Honest answers only

amillerwvu

I am a christian, and I'm glad to say that life has opened my eyes. When I was young, I thought it (being gay) was very wrong (I was raised that way). I grew up in a very rural community. Then, when I went to college, I met many people who became wonderful friends--several were gay. I realized that I loved these people regardless of their sexual orientation. I've also learned what a struggle it is for several people to "be gay." That's not what many of them WANT; it's how they are.

As for whether or not people are born straight or gay...I'm still a bit confused. I used to always say, "They were born that way." However, through life's experiences, I've found out that several gay people have been abused in the past....not sure if there's is a direct correlation there, but it does make me wonder.

All in all, I respect people....for being people. It's not about being gay or straight. It's about being a good person, a good parent, a good spouse/partner. I've seen same-sex couples who have raised children, and I don't see anything wrong with those children... Those who claim they can't be good parents sound insane to me--especially seeing on the news these (heterosexual) parents who murder their children. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing heterosexual couples; I'm merely pointing out that out for those who thing heterosexual parenting=the best parenting.

dougt333

ok I'm done for now. I'll check back tonight when I'm sure it will be all out war in here. Good luck yall. Totally straight Christian Conservative gun owning republican here by the way. But as usual, i don't care.

RoosMommy01

As for me, I do think you are born gay or straight. Just like I think you are born a killer, rapist, child molester or what have you.

I know you don't mean it that way but that's incredibly offensive.

How so?

Comparing someone's sexuality to being a violent criminal doesn't seem offensive to you? OK... You're comparing sexuality to some things that I think we can all agree are morally wrong. Being gay is not a crime and it doesn't hurt people, like murder and rape obviously do.

Secondly you are saying that murderers, rapists, and child molesters can't help themselves. In that case they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions. Hey, that guy isn't bad; he didn't WANT to beat someone to death, he had no choice!

Ok I wasn't trying to compare sexuality to violent crimes. I guess it doesn't sound right the way I put it. I was just trying to give other examples of being born a certain way. There is a part of me that does think rapist and child molesters can't help themselves but they should definitely be held responsible for their actions.

ErinBeth7

As for me, I do think you are born gay or straight. Just like I think you are born a killer, rapist, child molester or what have you.

I know you don't mean it that way but that's incredibly offensive.

I disagree -- there can be traumatic experiences in life that change your mindset and can change your character and well-being mentally causing you to become for example a killer, rapist, CM

I can agree with that to a certain extent. Yeah if someone ever touched my child or did anything to harm him then yes I could easily kill them without batting an eyelash. However I don't see what could possibly happen in your life that could cause you to rape someone else or something crazy like that.

I'm not really an expert on this stuff, but I've seen a lot of documentaries about criminals and many have explained that these serious criminals are psychopaths, which is essentially a "personality disorder" (not 100% medically confirmed) that, for criminals, often lack guilt, empathy, and are typically manipulative. Anyway, that's just how I justify someone being able harm to someone.

ElizabethRoad

As for me, I do think you are born gay or straight. Just like I think you are born a killer, rapist, child molester or what have you.

I know you don't mean it that way but that's incredibly offensive.

How so?

Comparing someone's sexuality to being a violent criminal doesn't seem offensive to you? OK... You're comparing sexuality to some things that I think we can all agree are morally wrong. Being gay is not a crime and it doesn't hurt people, like murder and rape obviously do.

Secondly you are saying that murderers, rapists, and child molesters can't help themselves. In that case they shouldn't be held responsible for their actions. Hey, that guy isn't bad; he didn't WANT to beat someone to death, he had no choice!

Ok I wasn't trying to compare sexuality to violent crimes. I guess it doesn't sound right the way I put it. I was just trying to give other examples of being born a certain way. There is a part of me that does think rapist and child molesters can't help themselves but they should definitely be held responsible for their actions.

I can't agree with that idea at all. If you can't help something then by definition you aren't responsible for it. I think it's disgusting to say that a rapist can't help themselves. They make choices that hurt people. Yes there are some people who are severely mentally ill and commit violent acts because they can't help it, but that is the exception.

