MidniteMagnet said:

I think it's mainly religious people who have a problem with it. Although, if Jesus' corpse flew back to Earth and he said he was cool with homosexuality, millions of his followers would suddenly be fine with it. Others are just disgusted by the thought of it. I'm disgusted by seafood but I'll still be friends with people who eat it. It has nothing to do with me. Sexuality should be the same way. What does me fucking my boyfriend in our bedroom have to do with you??

I think religious people are only a small segment of people who have a problem with it. The largest part of people who have a problem with it, are just assholes who want to hate gay people because the assholes are trash and want to feel that someone is beneath them. It's a form of entertainment for them. I mean, how many religious folks drive around gay clubs and throw bottles or go out looking for gay people to bash? Hell, just look at the homophobic lyrics in shit hop music and Lord knows those folks ain't religious. They're just trash, that's all.

leecappella said:

Wow. Thank you for the insight. As a teen I read about an author who in the 1950's was so distraught about being gay that he underwent electroshock treatment to "cure" himself of homosexuality.

The religious folks who claim to pray the gay away are in a losing battle to trump biology with theology.

One of the first jobs I had was in an antique store whose entire staff was gay males, and they never hit on me or tried to "recruit" me. In fact, one of them was so goddamn buff he looked like Barishnikov. Another gay person in my early life was one of my mentors in grammar school. He was also a writer and had me read out a play he had written where the lead character was a gay teen struggling to accept who he was and what he was living for. I could understand all of the words as I read them out but I couldn't really appreciate the depth of the feeling since I was just a kid. The most I ever take from all of this is that gay people are people first and gay second or third on the list of what defines them as human beings. There is no one box to put them all in, no stereotype that fits everyone in the group, and I feel that if people just knew that gay people are not sub-human it would go a long way to making this a better place. God. I sound like a PSA, but we're talking about 5 to 10 percent of humanity, right? I mean if Darth Cheney can make his peace with it, how bad could it be?

ISF said:

I think homosexuality is wrong, and it disgusts me.

And some people hate, and are disgusted by, people from the Caribbean. But that doesn't make it right, nor particularly smart.

I haven't seen this video so I couldn't comment on it. I have a sister, a niece and a nephew who are all gay. I love them all and couldn't see my-self without them in my life. I even have a co-worker who is a lesbian and we work together all day long each day. I love this girl and totally respect her. She has taught me so much.
However, I am Christian (which is a faith not religion) and I do believe homosexuality is wrong. But the bible doesn't teach that gay people should be put to death. My family and friend know my beliefs and respect them. As I do theirs. God is the only true judge and He loves us all the same. My wrong doing is no different then the next person. We should all respect each other.

klick

klick2me said:

I haven't seen this video so I couldn't comment on it. I have a sister, a niece and a nephew who are all gay. I love them all and couldn't see my-self without them in my life. I even have a co-worker who is a lesbian and we work together all day long each day. I love this girl and totally respect her. She has taught me so much. However, I am Christian (which is a faith not religion) and I do believe homosexuality is wrong. But the bible doesn't teach that gay people should be put to death. My family and friend know my beliefs and respect them. As I do theirs. God is the only true judge and He loves us all the same. My wrong doing is no different then the next person. We should all respect each other. klick

Did you SEE what happened to the other guy?

klick2me said:

"....I do believe homosexuality is wrong. But the bible doesn't teach that gay people should be put to death..."

As a Christian, how do you interpret Leviticus 20:13? Not trying to cause any "trouble". I like just like asking questions.

smoothcriminal12 said:

What other guy? Not sure what you mean.

klick

klick2me said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

Did you SEE what happened to the other guy?

What other guy? Not sure what you mean. klick

The one who also posted their "I'm not homophobic but I am" comment.

leecappella said:

Good question. It could mean spiritual death. But that scripture is old testament, which means that back then they were under the law. The new testament states we are under grace now. Our sins are forgiven if we ask for forgiveness.

klick

smoothcriminal12 said:

No I didn't. Still not sure what your talking about. I looked at other post on this thread but can't figure out what other guy.

klick

klick2me said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

The one who also posted their "I'm not homophobic but I am" comment.

