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Difference between revisions of "Homosexuality"

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(in -Oppressors-, Created a parenthetical; in -Psyc. Harm-, fixed the second-paragraph run on. Should be easier to read in both cases.)
(→‎Psychological harm: haha - narth = george rekers. i've seen drugs, i've seen disorders, that all makes sense, but i haven't seen reputable +violence studies)
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[[Homosexuality]] is the sexual and/or romantic attraction of an individual to another of the same [[gender]].  A ''homosexual'' individual, in all other regards save for [[sexual orientation]], is the same as a ''heterosexual'', who prefers the opposite sex, or a ''bisexual'', who is attracted to people of either sex.  There is no evidence that homosexuals are otherwise different from heterosexuals, aside from sexual and romantic preference.
 
[[Homosexuality]] is the sexual and/or romantic attraction of an individual to another of the same [[gender]].  A ''homosexual'' individual, in all other regards save for [[sexual orientation]], is the same as a ''heterosexual'', who prefers the opposite sex, or a ''bisexual'', who is attracted to people of either sex.  There is no evidence that homosexuals are otherwise different from heterosexuals, aside from sexual and romantic preference.
  
Homosexuality has a very long history, being written about and depicted since the invention of, well, writing and depicting. Notably, homosexuality was first depicted in Ancient Greece, China and Japan, thousands of years ago.
+
To call a gay or lesbian person "homosexual" will immediately mark you as having the cultural literacy of a retiree in Tampa; only people ready to die still awkwardly, uncomfortably say, "he's a homer-secks-shual."  The same rule applies for the never-heard "she's a het-ro-secks-shual" as opposed to "she's straight."
 +
 
 +
Homosexuality has a very long long history, being written about and depicted since the invention of, well, writing and depicting. Notably, homosexuality was first depicted in Ancient Greece, China and Japan, thousands of years ago.
 +
 
 +
Homosexuality is also found in virtually every culture around the world.
  
 
==Oppressors==
 
==Oppressors==
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Religiously-minded anti-gay marriage activists generally fall back on various translations of the Old Testament to justify their view of (male) homosexuality as an [[abomination]], while, of course, ignoring those rules laid down in those sections of the Bible that would personally inconvenience them. [[Homophobia|Homophobes]] often use the word "[[pervert]]" to refer to homosexuals. Strangely enough, their own obsession with the sex lives of complete strangers is apparently not perverse in the least.  Many largely religious groups claim that gay individuals can be "cured" of their homosexuality through [[reparative therapy]], and that the existence of alleged "ex-homosexuals" proves that homosexuality is a choice rather than a predisposition. Again interestingly, these attempts at reparative therapy are seen as doing "the Lord's work" rather than being a kind of [[brainwashing]].
 
Religiously-minded anti-gay marriage activists generally fall back on various translations of the Old Testament to justify their view of (male) homosexuality as an [[abomination]], while, of course, ignoring those rules laid down in those sections of the Bible that would personally inconvenience them. [[Homophobia|Homophobes]] often use the word "[[pervert]]" to refer to homosexuals. Strangely enough, their own obsession with the sex lives of complete strangers is apparently not perverse in the least.  Many largely religious groups claim that gay individuals can be "cured" of their homosexuality through [[reparative therapy]], and that the existence of alleged "ex-homosexuals" proves that homosexuality is a choice rather than a predisposition. Again interestingly, these attempts at reparative therapy are seen as doing "the Lord's work" rather than being a kind of [[brainwashing]].
  
Male gay sex is one of the many "crimes" for which the [[Bible]] demands the [[Actions which demand the death penalty in the Old Testament|death penalty]].
+
Male gay sex, like cussing your parents and being held in contempt of court, is one of the many "crimes" for which the [[Bible]] demands the [[Actions which demand the death penalty in the Old Testament|death penalty]].
 
   
 
   
Conservatives have also stated that if gay marriage is legalized, bestiality and other disgusting acts would become socially acceptable as it would create a downhill slope of morality<ref>supposedly</ref>.
+
Conservatives have also stated that if gay marriage is legalized, bestiality and other disgusting acts would become socially acceptable as it would create a downhill slope of morality where we'll ''all'' eventually end up marrying our pets because they have Stockholm Syndrome and are just so damn cute!<ref>supposedly</ref>
  
 
==Words==
 
==Words==
Line 46: Line 50:
 