Abells

As for me, I do think you are born gay or straight. Just like I think you are born a killer, rapist, child molester or what have you.

I know you don't mean it that way but that's incredibly offensive.

I disagree -- there can be traumatic experiences in life that change your mindset and can change your character and well-being mentally causing you to become for example a killer, rapist, CM

I can agree with that to a certain extent. Yeah if someone ever touched my child or did anything to harm him then yes I could easily kill them without batting an eyelash. However I don't see what could possibly happen in your life that could cause you to rape someone else or something crazy like that.

It is caused by more than just someone "hurting your kid" I'm talking seeing a murder or being victim of a rape and wanting revenge. It has and will continue to happen. It's psychology. Not everyone will turn that way but yes possible for characteristics to change.

There are "factors" that can set people off, upbringings and what not.

As for being born gay or straight - I think that could also change, I have seen it. I honestly don't care either way if someone is gay or straight or bi or w/e they are.

getfine2015

no but there are pleanty stats on families with kids that grow up without a mother or a father.

Back in the day, a family was expected to have a man and a woman so that the 'gender roles' could be assigned. Guess what: we don't have traditional gender roles anymore! Women are not expected to sit at home and quilt blankets and have supper on the table when their men come home, and men aren't expected to be the only bread winner.

I was raised in a house without a father and I turned out JUST FINE. I'm in a loving, 4-year relationship, I'm a nurse, I adopt animals! I'm educated, intelligent, and I know how to change my own oil and change the tires on my car.

Being a good parent is ALL about what you put into it. If the parent is attentive, caring and hardworking, then the child will see that. Gay, straight, single, married, it doesn't matter. It's foolish to think that a baby is going to pop out of the womb, see two men standing over it, and then flip from "Normal" to "Psychopath mode"

I have gay family members .... but we don't hang out or talk daily and when they do come around....I love them the more..Just don't approve of their lifestyle...same thing if they were a pimp or prostitute, gang-banger or drug dealer...I choose to love the sinner but hate the sin and there's nothing wrong with that. Its the same way you choose your friends...just because you choose not to hang out with a certain crowd doesn't mean you are ANTI-anything....

It's not the same thing. At all. A gang banger is someone who trolls the street, causing trouble, HURTING people, stealing, etc. A gay person is someone who just happened to fall in love with another gay person. How is that even on the same level?

Im not debating weather a gang banger or a gay person are the same...If you look back there are examples of ppl I CHOOSE not to socialize with...I can Love you but not like what you about...thats all..

jenbk2

" I dont understand how a guy can lay on the beach and look at another guys hairy azz and say, Oh yeah! I gotta have that. I aint leaving the beach until I see him!! --- Andrew Dice Clay

Ahhh- but a man can look at a fat woman with all her rolls- and say "I want me some of that" (ie: chubby chasers). To each their own.

Regarding the bible- for those who use that as their reasoning- please tell me why you pick and choose what to follow? Have you eaten shrimp ever? If so per the bible it is an abomination. You are not allowed to talk to a woman who is on her cycle- or it is an abominiation.

Actually homosexuality is natural- do your research. Penguins have extreme homosexual tendancies.

Regarding children being raised by gay men and woman- check out this link of Zach Wahl's.
http://www.adoptionhelp.org/blog/2011/307/

Extremely well spoken gentleman.

ElizabethRoad

no but there are pleanty stats on families with kids that grow up without a mother or a father.

Back in the day, a family was expected to have a man and a woman so that the 'gender roles' could be assigned. Guess what: we don't have traditional gender roles anymore! Women are not expected to sit at home and quilt blankets and have supper on the table when their men come home, and men aren't expected to be the only bread winner.

I was raised in a house without a father and I turned out JUST FINE. I'm in a loving, 4-year relationship, I'm a nurse, I adopt animals! I'm educated, intelligent, and I know how to change my own oil and change the tires on my car.

