Homosexuals

Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands? ~Ernest Gaines

About a week ago, one of my male friends Shaun.

I Was speaking to me about how his father (even after 5 years) still continues to ignore his precence, and live life as though he doesnt have a son. All because Shaun is Homosexual.

Shaun, grew up a ladies man everywhere he went he had the girls lining up behing him. He was an amazing dancer, and took part in singing groups etc. From the age of around 10, everyone knew that soon enough Shaun would pronounce he was Gay, everyone except for his father.

It wasn't until he was 16, and he had his first experience with a male that made him realise that yes he was attracted to boys. I personally cannot sit here and say i know the feeling, or that i can imagine how hard it would be to come and tell your family that your attracted to the same gender. In all honesty, i feel that it shouldnt be something anyone should have to think about or worry about. You are who you are, your family and friends should love you regardless of the gender the person you fall in love with is.

But for Shaun, the thought of breaking the news to his parents was daunting, terryfing, i still remember the day he rang me in tears telling me that he was confused, he needed someone to talk to and ten minutes later he was on my door step telling me how he was attracted to males, and that he was to frightened to tell his family the way he felt. We spoke for hours, and not having any knowledge on the situation i simply gave him this advice;

"You are who you are, and if the people who love you can't accept that then there not worth it"

A few days later, Shaun spoke to his mother about how he felt, and it was no surprised to her at all. But sadly, the hard part wasn't yet accomplished, it was his father whom disowned his son and forced him to move out of home at age 16.

Shaun is now 21, and has been in a relationship for 2 and a half years to a generous, kind, and caring male. There happy together, and i can tell you that i have not seen two people more in love.

A person's sexual behaviour does not always represent his or her sexual orientation. Often people jump to conclusions and try to 'box' people into certain categories because of their behaviour, appearance, beliefs and so on, often refered to as "Stereotypes"

As you properly are all aware, the typical Gay stereotype is that "They'll all die of Aids", "That there all addicted to sex", "That there all feminine", and that "Someone made him gay".

Little do many people know, that most Males whom are attracted to the same sex often wish that they werent, that the were attracted to the opposite sex so they are considered "Normal"

Myths about sexuality:

Like most things, there are many myths surrounding sexuality and sexual orientation. Take the time to be a myth buster.

Myth No. 1

There are very few bisexuals. People are either completely homosexual or heterosexual.
Research suggests that few people are predominantly heterosexual or homosexual in their actions, feelings, thoughts, or sexual fantasies. Most people fall somewhere on the continuum between these two extremes and have the capacity to experience both affection and sexual feelings for members of both sexes.

Myth No. 2

GLBTIQ are only a small percentage of the population.
Research has also shown that approximately 10% of the population is predominantly same sex attracted. Approximately one in every four families has a member who is predominantly same sex attracted.

Myth No. 3

Same sex attracted people can ordinarily be identified by certain mannerisms or characteristics.
The vast majority of same sex attracted people cannot be identified by looks or effeminate/masculine characteristics. The small number of same sex attracted people who behave like this do so because they want to be known as same sex attracted or in rebellion of traditional sex roles. Many straight people appear to be same sex attracted for this last reason. Stereotypes persist due to the way same sex attracted people are portrayed in the media.

Myth No. 4

Going through puberty and developing your sexuality is easy.
No way! Some people have forgotten how difficult and confronting this time can be in your life. It means getting used to a whole new set of feelings and learning about who you are and what it is you like and dislike.

Myth No. 5

Same sex attraction is not "natural"; it does not exist in nature and is therefore dysfunctional.
From a scientific point of view, it is 'natural'. Any animal, including the human species, is capable of responding to homosexual stimuli. Research suggests that same sex attraction is almost universal among all animals and is frequent among highly developed species. One anthropological study of non-western cultures found that 64% of their sample cultures considered same sex attraction 'normal' and 'acceptable' for certain members of the society.

Myth No. 6

Same sex relationships don't last.
Many people believe that same sex relationships are just short flings and never long lasting relationships. This is not true. They are relationships just like any other, and like any other, some last and some do not. However they may be under more social pressure than other relationships and this may affect how long they last.

Myth No. 7

People chose to be GLBTIQ.
There are many theories about how people 'become' GLBTIQ. Some suggest there is a genetic reason, that is people are born with a tendency towards a certain sexuality. But sexuality is just one aspect of person, and the different ways of being reflect the diversity in humans in general. It is interesting that people don’t often look for a 'cause' of heterosexuality, eh?

This world seems to be full of people whom constantly judge, and descriminate.

And regardless of the fact that approximently 1 person out of every five is Homosexual, one of the biggest forms of descrimination is against Homosexuals.

Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them than it does about homosexuality. ~James Baldwin

Prayers For Bobby

Prayers For Bobby, is a film that was made in 2009, and touched the hearts of millions of people all over the world, and was my inspirition for this Blog.

In prayers for Bobby, Mary Griffith is a devout Christian who raises her children with the conservative teachings of the Presbyterian Church.

However, when her son Bobby confides to his older brother he may be gay, life changes for the entire family after Mary learns about his secret. While Bobby's father and siblings slowly come to terms with his homosexuality, Mary believes God can cure him of what she considers his 'sin' and persuades Bobby to pray harder and seek solace in church activities in hopes of changing him.

Desperate for his mother's approval, Bobby does what is asked of him, but through it all, the church's apparent disapproval of homosexuality causes him to grow increasingly withdrawn and depressed. Guilty over the pain he is causing Mary, Bobby moves away, yet hopes that some day his mother will accept him. His subsequent depression and self-loathing intensifies as he blames himself for not being the 'perfect' son and is driven to suicide.

Faced with their tragedy, Mary begins to question her faith when she receives no answers from her pastor concerning her devastating loss. Through her long and emotional journey, Mary slowly reaches out to the gay community and discovers unexpected support from a very unlikely source.

Prayers For Bobby, is a film i recommended everyone whom has a friend, or family member whom is Homosexual, feels negatively towards the Homosexual Community, or anyone whom is just interested in Homosexuality watches. Its a touching, captivating film, that positions audiences to view life through someone who is homosexual.

To all the Bobbys and Janes out there, I say these words to you as I would my own precious children. Please don't give up hope on life, or yourselves. You're very special to me, and I'm working very hard to make this life a better and safer place for you to live in. Promise me you'll keep trying. Bobby gave up on love, I hope you won't. You're always in my thoughts.

- Mary Griffith, Prayers For Bobby