Should I strive to overcome homophobia?

[Qoeleth]

woops, live in an area where homosexuals do not exist ? Top of Mt. Everest or say bottom of the ocean ? Gays and lesbians do exist… in some places and circumstances the need to HIDE from bigotry, this causes them/us to vanish.

But wouldn’t it be good for homosexuals to hide their tendencies. I mean, if they are not going to practice, why not keep quit about it, thus saving themselves, and others, a lot of embarrassment…

 

[Qoeleth]

Yes, as a Christian you should strive to show love for your fellow man. By saying that you don’t like a particular group of people based on one aspect of their life, you are being prejudiced and unaccepting, which is not in accordance with Christianity. Also, not all homosexuals belong to a certain “culture.” You might regularly interact with homosexuals who do not have any open identifiers. Certainly, you must be able to understand that not all homosexuals are pretentious city-dwellers (and what is wrong with people who live in the city?)…I mean certainly you can understand this. I see that you grew up in a small town where homophobia was accepted, but this does not make it right, and it doesn’t give you a free pass to dislike your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It just means that you have to work harder to overcome what you have been taught.

All of my homosexual friends are extremely loving and supportive people. When you make blanket statements and keep yourself from certain groups of people you only limit yourself. I think that one of your biggest problems is that in your small town any homosexuals most likely move away or hide their homosexuality, which doesn’t leave you with the opportunity to really understand them. What you know of their “culture” comes from what you see on TV or what you read in the news, which of course will be about the extreme ends of the culture. Like I said, you might regularly interact with homosexuals who aren’t easily recognizable.

But seriously, please try to overcome your dislike. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Like with all people, there are good and bad homosexuals. Please try to get it out of your head that all are pretentious, city-dwellers because it is not true, and if you get these thoughts out of your head, it might be easier for you to start accepting them.

I will leave you with one final thought: You wrote above that you do not like homosexuals. There are many homosexuals who would be hurt by reading that statement. (Believe me, I have seen first hand how much these comments hurt). Would Jesus be happy that you’re hurting another?

Yes, that’s a good point. I don’t want to hurt people. And I admit there seem to be some who are OK. For example, I don’t mind REM, and it turned out their singer is homosexual.

But then I see one like Ellen Degeneres, and am filled with dislike towards ‘them’ and their culture.

 

[AlTheCollegeGal]

Yes, that’s a good point. I don’t want to hurt people. And I admit there seem to be some who are OK. For example, I don’t mind REM, and it turned out their singer is homosexual.

But then I see one like Ellen Degeneres, and am filled with dislike towards ‘them’ and their culture.

This ostracizing of individuals and the creation of an “other” is very sad, because of the fact that it is simply unjust to view a group with dislike because of their very nature. Think of the absurdity of someone saying that they dislike all brown-haired individuals. Extremely unjust, no? If someone refines that statement saying that they dislike the behavior of some brown-haired individuals, it is a much different notion. I do not believe that it is kind nor Christian-like to dislike a person for their very being; we as Christians are called to love our neighbor as ourself. You do not have to agree with everything that everyone does. But disliking/loathing people for something that cannot be helped is unkind and uncharitable.

 

[fissionu235]

But wouldn’t it be good for homosexuals to hide their tendencies. I mean, if they are not going to practice, why not keep quit about it, thus saving themselves, and others, a lot of embarrassment…

Embarrassment ??? with who they/I am… are you for real… why dont you hide.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Yes, that’s a good point. I don’t want to hurt people. And I admit there seem to be some who are OK. For example, I don’t mind REM, and it turned out their singer is homosexual.

But then I see one like Ellen Degeneres, and am filled with dislike towards ‘them’ and their culture.

I don’t think that you know too much about Michael Stipe then.

Ellen is a businesswoman, a philanthropist, an actress, and a comedian. The vast majority of what she does has nothing to do with her sexuality, and her activism revolves more around veganism than anything else.

Michael Stipe is an amazing musician, but he describes himself as “an equal opportunity lech”. Something tells me Ellen wouldn’t say that.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Embarrassment ??? with who they/I am… are you for real… why dont you hide.

I’m sorry if that hurt you. Trust me, there are a lot of people out there who don’t feel that way. Even religious ones who are against gay marriage.

I would also like to point out that even if they are out and “practicing” the OP is still called to love everyone. Even the Catholic church does not support disliking a group of people or thinking less of them as a whole based on their sexual behavior. You are still called to see them as individual people. Seriously, if it makes it easier for you think of them the same way that you think of people who have premarital sex. I highly doubt you have these issues surrounding them.

Wow.

 

[Et_Cetera]

Embarrassment ??? with who they/I am… are you for real… why dont you hide.