===Psychological harm===
 
===Psychological harm===
  
Some research has found a higher incidence of [[drug]] use, addiction and violence among homosexuals compared to heterosexuals. However, the cause of this is speculative, with it being clear that reports of school-age bullying are not actually higher among homosexuals.<ref>http://www.narth.com/docs/symptoms.html</ref>
+
Some research has found a higher incidence of [[drug]] use and addiction among homosexuals compared to heterosexuals. Other studies have found a higher degree of personality and psychological disorders.
 +
 
 +
Two hypotheses exist to explain this disparity between homo- and heterosexual individuals:  The first is that homosexuality itself may constitute a disorder.  Though once accepted in western psychiatry, in the 1970's the American Psychiatric Association rejected this theory. Railing against the APA's classification for years, gay activists said that there was no science to support homosexuality as a mental illness.  Finally, the APA broke down and listened to the gay activists, looked at the data people claimed supported the illness classification, and saw that it was based upon a small clinical sample of men  in the 1950's who who sought treatment because they hated being gay.  The APA judged the evidence biased.  When the psychiatrists looked at the few valid scientific clinical studies available in the 1970's, the scant evidence supported the theory that homosexuality is not an illness. Over time, this has only been proven to be more true that it is no longer seriously debated. Today, virtually no reputable psychologist nor psychiatrist would counsel that gayness by itself is the cause of mental illness.
  
Two hypotheses exist to explain this disparity between homo- and heterosexual individuals:  The first is an increased tendency for homosexuals to have mental disorders, as homosexuality itself may constitute a form of developmental disorder (though this used to be widely accepted in psychology, this hypothesis has been all but rejected by the American Psychological Association in recent years).  The second hypothesis is that this is due to the social stigma and discrimination against homosexuals, often starting in early life; arguably more [[political correctness|politically correct]], but also more sound. Young gays are often ridiculed in schools; even as early as middle school, when one might think they're a little too young to be messing with ideas of sexuality, the stigma and rejection begins - "gay" has been adopted as a slang term for "stupid", following its "reclamation" by gay activists throughout the last two decades of the 20th century.  As a result of this social stigma and rejection, gays often suffer from depression and a lack of acceptance which in turn could explain lifestyle changes that lead to the increased prevalence of drugs and violence amongst homosexuals.
+
The second hypothesis is that this is due to the social stigma and discrimination against homosexuals, often starting in early life; arguably more [[political correctness|politically correct]], but also more sound. Young gays are often ridiculed in schools; even as early as middle school, when one might think they're a little too young to be messing with ideas of sexuality, the stigma and rejection begins - "gay" has been adopted as a slang term for "stupid", following its "reclamation" by gay activists throughout the last two decades of the 20th century.  As a result of this social stigma and rejection, gays often suffer from depression and a lack of acceptance which in turn could explain lifestyle changes that lead to the increased prevalence of drugs and violence amongst homosexuals.
  
 
It is widely accepted among psychologists however, that with acceptance homosexuals can live happy, healthy lives, akin to heterosexuals, as homosexuality is a simply an innate sexual preference that needs not be changed. Especially because women love the gays cuz they're fun.
 
It is widely accepted among psychologists however, that with acceptance homosexuals can live happy, healthy lives, akin to heterosexuals, as homosexuality is a simply an innate sexual preference that needs not be changed. Especially because women love the gays cuz they're fun.

Revision as of 12:49, 15 May 2010

We're so glad you came
Sexuality
Icon sex.svg
Reach around the subject
Gender signs.png

Were you trying to use the word "gay" as an insult? If so, please see Second Grade.

Homosexuality is the sexual and/or romantic attraction of an individual to another of the same gender. A homosexual individual, in all other regards save for sexual orientation, is the same as a heterosexual, who prefers the opposite sex, or a bisexual, who is attracted to people of either sex. There is no evidence that homosexuals are otherwise different from heterosexuals, aside from sexual and romantic preference.

To call a gay or lesbian person "homosexual" will immediately mark you as having the cultural literacy of a retiree in Tampa; only people ready to die still awkwardly, uncomfortably say, "he's a homer-secks-shual." The same rule applies for the never-heard "she's a het-ro-secks-shual" as opposed to "she's straight."

Homosexuality has a very long long history, being written about and depicted since the invention of, well, writing and depicting. Notably, homosexuality was first depicted in Ancient Greece, China and Japan, thousands of years ago.

Homosexuality is also found in virtually every culture around the world.

Oppressors

Many modern conservatives oppose the granting of protections and marriage rights to homosexuals, both on civil and religious grounds. On the civil side, those opposed to gay marriage tend to claim that providing these protections would amount to "special rights" (although in most cases these are simply the same rights afforded to all other individuals) and deny that there are special social pressures on homosexuals which would require protection, i.e. "gay-bashing" and discrimination.

