Replies to '06/06 "I'm Gay, OK?"'

     I’m a Junior in High School and because of this I am very exposed to the issue of homosexuality on a daily basis and I have something to say too! This issue has nothing to do with religion for me because, I am not religious at all, whatsoever, nor do I claim to be. I'm so excited though that D. Phil had the guts to discuss this issue in America... finally! 

     I fully support the gay and lesbian people except for one issue that bugs me to death!  

     I have many friends who are lesbians and gays. Some are on the football team, some play volleyball with me, and one of my best friends is a gay cheerleader, and I don't care! My school even has a CLUB for gays and lesbians called "The Rainbow Alliance" and they all get together and protest and discuss gay rights and I think it's great that they have that resource.  

But the thing that gets me is that...  

     I really have respect for lesbians and gays that acknowledge the fact that their sexual life is only ONE part of them and it is not all of what they are. What bugs me is when people go around flaunting their sexuality as if that's all they are and that's all they have to talk about. Wearing buttons, t-shirts, patches, etc. that exploit your sexuality is not necessary. I don't wear buttons that say I'm straight, I don't wear t-shirts that tell strangers my sexuality, and I don't need a patch to prove something.  

     Your sexual life, no matter if you're gay or straight is a private matter and does not need to be the topic of conversation 24/7. People will get sick of you no matter what your sexuality is.  

That's why I adore my friends that are homosexual because that is just a small part about them. They are still very active in school and contribute to many other things than just protesting and complaining about gay rights. They play sports, they write poetry, they have jobs, etc. They don't feel the need to brag about their sexuality simply because it's viewed as controversial.  

     It's fine that your gay but don't go around pretending that that's all you are and all you can be. People will never respect you for that. You have to earn respect before people will listen to you. Go out and function like a normal human being: get a job, play some sports, get in clubs, get a degree, hang out with people of all sexualities! Be and do something more than just being gay! 

      Other than that, I really have no problems with gay/lesbian people and I respect them tremendously for having the courage to stick to who they truly feel they are, and not fear the consequences of stereotypes and judgmental people. I guess it's just growing up in the 21st century that this issue is not a big deal for me, but for people around my parents age it is a new and confusing concept to accept so just give them some slack and time to get used to the idea that homosexuality is a part of our world nowadays!