10-21-2008, 10:55 AM
Hi Harry, and welcome to Gayspeak first and foremost ...
I've mused over your questions, and have the following answers for you (from my perspective) :-
Well speaking for myself, I hold a number of religious views which draw from multiple sources, so I am not constrained by the tenets of any one religion to the exclusion of others ... consequently I personally do not hold any religious views that embrace a damning of homosexuality - so on the flipside (has my homosexual lifestyle ever been positively influenced by my religious views) I would say yes actually it has ... simply because I believe in a God that holds no malice towards his children for the way they were born, and so that sense of warmth and confidence that I perceive when I think of religion does comfort me, yes ...
... but it's important to appreciate that I am not what I would call a religious person - I have religious views, and religious beliefs, but I very much accept what makes sense to me ...
Yes, and no - they didn't succeed. I cannot embrace any religion that would seek to drive you into a square peg, round hole-style scenario. Homosexuals are homosexuals - what's wrong with that ? Forcing people to pretend to be something they are not is just going to bring sadness and misfortune further down the line.
Nope, can't say I've ever experienced that - although I am sure there are topics and situations where it would apply, just as it would in mixed venues, or when any group of same-sex people get together, gay or straight (or a combination thereof) ...
A difficult question to answer ... I'd say no ? On the basis that I think to say yes would enforce a stereotype that doesn't sit well with me, plus it suggests that heterosexuals are less inclined to what people might consider sluttish behaviour, and that's not correct either. I would say that whenever two men or two women are in a relationship together, the dynamic of that relationship is slightly different, as it doesn't fall within the VERY well-trodden man, woman, settle down, have kids, bla bla bla style formula, and so whilst there are MANY couples that are perfectly happy being monogamous, so too are there many couples that prefer open relationships.
Given that the concept of an open relationship is something that runs reasonably contrary to the image people have of a stable heterosexual relationship, it is common practise for people to assume or suggest that open relationships, casual relationships and relationships where physical pleasure is craved above all else are the domain of same-sex relationships and, as I have said before, I do not believe this is an appropriate OR reasonable slur to level at us.
No, it's not a stupid question, but no - I don't think it's the case. You need only look as far as your local newsagents to see how many women's magazines have images of beautiful girls on the front next to headlines like "My Daddy was decapitated by a High-Speed Train" and "Random killer flesh-eating bugs infested by son's lunchbox !!" to see how messed-up the messages are these days ... but bombarding women of all ages with advertising and imagery that enforces the notion that they must look like *this* (shows picture) to be considered attractive has been done for DECADES, so it's certainly not just homosexuals that are singled-out on that basis.
I think it's important for you to answer this question before I answer yours ... do you mean biblical perspectives on homosexuality ? As in what the bible says of it ? Or do you mean Christian interpretation of biblical perspectives on homosexuality ? As in what practising Christians say of homosexuality ? As I THINK they are sometimes quite different animals ...
!?!?! Shadow !?!?!
I've mused over your questions, and have the following answers for you (from my perspective) :-
harry Wrote:I was wondering anyone here who is gay/lesbian has had their lifestyle influenced by any religious beliefs they might have. Positive or Negative
Well speaking for myself, I hold a number of religious views which draw from multiple sources, so I am not constrained by the tenets of any one religion to the exclusion of others ... consequently I personally do not hold any religious views that embrace a damning of homosexuality - so on the flipside (has my homosexual lifestyle ever been positively influenced by my religious views) I would say yes actually it has ... simply because I believe in a God that holds no malice towards his children for the way they were born, and so that sense of warmth and confidence that I perceive when I think of religion does comfort me, yes ...
... but it's important to appreciate that I am not what I would call a religious person - I have religious views, and religious beliefs, but I very much accept what makes sense to me ...
harry Wrote:Has any one of a religious persuasion tried to influence your sexuality, successfully or not.
Yes, and no - they didn't succeed. I cannot embrace any religion that would seek to drive you into a square peg, round hole-style scenario. Homosexuals are homosexuals - what's wrong with that ? Forcing people to pretend to be something they are not is just going to bring sadness and misfortune further down the line.
harry Wrote:Do you find there is more peer pressure in exclusive gay bars, gay gatherings etc
Nope, can't say I've ever experienced that - although I am sure there are topics and situations where it would apply, just as it would in mixed venues, or when any group of same-sex people get together, gay or straight (or a combination thereof) ...
harry Wrote:Is there a larger culture of casual sex (if you can't say how prevalent would you say it is) in the homosexual community than the straight one.
A difficult question to answer ... I'd say no ? On the basis that I think to say yes would enforce a stereotype that doesn't sit well with me, plus it suggests that heterosexuals are less inclined to what people might consider sluttish behaviour, and that's not correct either. I would say that whenever two men or two women are in a relationship together, the dynamic of that relationship is slightly different, as it doesn't fall within the VERY well-trodden man, woman, settle down, have kids, bla bla bla style formula, and so whilst there are MANY couples that are perfectly happy being monogamous, so too are there many couples that prefer open relationships.
Given that the concept of an open relationship is something that runs reasonably contrary to the image people have of a stable heterosexual relationship, it is common practise for people to assume or suggest that open relationships, casual relationships and relationships where physical pleasure is craved above all else are the domain of same-sex relationships and, as I have said before, I do not believe this is an appropriate OR reasonable slur to level at us.
harry Wrote:Is the gay lifestyle transfixed more on 'the body' than on interpersonal relationships. I realise this can seem like a stupid question when we go anywhere and are bombarded with sexual imagery. The question boils down to has anyone ever found themselves depressed because what they want out of being homosexual is not what they are getting. Like trying to find a long term partner and not being able to.
No, it's not a stupid question, but no - I don't think it's the case. You need only look as far as your local newsagents to see how many women's magazines have images of beautiful girls on the front next to headlines like "My Daddy was decapitated by a High-Speed Train" and "Random killer flesh-eating bugs infested by son's lunchbox !!" to see how messed-up the messages are these days ... but bombarding women of all ages with advertising and imagery that enforces the notion that they must look like *this* (shows picture) to be considered attractive has been done for DECADES, so it's certainly not just homosexuals that are singled-out on that basis.
harry Wrote:What do you think of Christian perspectives on homosexuality. I will note that even the Christians I spoke to who 'used' to be gay, were plagued with guilt and felt they had to continually repent
I think it's important for you to answer this question before I answer yours ... do you mean biblical perspectives on homosexuality ? As in what the bible says of it ? Or do you mean Christian interpretation of biblical perspectives on homosexuality ? As in what practising Christians say of homosexuality ? As I THINK they are sometimes quite different animals ...
!?!?! Shadow !?!?!
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