Being a good parent is ALL about what you put into it. If the parent is attentive, caring and hardworking, then the child will see that. Gay, straight, single, married, it doesn't matter. It's foolish to think that a baby is going to pop out of the womb, see two men standing over it, and then flip from "Normal" to "Psychopath mode"

I have gay family members .... but we don't hang out or talk daily and when they do come around....I love them the more..Just don't approve of their lifestyle...same thing if they were a pimp or prostitute, gang-banger or drug dealer...I choose to love the sinner but hate the sin and there's nothing wrong with that. Its the same way you choose your friends...just because you choose not to hang out with a certain crowd doesn't mean you are ANTI-anything....

It's not the same thing. At all. A gang banger is someone who trolls the street, causing trouble, HURTING people, stealing, etc. A gay person is someone who just happened to fall in love with another gay person. How is that even on the same level?

Im not debating weather a gang banger or a gay person are the same...If you look back there are examples of ppl I CHOOSE not to socialize with...I can Love you but not like what you about...thats all..

You said before that not hanging out with gay people doesn't make you anti-gay. Then why post about it in a thread asking about why people are anti-gay? No one singled you out and said you were.

Ericgunner

Live and let live life is too short, so whatever makes you happy is okay by me.

spikefoot

I used to believe in the bible and then I found it far too inconsistent. If you follow the bible then follow it all (i.e don't wear wool and linen together for example). It seems like it is always used to tell people where they are wrong.

I have no problem with gay people, I cannot fault someone for how they feel. If I like the colour red and someone tries to tell me it is wrong then how am I supposed to change that?

People have to live a life that makes them happy and if they are consenting individuals and are not hurting anyone and enjoying life then who are we to interfere? I guess a lot of people like throwing the first stone.

fatima147

in my opinion, and its not based on religion or faith or the fact that im a pakistani. but i feel that being gay is like insulting nature in some indirect way. i mean yes i wouldnt interfere in any gay person's life but if someone would come to me and ask that do u hate gay people? i wouldnt say hate but i would just be a little uncomfortable hanging around with a gay friend.... just my opinion and not meant to hurt anybody's feelings....

mscrumbyy

Without meaning to offend anyone, the zoologist in me is dying to ask- people who disagree with homosexuality because it "isn't natural"- are you meaning to say that you think our modern technology is natural? Is it natural that you're sat at a computer slating people who's actions do not affect you? Is it natural that you shave? Is it natural to be wearing clothes instead of going completely bare like we were born? Are you against IVF or fertility treatment between straight couples? Or do you still believe in survival of the fittest and that if they can't reproduce on their own that they just shouldn't have kids?
To say it's not natural is to say that you think everything else you chose to do is completely natural. As humans we've developed to do a whole bunch of things that take us away from what we'd "naturally" be doing. If you're to be against all that is not natural we would still be in the dark ages like cave men. And in case you hadn't noticed, we're not all beating each other up like chimps to get laid anymore.
Just curious.

That said, I think slating religious people for their beliefs and lifestyle is equally is wrong as bashing gay people for who they're having sex with.

ErinBeth7

Regarding children being raised by gay men and woman- check out this link of Zach Wahl's.
http://www.adoptionhelp.org/blog/2011/307/

Extremely well spoken gentleman.

Nice testimony! I really liked how he explained it, however, I didn't really see the connection between his success and gay parents. I think his success is due to his intelligence and will, but that's how I see it. I still think that was a great speech. He ended it well.

spikefoot

in my opinion, and its not based on religion or faith or the fact that im a pakistani. but i feel that being gay is like insulting nature in some indirect way. i mean yes i wouldnt interfere in any gay person's life but if someone would come to me and ask that do u hate gay people? i wouldnt say hate but i would just be a little uncomfortable hanging around with a gay friend.... just my opinion and not meant to hurt anybody's feelings....

Interesting perspective. Just to throw it out there, do we not insult nature everyday in ways that you and I are personally responsible for?

