[Cerek]

Originally Posted by Yorick I actually think they create division. They perpetuate and "us and them" mentality. I mean, how would the homosexual community feel if there was a "straight pride" festival, where married couples flaunted their babies or whatever? Or imagine if there was a "polygamy day". Or an adultery day? Or a celibacy day? Having a day dedicated to celebrating whatever intimate actions one does with someone they love is all a little ludicrous to me. I mean, if people are not to be defined by their sexual preferences, it's up to people to stop defining THEMSELVES by their sexual preferences, and just be "human". But I understand the historical context and why the situation developed. It's just that times have changed.

You said it far better than I could, Yorick. They complain bitterly about their sexual preference being an issue, then insist on making an issue out of their sexual preference. They also insist that straight people "accept" their sexual preference, which is an exercise in futility. If someone disagrees with homosexuality (for whatever reason), it will be impossible to make them "accept" or "agree with" homosexual behavior.

Please not, disagreeing with homosexuality is NOT the same as intolerence, hatred or homophobia. I disagree with homosexuality for personal and religious reasons, however I have friends and former coworkers who are homosexual and I've never treated them any differently than anyone else. The only time it became an issue was when a family friend (of my parents) told me he was gay and had always been attracted to me. I said I would be happy to have coffee with him sometimes, but we would never be more than friends. And I still greeted him with a hug whenever I saw him, because that's how we always greeted each other.

I also don't agree that we have nothing to do with our sexuality. We make our own choices and a lot of our behavior is defined by our upbringing and environment. I don't believe people are born gay, I believe our sexuality is a learned behavior. As for sexual desires and impulses, those can be controlled by adults. During my marriage, I had more than one opportunity to cheat. There was mutual attraction and desire from both parties. The difference is that I chose NOT to act on those desires. The same is true for any adult. We are not powerless to control our desires, but many people use that as an excuse for not practicing discipline and self-restraint.