So what it if is a choice?
I feel sad that gay rights advocates have to actually use "homosexuals can't help but to be homosexual" as a defense. I understand that in our society, people who believe that homosexuals are not responsible for their orientation are generally more tolerant of homosexuality than those who believe that homosexuality is a choice. And when it comes to politics and the struggle for rights, you have to use these facts wherever you can. You have to take what you can get, however you can get it, and not be too tied to ideals, lest you don't get anything at all. I totally understand this. And I support it. I would rather have (for example) same-sex civil unions and no gay marriage than have no same-sex civil unions and no gay marriage.
But it makes me sad. And frustrated. If homosexuality is a choice, I think it is a beautiful and courageous one. America is supposed to be the land of diversity and individual expression; the place where personal freedoms are valued and defended above all else, except possibly national security.
So what if homosexuality is what makes one happy? Why can't someone pursue happiness in the form of a spouse of whatever gender? What's the harm? Whose rights are being infringed upon? Where's the threat to national security?
I know, I know. This country isn't really about personal freedoms above all else. It's about a whole lot of things, and a high degree of personal freedom is among the nice-to-haves. But it would be glorious if we could actually live up to the stated cultural ideal of celebrating the new and the different. Celebrating those who choose to go against the grain, and who live their lives the way they want to.
But it makes me sad. And frustrated. If homosexuality is a choice, I think it is a beautiful and courageous one. America is supposed to be the land of diversity and individual expression; the place where personal freedoms are valued and defended above all else, except possibly national security.
So what if homosexuality is what makes one happy? Why can't someone pursue happiness in the form of a spouse of whatever gender? What's the harm? Whose rights are being infringed upon? Where's the threat to national security?
I know, I know. This country isn't really about personal freedoms above all else. It's about a whole lot of things, and a high degree of personal freedom is among the nice-to-haves. But it would be glorious if we could actually live up to the stated cultural ideal of celebrating the new and the different. Celebrating those who choose to go against the grain, and who live their lives the way they want to.