Hellbent_Heidi

I think people are scared of what they don't understand.

Totally...I can't say I "understand" it completely myself, but honestly, I could not care less what other people do. If they're happier with someone from the same sex, it doesn't matter to me!

Plus, homophobia is rampant (I suspect people who are overly-homophobic are not completely sure of their own heterosexuality and are worried they might be attracted to a gay person). Very sad!

spikefoot

Without meaning to offend anyone, the zoologist in me is dying to ask- people who disagree with homosexuality because it "isn't natural"- are you meaning to say that you think our modern technology is natural? Is it natural that you're sat at a computer slating people who's actions do not affect you? Is it natural that you shave? Is it natural to be wearing clothes instead of going completely bare like we were born? Are you against IVF or fertility treatment between straight couples? Or do you still believe in survival of the fittest and that if they can't reproduce on their own that they just shouldn't have kids?
To say it's not natural is to say that you think everything else you chose to do is completely natural. As humans we've developed to do a whole bunch of things that take us away from what we'd "naturally" be doing. If you're to be against all that is not natural we would still be in the dark ages like cave men. And in case you hadn't noticed, we're not all beating each other up like chimps to get laid anymore.
Just curious.

That said, I think slating religious people for their beliefs and lifestyle is equally is wrong as bashing gay people for who they're having sex with.

Exactly what I was getting at...wow you type fast

Easywider

There are many things in this world that compel my attention, as they are both pertinent and relevant to my very way of life...

Who strangers choose to have relations of any kind with wouldn't even make contention towards being on that list.

daffodilsoup

in my opinion, and its not based on religion or faith or the fact that im a pakistani. but i feel that being gay is like insulting nature in some indirect way. i mean yes i wouldnt interfere in any gay person's life but if someone would come to me and ask that do u hate gay people? i wouldnt say hate but i would just be a little uncomfortable hanging around with a gay friend.... just my opinion and not meant to hurt anybody's feelings....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals#Bonobo_and_other_apes

ShaunMc1968

Tolerance for all, in all situations is the key, wether it be gay, straight, bi, black, white, brown, whatever! - surely as humans we should torerate the beliefs and rights of other human beings. However, tolerance is a two way street. The freedeom of speech to disagree is also and absolute must but we should disagree with respect to the other person's view point.

"I may not agree with what you say - but I will fight to the death for you to have the right to say it".

MandaPaigeSparkles88

I wasn't going to respond to this but something on here just touched my nerve. I don't think you are born lgbt, and I don't think you are born straight either. I don't think We were born rapists, child molesters, killers, etc. It is about choices that we make. We choose to fall in love with who we fall in love with. Just like before we joined this website WE chose to eat the way we did. I am a Christian, I believe in God, but I am not gonna shove my religion down anyone's throat or sit up on a high horse and think I am better than everyone else just because I don't agree with something that someone believe's in.

spikefoot

It seems like once religion is removed there is a very refreshing level of acceptance. Ironic and sad really.

ElizabethRoad

I wasn't going to respond to this but something on here just touched my nerve. I don't think you are born lgbt, and I don't think you are born straight either. I don't think We were born rapists, child molesters, killers, etc. It is about choices that we make. We choose to fall in love with who we fall in love with. Just like before we joined this website WE chose to eat the way we did. I am a Christian, I believe in God, but I am not gonna shove my religion down anyone's throat or sit up on a high horse and think I am better than everyone else just because I don't agree with something that someone believe's in.

When did you choose to be straight? Could you choose to fall in love with a woman?

spikefoot

I wasn't going to respond to this but something on here just touched my nerve. I don't think you are born lgbt, and I don't think you are born straight either. I don't think We were born rapists, child molesters, killers, etc. It is about choices that we make. We choose to fall in love with who we fall in love with. Just like before we joined this website WE chose to eat the way we did. I am a Christian, I believe in God, but I am not gonna shove my religion down anyone's throat or sit up on a high horse and think I am better than everyone else just because I don't agree with something that someone believe's in.

