Rethinking Homosexuality

Anon-Voter wrote:

Professional my fuzzy butt!!

Too much information!

Now that I think about it, it sure seems to me that lesbians are far more accepted in todays society than gay men are.

Yup, I've read quite a bit of it, and there is information that is relevant.

~~~~

Curious that you identify suicide as a health risk, real life. It's more of an outcome than an actual health risk.

~~~~

Now, there are identified risk factors for suicide for LGBT youth ...

Quote:

Risk Factors in GLBT Youth Suicide, compiled by Paul Gibson, L.I.C.S.W.

General: Awareness or identification of same-sex feelings at a relatively early age, sometimes even acceptance of homosexual orientation. Often conflicts with others related to this orientation, and/or problems in same-sex relationships.

Society: Discrimination/oppression of gays and lesbians by society. Portrayals or representations of homosexuals in the society as self destructive or hurtful to others.

Poor Self Esteem: Internalization of society's notions of LGBTs as sick, self destructive, sinful, spreaders of disease, molesters of children, and pathetic.

Identity Conflicts: Denial of same-sex feelings or orientation. Despair in recognition of same-sex orientation.

Family: Perceived or actual rejection, abuse, harassment of child due to LGBT orientation. Child's feelings of failure to meet parental/societal expectations.

Religion: Child's LGBT orientation seen as incompatible with family's religious beliefs in which youths feel sinful or condemned.

School: Harassed and/or abused by peers (and sometimes faculty and staff). Lack of supportive peers and adults, role models, and accurate information about LGBT life in the classroom.

Social Isolation: Stemming from rejection or fear of rejection by peers and family, social withdrawal, loneliness, and inability to meet others like themselves.

Substance Abuse: Substance use to relieve the pain of oppression and loneliness and to reduce inhibitions of same-sex feelings.

Professional Help: Inability or unwillingness to discuss issues related to same-sex feelings, and/or forced treatment to change LGBT orientation.

link

Suicide might not be such an issue for LGBT youth, if the risk factors were addressed.

~~~~~~

Acceptance and support will go a long way.

Montana wrote:

Now that I think about it, it sure seems to me that lesbians are far more accepted in todays society than gay men are.

Many men have that famous fantasy about 2 girls and 1 guy. Frankly, I've always thought one was enough, but that's just me!!

Anon

montana is so gay.

Do you consider suicide to be an irrational act?

More smoke, Questioner?

Anything substantive to contribute yet?

real life wrote:

More smoke, Questioner?

Anything substantive to contribute yet?

My apologies, sir. I assumed that, given your current tract of debate, smoke was what we were all about here.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and looking back, I feel like an intolerant prick. Recent events have introduced me to several homosexual people and since then I have continually scrutinized my beliefs. Previously, I was under the false notion that God hates homosexuality... which I no longer believe.

I used logical (logical in my mind :wink: ) reasoning to conclude that the only laws and rules that are worth having, are the ones that help to protect people....so who the heck is going to get hurt by gay people?

Any thoughts to further lead me out of this blind prejudice?

I appreciate you taking the time to share that, anon. It may help someone.

All of the homosexuals I have known have been gentle souls indeed, and creative, if somewhat audacious. With them I have shared many a fine brew.

Still, I wouldn't wish the homosexual lifestyle on anyone.