Quote Originally Posted by PanzerJaeger View Post
I usually don't like to share elements from my personal life on teh interwebs, but here is my experience with the social implications of homosexuality.

About two years ago a good friend came out to me. It was slightly shocking as he did not fit the stereotype I had in my head of what a gay person was at all. We connected through a shared interest in military history (he thinks America is the best, but I forgive him) and guns. In many ways he is more of a typical 'guy' than me. He likes sports, beer, and Skoal, none of which I can abide. From hearing about the mental torture he put himself through for years trying to be straight, I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is not a choice, regardless of whether it is genetic or formed in early childhood.

Since then, I have witnessed how he has been treated by some of his family and his church, and it has been nothing short of awful. He was kicked out of both his home and congregation for his 'disgusting' behavior, with threats of eternal damnation just for good measure. These people who profess to be a loving community were not content to abandon him, but harassed him for months after he left - all the time under the guise of trying to help him. And the thing is, after he came out, he didn't change. He didn't suddenly don a tiny speedo and march in the Gay pride parade. He didn't flaunt his sexuality in the least. They changed, and for no other reason than the fact that he was brave and stupid enough to want his 'family' to know who he really was.

I used to think that religious aversion to homosexuality was based on the stereotypes of rampant promiscuity, femininity, and some sort of apocalyptic breakdown of society a la Sodom from the bible. What I have learned is that religious people just don't like gay people, period. It doesn't matter how they look or act, and it certainly doesn't matter how devoted they are to their faith. Religion and scripture are a big cover for hate: unbridled, unwarranted, and unjustified hate. My friend is a kind, decent, good person, and the best Christian that I know.
These sort of stories support what I already think, it still isn't ok to be homosexual. No, I'm not homophobic, but the main stream of society seems to be. Sure, the media culture and society as a whole may be more tolerant, but there are some places were being gay simply isn't acceptable. Places like Africa actually seem to be going the other way which is even more concerning.

Quite frankly, the religious types who harass people over sexuality are scum. I can't comprehend how people can view being gay as a "choice". Why would anyone choose to isolate them self from the main stream of society or choose to be stared at every time they go out with their partner. If someone believes it's a choice,they need their head examining in my opinion.