Topic : 06/06 "I'm Gay, OK?"

Today the show about being gay was aired here in The Netherlands, where I live. To me, as a 25-year old girl from Amsterdam, it's very odd to see how many American folks treat homosexuality as some weird disease. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many Dutchmen, if you're gay, you're gay, and that's fine! Offcourse it's interesting to discuss where homosexuality comes from, whether it's nature (genetic) or nurture (cultural), but whatever it may be, being gay isn't weird, nor wrong, nor immoral, or whatever.

In the Dr. Phil show gay people are treated polite, off course, but I always sense a little abstinence in talking about this subject on the show. I get the impression that, although everybody on the show is claiming to be very tolerant about gay people, deep in their hearts they aren't, or wouldn't want their own son or daughter to be gay. Offcourse there are people in The Netherlands (in the eyes of many Americans a very "liberal" country) as well who feel that way, but I must say that I'm very glad that being gay is very much socially and culturally accepted over here. For the record: I'm not gay, but I do love living in a country where there aren't many people who reject homosexuality (except for the Muslim minority, who are usually very conservative and religious). To be completely honest, I think that the fact that in the US many people are deeply religious isn't a big advantage when it comes to accepting different life forms, especially this one. What do you think about this?

Kind regards,

Anna

(Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

In reply to the first and second paragraphs above:  

The quote in the second paragraph is from the preamble to the Declaration of independence. Unfortunately, as interpreted, it does not apply to homosexuals, either men or women.  

Additionally, the constitution does not protect people due to either sexual orientation or gender identity. In most states, it is legal to fire or deny employment solely because a person is homosexual. It is also legal to refuse to rent an apartment, break a lease or rental agreement,  or refuse to sell a home to a homesexual person. Eight states plus D.C. prohibit discrimination based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. Another nine states prohibit discrimination based on just sexual orientation.  

I have not read each statute so I don't know how far those protections extend. They usually prohibit discrimination in employment and "public accomodation." Some, however, are less expansive; instead of public accomodations, they specifically mention only housing, which is far more restrictive. Some statutes restrict legal protections further by exempting small businesses, etc.  

Legal protections are also provided by some municipalities and counties.   

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Think about that for a moment. How would you feel and what would you think if you or someone you love was denied shelter or the means to support him or herself with no recourse? If you are a Christian, ask yourself "What would Jesus do?"  

Recently my 15 yo son came 1/2 way out of the closet by saying that he is "bisexual".  This wasnt surprising to me at all because I have been prepared for him to tell me that he was "gay" since he was 3 yrs old.  What concerns me is the kids at school.  I have told him that I dont care who he shares this information but was afraid that the homophobic males will hear that he is "gay" and not "bi".  Guess what, someone in one of his classes had access to the chalkboard prior to my sons arrival and wrote, "Trevor's Gay".  He told me what happened in class afterward and my heart broke that he wasnt ready for this.  Im SCARED of what the future holds for him while he figures it all out.   

By the way, Im not a believer of the "bisexual" sexuality.  Either you are or your not!