Religiously-minded anti-gay marriage activists generally fall back on various translations of the Old Testament to justify their view of (male) homosexuality as an abomination, while, of course, ignoring those rules laid down in those sections of the Bible that would personally inconvenience them. Homophobes often use the word "pervert" to refer to homosexuals. Strangely enough, their own obsession with the sex lives of complete strangers is apparently not perverse in the least. Many largely religious groups claim that gay individuals can be "cured" of their homosexuality through reparative therapy, and that the existence of alleged "ex-homosexuals" proves that homosexuality is a choice rather than a predisposition. Again interestingly, these attempts at reparative therapy are seen as doing "the Lord's work" rather than being a kind of brainwashing.

Male gay sex, like cussing your parents and being held in contempt of court, is one of the many "crimes" for which the Bible demands the death penalty.

Conservatives have also stated that if gay marriage is legalized, bestiality and other disgusting acts would become socially acceptable as it would create a downhill slope of morality where we'll all eventually end up marrying our pets because they have Stockholm Syndrome and are just so damn cute![1]

Words

In modern western culture, and the US in particular, the word "gay" usually refers to male homosexuals, whereas "lesbian" refers only to female homosexuals (occasionally "gay" refers to both). Many other words are also used, and while some are crude epithets used only by bigots, many of these self-same words have been taken over to an extent by homosexuals in order to neutralize them. Examples of the latter include "queer", "dyke" and, to a lesser extent, "fag". Notably, sex advice columnist Dan Savage used to have his letter writers address him as "Hey Faggot" (Dan is, um, gay).

Anti-homosexuality culture on the internet

Many right-wing, or religiously motivated organizations are obsessed with the phenomenon of same-sex relations. Normally the excuse is given that they aren't saying it's bad, it's the Bible. But of course, they usually don't take other things as seriously.[2]

Because of the hatred of homosexuality and the belief that sex should never be talked about ever, this can lead to some odd results. Noted blog Conservapedia, for example, has 358 references for the homosexual act[3] while having 0 instructions on how to be heterosexual.[4] It considered homosexuality an "immoral sexual lifestyle" from June 3, 2007[5] to July 11, 2007.[6] Apparently, there was the need to remove that extremely partisan statement after it was exposed by Lewis Black of The Daily Show.[7] Thanks to some tinkering-around and what-not, said reference is now the second result for a google search of "homosexuality".[8]

In schools

Some modern and fundamentalist conservative movements, particularly in America, believe that public schools are "indoctrinating" students to promote, convert to, or generally accept homosexuality as "normal".[9] [10] [11] This view has become more prominent in the latter half of the twentieth century following the sexual revolution of the 1960s, after which homosexuals became more accepted by mainstream society. However, the evidence to support the argument of homosexuals trying to convert students is scarce. This idea, referred to as an arm of the homosexual "agenda", is a result of the acceptance of homosexuality by mainstream society and the teaching of homosexuality in schools. However, the teaching of homosexuality has been interpreted by anti-homosexual and religious movements as an attempt to convert, rather than educate students.

Hatred and stereotypes

ONENEWSNOW has a filter on its website that replaces the word "gay" with "homosexual". This was "all well and good" until Tyson Gay won a 100 meter semifinal,[12] the results of which are illustrated by this screenshot.

Homosexual-hating bigots often try to hide behind various shallow arguments, such as pedantry over the meaning of words like "homophobia" (which refers to dislike or hatred of homosexuals and whatever is perceived to be a part of their "lifestyle"), in order to paper over their irrational fears and attitude.

Contrary to the paranoid worries of many such bigots, most gay men do not want to touch them. At all. Ever.

Similarly, most lesbians will never want to touch them either. Even if there are two of them, and they are "hawt". So stop dreaming.

(It must also be noted that most people in general[13] will not want to touch them)

(And get your hands off that, you're in public for cripe's sake!)

It is a common stereotype (a mistake even made by gay-friendly people) that most gay men can be easily identified as the best dressed males in the room, and their uncanny ability to color coordinate. This stereotype includes admitting that, like blacks, they are also usually the best dancers at any club. Continuing in this vein of innuendo, if a male can see the colors fuchsia, periwinkle, chartreuse, or identify more than three shades of white there is a 98.74539475% chance he is gay. There also exists a widely-believed stereotype, even perpetuated within gay culture, that gay men can be identified by a certain accent or way of walking, both of which are perceived as less masculine. (In practice, this is usually put on by them as a subcultural sign for other gay men to identify them, for mutually beneficial cock.) It is felt that lesbians are harder to identify, as they only come out of hiding long enough to comfort your girlfriend after an argument — but skilled 'phobes know that you can always tell them by their sensible shoes, the emasculated male rottweiler they own, the chainsaw they keep in the trunk of their car,[14] or just by being overweight butch tomboys.