No I didn't. Still not sure what your talking about. I looked at other post on this thread but can't figure out what other guy. klick

I think homosexuality is wrong, and it disgusts me. However, it is so wrong to commit crimes against the homosexual, or bully them into suicide. Just because someone is doing something that is wrong, doesn't mean they deserve to die!

ISF said:

I think homosexuality is wrong, and it disgusts me. However, it is so wrong to commit crimes against the homosexual, or bully them into suicide. Just because someone is doing something that is wrong, doesn't mean they deserve to die!

i never expected this much ignorance , especially on this particular site

who are you to decide what is wrong

based on some man made dogma ?

disgusting

klick2me said:

leecappella said:

As a Christian, how do you interpret Leviticus 20:13? Not trying to cause any "trouble". I like just like asking questions.

Good question. It could mean spiritual death. But that scripture is old testament, which means that back then they were under the law. The new testament states we are under grace now. Our sins are forgiven if we ask for forgiveness. klick

I am aware that some Christians believe they are no longer under a law. However, it is my belief that there is still a law to follow. That law is love thy neighbor as thyself. Romans 2:13 would appear to support that belief. For if Christians are not under a law, Romans 2:13 makes no sense whatsoever. It is also my belief that you don't have to ask for forgiveness to be forgiven. I'm human. I can forgive someone without the person asking for it. Surely, God can too. And God has already done so via Jesus' death on the cross. Jesus didn't wait to see if each individual human would ask for forgiveness before he died for them. He died for humanity and took care of the sins of the world in that act of love without needing us to ask for forgiveness. Just my belief, of course:) Thanks for answering my question. I do appreciate it. Always in love, but not always in agreement!

[Edited 2/12/12 16:54pm]

Alasseon said:

Okay. I may be opening a can of worms, but I'm just trying to get my head around this.

It's 2012. Not 1912.

We've had gay people in the arts since forever. We have many gay people who are out and nobody cares.

So where does this intolerance for gay people come from? Is it for all gay people? Or just gay men?

What is it about gay people that makes people go crazy?

I'm from NYC so they are like, everywhere, and for the most part no one cares one way or the other.

But for the haters, are they all stupid? Can we chalk it up to worldwide ignorance? Or is there another dynamic out there? Insecurity? Disgust? Religion?

I don't think it's a "preference" no matter what any Hollywood actors may say. You're born how you are born.

Last week, I showed someone the Prince concert from '85, the Purple Rain tour. You know the one. The one where Prince was a searingly-hot talent at the peak of his powers. The first thing she said to me within 10 seconds of watching it was: "Is he a faggot?"

WTF.

So I'm hoping that people who happen to be gay, perhaps can tell us from their side, why they think that violence against gays seems to have skyrocketed in the years since Bowie and company blazed across the sky.

The It Gets Better campaign is brilliant, but I never, ever would have thought we would have needed it in the 21st Century.

Ask the black communities of America. The level of homophobia AND transphobia there are still high. Only America's bible belt region is worse.

TonyVanDam said:

Alasseon said:

Okay. I may be opening a can of worms, but I'm just trying to get my head around this.

It's 2012. Not 1912.

We've had gay people in the arts since forever. We have many gay people who are out and nobody cares.

So where does this intolerance for gay people come from? Is it for all gay people? Or just gay men?

What is it about gay people that makes people go crazy?

I'm from NYC so they are like, everywhere, and for the most part no one cares one way or the other.

But for the haters, are they all stupid? Can we chalk it up to worldwide ignorance? Or is there another dynamic out there? Insecurity? Disgust? Religion?

I don't think it's a "preference" no matter what any Hollywood actors may say. You're born how you are born.

