COLJohn said:
I guess I am maybe both right and wrong, then. Do those rates of depression, etc., occur because of the isolation or because of the gay genetic make-up?
Thanks for the thoughtful last posts in this thread all!
Personally I don't think there is such a thing a gay genetic make-up, but that's an other discussion...
The rates of depression, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, etc. occur because of real experiences and/or feeling of being rejected by family and/or (parts of) society - alienation, loneliness, self-loathing - the list is endless.
It actually takes of lot struggle, of energy and drive, of inner work, etc. etc. for a gay person to create for him/herself a safe and harmonious place in this world and not the least to achieve a clear self-image. All of those things that any straight person takes for granted and never have to give a second thought to, gay people have to struggle for.
And for many this becomes a life-or-death struggle.
- From the moment a gay person comes aware og his/her sexuality it is almost
double the work to create a place for themselves in the world - for years and even decades ahead. As all of you know, simply getting done with education and finding a professional path takes a lot, often it takes all you've got - now imagine
doubling that effort and you'll get an idea of what it takes for a gay person to create their base for a good life.
Sure, it makes one stronger - but I sometimes feel really annoyed about those years upon years I have used to come to terms with myself and society - in many ways they feel like
wasted years and wasted energy - they could sure have been used much more constructively than to dig through the prejudices of the masses and the hostility towards gays and general self-loathing that is baked into much of religion, etc. etc. - It's not an enjoyable task, I can actually well understand that some just can't deal with it - especially if the support of close family is lacking.