Nice to hear. Did you know that Jeffery Dahmer's dad admitted having some of the tendencies that his son did but he never acted on them. Perhaps it is something deeper than just situational.

tlblood

if you are anti-gay you are wrong, and i hate you.

=]

I sure hope you're being sarcastic, because if you're not, you're no better than the anti-gay people. Intollerant of others who believe differently that you.

Sewvixen

I'd actually say that people use their religion to justify their homophobia. There are plenty of non-religious homophobes out there too.

totally agree! I've noticed Christians get very nasty when you ask them, 'Do you believe God created all of us?' (YES) 'Then why did he create homosexuals if he hates them?'

ElizabethObviously

Someone mentioned it confuses kids to be raised by a gay couple. Do you not realize that most gay kids are raised by straight couples? And if your eyes "gay is wrong and will confuse their kids" how exactly did they end up that way being raised by straight parents? It sounds to me like being raised by straight parents is what is "confusing" all these gay people???

I am not anti-gay in the least. I am open minded. I am not religious but I am spiritual. I believe in that God is not one religion. I believe that God is about love. And that when he/she/it sees people misreading the bible and picking and choosing passages to suit their needs, he is sadly shaking his head, thinking "You missed the whole point."

I do not understand how people can live with so much hate in their hearts really.

getfine2015

You didn't quite understand the previous comment before you got on your...Gigantic SOAP BOX......The comment was referring to the child of same sex parents becoming subject to teasing and abuse from other children....and let's be real...Bulling is a age old problem that ALL children will encounter at some point in their childhood....wether its being too fat,skinny,light dark,short,tall, freckles,glasses you name it some kid will encounter that type of peer abuse...why would anyone want to add GAY Parents to the list...beats me....If you want a child...get It the way it was intended....by copulation beteween a MAN & WOMAN.

Right, so gay people shouldn't have children because THAT kid was raised that it was ok to bully gay people. That's stupid logic. 60 years ago, a black kid would have been picked on in school, too. How did we remedy that? Did we just stop sending black children to school? NO, the norms of society changed. If we change the norms of society and teach our kids to tolerate different lifestyles (instead of raising them in hate like we do now) then it won't even be an issue.

Also, you can only have kids 'the natural way'? what about a straight couple pursuing adoption? In vitro? Surrogacy?

No....Black children didn't stop going to school because of racism...segregation took care of that...but since desegregation the norms havent changed that much...in my City...going on right now...is a fight between city and county schools. as it stands now city kids cant attend county schools sure the county schools are in the Suburbs and better education...and the City schools are ing the Inner city...but a bill has been passed to merge county and city schools so that any child can attend where they want....and suburbia are OUTRAGED!!! Some are saying that they will move to another county not to have city children with their Lily delicate children...and It comes down to a Black and White issue too..so don't give me the Society Norm speech..ppl are not teaching their children to tolerate any thing different...instead if anything there teaching them not to Hate the different...but don't fraternize with them.....

Straight couple pursuing adoption In vitro or Surrogancy Is fine...If its medically proven that you are sterile....that may very well be the case with me and my Husband and I proven so then we will do what we need to do to have a family...there's nothing wrong with those methods...If you cant procreate the natural way....

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

Personally I'm anti-gay not because I came from a machista culture (I'm Hispanic) nor from a strict Roman Catholic family but honestly I find that some of the gay men are very hot. Plus I'm not interested in women's private parts. I assume that you used the word "gay" to mean homosexual people that also include lesbians as well.

One thing that I find a bit disturbing is when a gay competes in a beauty pageant with real women. For me, sexual preference & biology aren't the same.

However I don't meddle with other people's sexual preference. We all have a free will to choose what we want to be.

MandaPaigeSparkles88

Yes I could, if my heart was led to it yes. But like I said I am not gonna judge anyone for how they live their lives or how or what they believe, that's not my job. My point is you fall in love with who you fall in love with. And I don't think people should be judgmental either.