Last week, I showed someone the Prince concert from '85, the Purple Rain tour. You know the one. The one where Prince was a searingly-hot talent at the peak of his powers. The first thing she said to me within 10 seconds of watching it was: "Is he a faggot?"

WTF.

So I'm hoping that people who happen to be gay, perhaps can tell us from their side, why they think that violence against gays seems to have skyrocketed in the years since Bowie and company blazed across the sky.

The It Gets Better campaign is brilliant, but I never, ever would have thought we would have needed it in the 21st Century.

Ask the black communities of America. The level of homophobia AND transphobia there are still high. Only America's bible belt region is worse.

Of course, put the blame on black communities.

Alasseon said:

We've had gay people in the arts since forever. We have many gay people who are out and nobody cares.

So where does this intolerance for gay people come from?

I can't really speak on "WHERE", but I have an opinion about "WHEN". From the 60's and throughout the 70's, things were pretty groovy and the whole Peace & Love vibe was in full effect. From my personal perspective, acceptance of alternative lifestyles was growing exponentially during that time. By the end of the 70's, very few people seemed to have much of a problem with gay people (generally speaking, and again; from my perspective). By the time the 80's rolled around, acceptance of gay culture took a turn for the worse.

Alasseon said:

Last week, I showed someone the Prince concert from '85, the Purple Rain tour. You know the one. The one where Prince was a searingly-hot talent at the peak of his powers. The first thing she said to me within 10 seconds of watching it was: "Is he a faggot?"

Hate when that happens.

Alasseon said:

So I'm hoping that people who happen to be gay, perhaps can tell us from their side, why they think that violence against gays seems to have skyrocketed in the years since Bowie and company blazed across the sky.

In the years since Bowie and company blazed across the sky, HIV/AIDS happened (...and Homosexuality became the poster child for it).

smoothcriminal12 said:

TonyVanDam said:

Ask the black communities of America. The level of homophobia AND transphobia there are still high. Only America's bible belt region is worse.

Of course, put the blame on black communities.

Why the hell not?!? Keep in mind that I'm a black man myself. I know the score.

TonyVanDam said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

Of course, put the blame on black communities.

Why the hell not?!? Keep in mind that I'm a black man myself. I know the score.

It's not "just" black communities.

smoothcriminal12 said:

You're right it's not only the black communities, but it's a fact that the black community is very homophobic. That's why men are on the "down low" because they'd rather have sex with a man in secret and have a wife or girlfriend to parade around than to just be open. Black men are portrayed as overly masculine moreso than their white counterparts. Black men will always be associated with more aggression. That's just how it is. We can't be gay. The black church also plays a big part in it. Black people love their church. It's already harder for a black man in general, being gay and black is worse.

This song was really important for me growin up. Its message is still relevant.

And as far as the black community being homophobic... Yes that's true, but it's not the only community to be so.

imo...

The term "down low" gets a side-eye.
Why is it the "down low" for the black community, but simply labeled "in the closet" for every other community?

It's not the fault of black men that we're labeled as more aggressive. To accept it as the way things are is problematic.
It's like lying down and accepting reality, without trying to change it.

We can be gay, we are here. But I do agree that it isn't being addressed the way it could be.

The church is an integral part of the black community, but it's astounding how swept under the rug the issue of sexuality is. Black queers are active members of the spiritual community and to ignore that is to ignore an internal part of the person.

It's difficult (being black & gay), but it's made worse when the community will not discuss it, preferring lame labeling like "down low" and outmoded stereotypes.

imo.

Tortilla said:

This song was really important for me growin up. Its message is still relevant.

And as far as the black community being homophobic... Yes that's true, but it's not the only community to be so.

imo...

The term "down low" gets a side-eye.
Why is it the "down low" for the black community, but simply labeled "in the closet" for every other community?

It's not the fault of black men that we're labeled as more aggressive. To accept it as the way things are is problematic.
It's like lying down and accepting reality, without trying to change it.

We can be gay, we are here. But I do agree that it isn't being addressed the way it could be.