I’m sorry that you’re hurt right now. Please remember that a lot of people in the world love you and accept you for who you are. Don’t ever feel embarrassed or ashamed. You are just as beautiful as anyone else. I’m not a particularly religious person, but if there is a loving God, then he made you too, and surely he must love you just as much as anyone else. Please try to keep your chin up. I know it’s so unfair that so many people judge you and call you names without even knowing you, but please know that you have support from many people. Try to surround yourself with people who support you.

 

[edwest2]

I will start by a quote from every Christian priest or pastor “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin”

Acting out any homosexual act is a sin… Our society has done a lot in the past 40 years to indoctrinate us to believe that it is just an alternate and acceptable life style… It is an alternate, but perverted life style…

As for the TV shows and movies; they are there to promote the homosexual agenda… Don’t watch them.

Your heart is in the right place… Don’t be fooled into thinking homosexual behavior is good; because it is sinful.

That’s right.

Peace,
Ed

 

[epan]

i will start by a quote from every christian priest or pastor “love the sinner, hate the sin”

acting out any homosexual act is a sin… Our society has done a lot in the past 40 years to indoctrinate us to believe that it is just an alternate and acceptable life style… It is an alternate, but perverted life style…

as for the tv shows and movies; they are there to promote the homosexual agenda… Don’t watch them.

your heart is in the right place… Don’t be fooled into thinking homosexual behavior is good; because it is sinful.

Why yell about it ?!?!?!?!

 

[einna]

But wouldn’t it be good for homosexuals to hide their tendencies. I mean, if they are not going to practice, why not keep quit about it, thus saving themselves, and others, a lot of embarrassment…

Good for you maybe, but none of us were put here to make you feel more comfortable. At this point you don’t sound like you are even open to changing your view.

Why don’t you look at all those people in history who did great things in the world and who happened to be gay. I think you will be very surprise at how they, and many others, have contributed in such positive ways. Have you?

No one should have to change what they say or who they are just because you are limited in your way of accepting others.

You are really missing out on knowing people who could teach you something about being a better person.

 

[Metropolis]

Embarrassment ??? with who they/I am… are you for real… why dont you hide.

No need for embarrassment. We cannot control who we are attracted to. I think the op just has a lack of understanding of what it is actually like to have SSA and how hard it is actually to hide. Plus why should we be forced to hide in the shadows so others don’t have to feel any “embarrassment” or discomfort? Many will try to “erase” those with SSA, but we exist and we are children of God whether they like it or not. Hatred stems mostly from ignorance and cultural/familial attitudes.

 

[edwest2]

This is a bit misleading. These two individuals did not save your life “because” they were homosexual, they saved your life because they had other qualities that they could just as well have had if they were not.

If you are trying to sell “homosexuality” because of what it is, then please be consistent. Homosexuals do not have a monopoly on kindness, generosity or care. There are many who could care less about others and indulge themselves freely and to the exclusion of others, but that, too, is beside the point.

I know of an individual who completely abandoned his wife of 20 years with three adolescent children because he suddenly “decided” he was gay. I have also known “straight” individuals of both genders who have done similar things.

If I am trying to sell a “brand” of vehicle I cannot focus on features that the brand shares with all other minimally decent brands. Buy this ******* because it has tires, doors, seats and windows. The only reason for considering these kinds of features as selling points is if the other brands don’t have them.

But you are not claiming that an individual with a heterosexual “orientation” would not have or could not have done the same, just because they are heterosexual, are you?

I am not trying to be contentious, just trying to be clear about what counts as real evidence. If stealing is a wrong course of action. I cannot justify stealing by claiming some thieves give to charity, are volunteer fire fighters or are good with children.

You have very clearly identified a real problem: the appeal to emotion that gay people have attributes not common in others or perhaps even absent. A gay news source, The Advocate, makes it a point to publish a photo of the “first openly bisexual woman” to be elected to a certain political office, or the first openly gay man in a different high political office. There is no evidence that simply being gay (LGBT) adds any special characteristics to any person in terms of behaviors that are classified as not gay specific behaviors.

Peace,
Ed

 

[Vouthon]

No need for embarrassment. We cannot control who we are attracted to. I think the op just has a lack of understanding of what it is actually like to have SSA and how hard it is actually to hide. Plus why should we be forced to hide in the shadows so others don’t have to feel any “embarrassment” or discomfort? Many will try to “erase” those with SSA, but we exist and we are children of God whether they like it or not. Hatred stems mostly from ignorance and cultural/familial attitudes.

Amen that!

 

[epan]

You have very clearly identified a real problem: the appeal to emotion that gay people have attributes not common in others or perhaps even absent. A gay news source, The Advocate, makes it a point to publish a photo of the “first openly bisexual woman” to be elected to a certain political office, or the first openly gay man in a different high political office. There is no evidence that simply being gay (LGBT) adds any special characteristics to any person in terms of behaviors that are classified as not gay specific behaviors.

