LETTER: Homosexuality poorly defined

Editor,

Homosexuality: it is/isn’t bad; it is/isn’t a choice. Much is said about it, and many arguments are misguided. While I am no expert, I hope to treat the subject intelligently.

We ought to not see people as gay or straight, but rather as people. When we view people as being inherently different from ourselves (viewing them therefore with some hatred or adoration) our foundation for thought will be erroneous. Neither “homosexuals are good” nor “homosexuals are bad” make much sense, and no one on either side will have a proper understanding. Popular media suggest, with silly yet corrupting stereotypes, that some people are in fact different, but popular media are obviously more concerned about what is popular (what makes money) than what is true. Also, when we place people in two categories, we fail to explain those who practice bisexuality.

We can’t properly discuss homosexuality when the word itself is so ill-defined. Consider two distinct aspects: Homosexual activity and same-gender attraction.

Sexual activity, whether homo- or heterosexual, is always a choice. Like anyone else, I could choose to engage in a sexual act with anyone willing. I could choose to enjoy it.

Same-gender attraction is not simply either present or absent; it occurs in varying (often negligible) degrees. It is initially not chosen, yet taste and preference are certainly affected by our choices. One can accustom oneself to about anything to the point of desire. When we believe ourselves to be a certain type of person, we act appropriately and live out a self-fulfilling prophecy. Some say, “I was born that way,” or, “that’s just who I am.” In light of ever-present stereotypes and treatment from others, particularly during a search for personal identity, it’s easy for someone to be confused about “who I am.” Doubtless there are some (only some) who say these things in order to do something natural to a human being: avoid responsibility for our actions. Ultimately, we choose our identity, and we choose to feed or starve any tendency or desire we have.

These things must be considered before we can express well-founded thoughts.

Jay Britton Fisher