep with blokes occasionally. Whatever! ;o)

Oh, & sorry to everyone for typos in my previous post ~ young daughter on my lap!

[rojash]

Pippa68, I see what you are saying. Maybe I didn't make my point very well. The point I was trying to make was not about the "gay-bashers" who roam the streets terrorising anyone who seems a little different, it was about those other "gay-bashers" who stridently decry homosexuality, want it outlawed, want all homosexuals locked up, etc. This to me is an indication of their irrational fear. They are afraid either that they may be homosexual themselves, or that they or their children will in some way become "contaminated". Hence many people who claim to "just think it's wrong", are in fact exhibiting their phobia.

[Greedyfly]

So what happens when your Bisexual then Lauren?

I have nothing against anyones realtionship its there business. Everyone isnt the same and different folks like different strokes - why not enjoy what you enjoy and not be made to feel rejected by society. I have not come across one person who is offended by me.

[XxAnniexX]

if some are talking biblically they should remember that they should love the sinner and also its not up to us to judge, I think God is big enough and old enough to do that ;O)