The church is an integral part of the black community, but it's astounding how swept under the rug the issue of sexuality is. Black queers are active members of the spiritual community and to ignore that is to ignore an internal part of the person.

It's difficult (being black & gay), but it's made worse when the community will not discuss it, preferring lame labeling like "down low" and outmoded stereotypes.

imo.

This is so true, have you ever seen a straight organ player? Cuz I haven't.

But in all seriousness, I agree with you. Homosexuality is swept under the rug a lot in the black community. It's kinda like we just just glossed over, and when it is mentioned it's in an extremely negative way. My pastor got up in church two sundays ago and told us that at one of his friend's church, their pastor had to step down because of infidelity dot dot dot with another man. When he said that a loud gasp could be heard all over the church. He then went on to talk about temptation and blah blah blah. I did some research myself and I find out that the preacher was a complete pervert, the things he did would have been wrong even if a straight person had done them to women. But did that matter? Hell no. It only mattered that his actions were with other male members of the church. I don't know if we can ever change that mentality. It's been rampant for so long..

Terrib3Towel said:

This is so true, have you ever seen a straight organ player? Cuz I haven't.

I rarely have (just as I've rarely known a sober one), although I had a buddy once that was both (straight, and never tried any drug nor alcohol - not even to taste it. The smell was enough for him). I speak of him in past tense because he was a childhood friend of mine, my "best" friend, who passed away about 10 years ago of Sickle Cell disease. Although his main "thing" was that he was a Jazz pianist and taught music in public school, who saw playing for the church on Sunday as just another gig ($). But to be clear (...because this is The Org), I'm not even almost saying that all church organists are gay or drunks.

smoothcriminal12 said:

TonyVanDam said:

Why the hell not?!? Keep in mind that I'm a black man myself. I know the score.

It's not "just" black communities.

Did you also overlook my mentioning of America's bible belt region being THE worst?

Terrib3Towel said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

It's not "just" black communities.

You're right it's not only the black communities, but it's a fact that the black community is very homophobic. That's why men are on the "down low" because they'd rather have sex with a man in secret and have a wife or girlfriend to parade around than to just be open. Black men are portrayed as overly masculine moreso than their white counterparts. Black men will always be associated with more aggression. That's just how it is. We can't be gay. The black church also plays a big part in it. Black people love their church. It's already harder for a black man in general, being gay and black is worse.

Exactly.

smoothcriminal12 said:

klick2me said:

smoothcriminal12 said: What other guy? Not sure what you mean. klick

The one who also posted their "I'm not homophobic but I am" comment.

If you are talking about me....

I do not hate gays, but I find homosexuality wrong. That doesn't mean I think they should be abused, arrested etc.
I feel the same way about crack abuse. It is wrong, but I don't hate the crack addict.

Dewrede said:

ISF said:

I think homosexuality is wrong, and it disgusts me. However, it is so wrong to commit crimes against the homosexual, or bully them into suicide. Just because someone is doing something that is wrong, doesn't mean they deserve to die!

i never expected this much ignorance , especially on this particular site

who are you to decide what is wrong

based on some man made dogma ?

disgusting

If a man has sex with a goat, and the goat does not resist, is that ok?

ISF said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

The one who also posted their "I'm not homophobic but I am" comment.

If you are talking about me....

I do not hate gays, but I find homosexuality wrong. That doesn't mean I think they should be abused, arrested etc.
I feel the same way about crack abuse. It is wrong, but I don't hate the crack addict.

I find ignorance and bigotry wrong, and for people like you who are intolerant of others, I think the problem is in your heart, not others. You like to judge, you have your own issues to deal with obviously if you equate a loving and committed relationship between two people and someone fucking a goat. It's twisted minds like yours that cause so much pain in the world. Congrats.

Of course it's not the same thing. However, I believe that homosexual sex and sex with animals are both perversions. With your logic, who is to say either is wrong?

There are people far more intolerant than myself, believe me. The vast majority of the world is against homosexuality.