Peace,
Ed

This is an interesting point. The media has been characterizing the gay villain in movies, and so on, until very recently. It was common for villains to exhibit character traits that were stereotypically gay. It was sort of a short hand, if you will. One the one hand, we all abhor stereotypes. On the other, they often have some factual basis.

So, while one can’t really generalize, and expect the generalization to be true in specific cases, it is a curious phenomenon.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

You have very clearly identified a real problem: the appeal to emotion that gay people have attributes not common in others or perhaps even absent. A gay news source, The Advocate, makes it a point to publish a photo of the “first openly bisexual woman” to be elected to a certain political office, or the first openly gay man in a different high political office. There is no evidence that simply being gay (LGBT) adds any special characteristics to any person in terms of behaviors that are classified as not gay specific behaviors.

Peace,
Ed

Excuse me, but I was NOT in any way saying that those gay people did things that straight people are not likely to do. Of course, neither of you seem to intent on listening to me. The point that I was making was that it is ridiculous to feel antipathy towards gay people in general, because just like straight people, their actions, hearts, and characters are diverse. In feeling antipathy towards gays the OP is feeling antipathy towards people that have saved my life without even knowing them (go figure, that’s how bigotry works), and I feel the need to stand up for them.

Furthermore, the “first gay blah blah blah” is no different than “the first black woman in space” or “the first black president”, or “the first latina supreme court justice”. It isn’t saying that those attributes make them more qualified. It is making commentary, and being happy about people being able to accomplish great things, despite the history of bigotry and discrimination that the group that they are a member of has faced. Admit it, 50 years ago a black man would not have been president. And even 30 years ago a gay woman would not have been elected to the Senate. Its a celebration of the fact that people are now opening themselves up to voting for people that would have once been counted out over something that has absolutely nothing to do with how they would perform at their jobs.

 

[edwest2]

This is an interesting point. The media has been characterizing the gay villain in movies, and so on, until very recently. It was common for villains to exhibit character traits that were stereotypically gay. It was sort of a short hand, if you will. One the one hand, we all abhor stereotypes. On the other, they often have some factual basis.

So, while one can’t really generalize, and expect the generalization to be true in specific cases, it is a curious phenomenon.

I have no idea what you’re referring to. What gay villain? Any newspaper headlines that read: “Gay man shoots and kills owner in liquor store heist.”?

Sheesh,
Ed

 

[fissionu235]

You have very clearly identified a real problem: the appeal to emotion that gay people have attributes not common in others or perhaps even absent. A gay news source, The Advocate, makes it a point to publish a photo of the “first openly bisexual woman” to be elected to a certain political office, or the first openly gay man in a different high political office. There is no evidence that simply being gay (LGBT) adds any special characteristics to any person in terms of behaviors that are classified as not gay specific behaviors.

Peace,
Ed

I am happy that the Advocate and others publish these articles. Young Gay men and lesbians need role models that they can relate to and that stand up for them and their rights. Alot of politicians (esp Conservative) seek to change and “convert” us/them, deny us/them the diginity of our/their Human Rights. When you say “gay specific behaviors,” are you referring to sex ?

 

[epan]

I have no idea what you’re referring to. What gay villain? Any newspaper headlines that read: “Gay man shoots and kills owner in liquor store heist.”?

Sheesh,
Ed

Talking about fiction, such as bond movies, clint eastwood movies, and so on. It is a well known media phenomenon.

 

[epan]

I am happy that the Advocate and others publish these articles. Young Gay men and lesbians need role models that they can relate to and that stand up for them and their rights. Alot of politicians (esp Conservative) seek to change and “convert” us/them, deny us/them the diginity of our/their Human Rights. When you say “gay specific behaviors,” are you referring to sex ?

I saw an old interview with Sir John Gielgud, and the interviewer posed an interesting question. This was an old interview, when there was more to lose by “coming out”. I gathered that Sir Gielgud had done that, because the interviewer asked him, why at his age did he feel that it was necessary. The answer was that there was a boy in Ohio somewhere who felt alone and isolated, and without a role model. This perception coincides with your observation. It makes sense.

 

[Qoeleth]

This ostracizing of individuals and the creation of an “other” is very sad, because of the fact that it is simply unjust to view a group with dislike because of their very nature. Think of the absurdity of someone saying that they dislike all brown-haired individuals. Extremely unjust, no? If someone refines that statement saying that they dislike the behavior of some brown-haired individuals, it is a much different notion. I do not believe that it is kind nor Christian-like to dislike a person for their very being; we as Christians are called to love our neighbor as ourself. You do not have to agree with everything that everyone does. But disliking/loathing people for something that cannot be helped is unkind and uncharitable.

I agree that it is uncharitable. But, I am being honest about how I feel…I would try to be charitable, but I cannot change how I feel just by wanting to do so.