Sexual and religious expression

[vaneramos]

Recently in my journal I unwittingly raised a comparison between sexual orientation and religion. My point was not that they’re the same; but that religious conservatives, in trying to justify discrimination against homosexuals on the basis of choice and behaviour, forget religion itself is a matter of choice and behaviour. Both sides want the same thing: to exercise limited personal freedom without social interference.

Having a religious history myself, I would not be the first person to compare my coming out as a gay man (at the age of 31) to my born again experience as a new Christian (at the age of 19). Both choices were motivated by complex feelings: the need for better self-acceptance and emotional expression, a search for release from personal demons, and a socio-political imperative to rebel against repressive norms.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said: “If this sexual orientation were indeed a matter of personal choice, the homosexual persons must be the craziest coots around to choose a way of life that exposes them to so much hostility, discrimination, loss, and suffering.”

I disagree. He, of all people, should realize someone often takes a difficult stance simply because it expresses the truth as he understands it.

Comments

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

I've said several times that if somebody ever handed me a pill that would turn me straight, I would flush it down the toilet.

And I mean that.

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

Going by your photo, I'd say that's a shame. ;)

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Aren't you sweet! That's an adorable pussy you've got, too. Mine is constantly snuggling up to my books of which I have a plethora. She seems to think their true function is to serve as chin- and ear-scratchers.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Me too. It has made my life reacher. I started to realize that long before I came out or acted on it, in fact that was when I started to realize it couldn't be evil.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

"richer", I mean.

[eloquentwthrage.livejournal.com]

I think Tutu was trying to be ironic, his point being who would choose to be the subject of hostility, discrimination, etc.? I certainly didn't choose to, it's just the way it is.

I agree that I wouldn't change if I were given a choice. I like being who I am. It is the bigots and zealots I would change, if I could.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Tutu was trying to be ironic, but it doesn't work for me. Because obviously he himself made choices to speak for what was right, and become a target for hostility. I'm not saying that sexual orientation is a choice for everyone, but his argument doesn't persuade that people who have a choice wouldn't willingly exercise it and face discrimination.