Gay, Straight, Bi-Sexual, Transgender.... Who Cares?

Sexual orientation is often described as the direction of one's sexual interest towards a members of the same sex, opposite, or both sexes. (www.thefreedictionary.com) The most common categories are heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.

We read a couple of articles in class regarding teenagers that were already embracing their sexual orientation to the same sex but the public wasn't so quick to accept them. The following excerpt is from an article written by Judy Peet named "Lesbian Sues School District Over Harassment"

Nancy Wadington received daily torment from fellow classmates which included objects being thrown at her, getting pushed down a flight of stairs and even having her backpack urinated on. Her mother informed the school about the constant harassment and they said there was nothing they could do about it. Nancy was charged for the damaged books.

After several more complaints and an intervention by a YMCA counselor, Nancy was placed on home instruction for the remainder of her Junior year. By her Senior year she was labeled as "emotionally disturbed" and transferred to a special education school.

Nancy was ridiculed daily by fellow students because she liked girls. Really? Why? There are those that believe that being a homosexual, bi-sexual or anything that isn't heterosexual goes against God. I admit I don't know a lot about the bible or God for that matter, but what I do know or have been preached to is that he is supposed to be an all loving God. If you believe in God or whatever entity, why would he/she even make such a person if it was "wrong". But that is a whole other subject.

I was fortunate growing up that my parents taught us to love everyone no matter their color, race, religion or sexual orientation. My mother had a few gay friends and my brother's best friend came out to him their senior year. I've had lesbian roommates, gay friends, and know a couple of trans genders. I've always taken the approach of not judging people and how they live there life. I believe in people being happy with themselves.

If I had to label myself I would be bisexual. I have known from about thirteen that I liked woman but also still liked men. I am 35 and it has taken me over 20 years to tell anyone and even now only a few close friends know... well and now all of you. I don't know why it took so many years because at this time I don't care if people know. Although my mother had gay friends and never had a problem with gays or lesbians, she always made comments that bisexuals couldn't make up their minds. Maybe this is what put me off "coming out". I've had lesbian roommates tell me and have also read comments on online forums that lesbians hate bisexuals because they are trying to have the best of both worlds. All I know is that I am attracted to both sexes and I like it.

Today there are a lot more homosexuals in t.v. and film. Will & Grace featured two homosexual lead characters and had a long run on prime time television. Actor like Queen Latifah, Neil Patrick Harris and Ricky Martin. Although more and more people are coming out and accepting themselves we still experience a great hatred for the LGBT community. Stories like Matthew Sheppard where he was beat to death because of his sexual orientation will continue until there is acceptance.

I went to Gay Pride last year and made this photo book as part of an online contest called SoFoBoMo. The parade features people from all walks of life and the audience is even more varied.

Photo references:

http://www.tucsonlgbt.com/images/gay-banner-5.jpg

http://paulmayers.blogs.com/my_weblog/images/just_a_phase.jpg

http://cdn.okcimg.com/php/load_okc_image.php/images/1x1/425x1000/0x0/0x0/0/17542698076693102016