Sexuality is complex. Here is what I have gleaned after years of trying to understand why I am gay. Like most other guys, I always knew I was different at some level, as far back as I can remember, even though I couldn;t put a name to it. I also knew, very early in life, without the terms being used, that what I felt was considered very wrong by society, and was something dirty to be ashamed of. That is why I was in denial for so long, and wasted so much time, effort, fear, emotion, and several suicide attempts trying to be something I am not. Nothing MADE me gay--and EVERYTHING MADE me gay. There is strong evidence that it is mainly biological---genetic, hormones in the womb, chemicals introduced to the mother during pregnancy, etc. But there are strong environmental factors involved, also---more in terms of how desired and successful suppression of the biological influence is. I will tell you I never met a truly gay man yet that was happy in forcing himself to be straight---successful hiding, yes. Happy, and satisfied, no. We all have our crosses and curses to bear, some more than others. As long as the large majority of people remain straight, there is no risk to society from gay people, period, because the only threat of homosexuality in any species, is that it becomes the dominant sexuality, and the species dies out from not reproducing. Mother nature hasn't let that happen yet, despite every species studied for homosexual behavior has exhibited it to a greater or lesser extent. Since there is no real threat, the only other reason for homophobia is ignorance, misinformation, or just plain bigotry. Those who CHOOSE to believe that gay people are evil spawns of Satan, who are cursed by God, and need to be destroyed, preferably violently and horribly, or who believe that they are not human, or members of society, and therefore not entitled to basic human rights, are bigots, period. I won't let them off the hook with something as sympathetic as a phobia. There are good gay people--there are bad ones--just like the rest of the human race. I will engage in any reasonable dialog, present whatever knowledge or evidence I can garner, with anyone who truly has an open mind, and is willing to entertain a new idea. If you insist on just sputing the same old rhetoric despite anything told you, any evidence presented, etc., don't waste either of our times.