Homophobes are more likely to be turned on by gay porn than non-homophobic men, according to this study. "In the homophobic group, 20% showed no significant tumescence, 26% showed moderate tumescence, and 54% showed definite tumescence to the homosexual video; the corresponding percentages in the nonhomophobic group were 66%, 10%, and 24%, respectively."

Psychological harm

Some research has found a higher incidence of drug use and addiction among homosexuals compared to heterosexuals. Other studies have found a higher degree of personality and psychological disorders.

Two hypotheses exist to explain this disparity between homo- and heterosexual individuals: The first is that homosexuality itself may constitute a disorder. Though once accepted in western psychiatry, in the 1970's the American Psychiatric Association rejected this theory. Railing against the APA's classification for years, gay activists said that there was no science to support homosexuality as a mental illness. Finally, the APA broke down and listened to the gay activists, looked at the data people claimed supported the illness classification, and saw that it was based upon a small clinical sample of men in the 1950's who who sought treatment because they hated being gay. The APA judged the evidence biased. When the psychiatrists looked at the few valid scientific clinical studies available in the 1970's, the scant evidence supported the theory that homosexuality is not an illness. Over time, this has only been proven to be more true that it is no longer seriously debated. Today, virtually no reputable psychologist nor psychiatrist would counsel that gayness by itself is the cause of mental illness.

The second hypothesis is that this is due to the social stigma and discrimination against homosexuals, often starting in early life; arguably more politically correct, but also more sound. Young gays are often ridiculed in schools; even as early as middle school, when one might think they're a little too young to be messing with ideas of sexuality, the stigma and rejection begins - "gay" has been adopted as a slang term for "stupid", following its "reclamation" by gay activists throughout the last two decades of the 20th century. As a result of this social stigma and rejection, gays often suffer from depression and a lack of acceptance which in turn could explain lifestyle changes that lead to the increased prevalence of drugs and violence amongst homosexuals.

It is widely accepted among psychologists however, that with acceptance homosexuals can live happy, healthy lives, akin to heterosexuals, as homosexuality is a simply an innate sexual preference that needs not be changed. Especially because women love the gays cuz they're fun.

Genetics

There may be genes that predispose men, and perhaps women, to be gay. Research is actively being done but the results are so far inconclusive. It appears environment has an effect as well. The mothers and female relatives of mothers of gay men seem to have more children than other women which seems to keep a "gay gene" in the population. [15][16]

Xq28 has been identified as the "gay gene".[17]

Sex

Apparently, gay sex is so very attractive and corrupting that any straight child in the vicinity of gayness will discover the joys of sodomy and never go back to heterosexuality, leading to the extinction of the human race. It is also guaranteed to give one the AIDS.

Love

We will end this article on a note of love, to wash the taste of the thought of bigotry out of our mouths. Over the last few decades, homosexuals worldwide have made great strides in regards to being accorded the equal rights they are due, including marriage rights in several countries and four five U.S. states, adoption rights, anti-discrimination rights, and the right to dress "queer" or not at their own discretion.

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. supposedly
  2. Wikiquote - The West Wing Features a good quote on the subject. Indeed, what would a good price be for a Georgetown sophomore who speaks fluent Italian and always cleared the table when it was her turn.
  3. http://www.conservapedia.com/Homosexual
  4. http://www.conservapedia.com/Heterosexual
  5. http://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Homosexuality&diff=188049&oldid=175099
  6. http://conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Homosexuality&diff=227438&oldid=227430
  7. http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=89307&title=new-media
  8. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=homosexuality&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
  9. Conservapedia's article on homosexuality in schools.
  10. "Homosexual recruitment" essay on Conservapedia.
  11. Traditional Values website regarding homosexuality.
  12. google refs
  13. It should be noted that due to the US Army's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy towards homosexuals, people will not in fact be "in general" unless the "General" is female.
  14. This is a true story (sure it is)
  15. The Genetics of Homosexuality (This is a very long paper and the poster didn't have enough time to read everything that is relevant. It is hoped that other RationalWikians will read the long article and perhaps add comments.)
  16. How homosexuality is 'inherited' This one also states that homosexuality may be partly genetic.
  17. Dean Hamer's paper from 1993