Homosexuality is not an allergy which can be avoided by removing the presumed causes (lust) or treating the symptoms (by repressing physical expression).
Suppression of something as fundamental as sexuality and gender identity has proven highly damaging and self-destructive. Living in the closet of self-denial and social condemnation leads to psychological trauma, severe stress, acting-out with dangerous behaviors (such as drug abuse and unsafe sexual practices), and suicide.
Sexuality in context
There are a few religious literalists who are beginning to concede that homosexuality may be a ‘natural’ condition, having understood that animals in many species exhibit same-sex bonding beyond sexual behavior. However, they still consider it the moral responsibility of the individual to resist this nature, much like an alcoholic must avoid the poison that triggers the genetic pre-disposition to addiction.
Many moralist speakers also presume that sexual morality is solely defined by the sex act. For some, pre-marital sex (which is typically defined by a lot of big words which boil down the concept of “lust”) is the critical sin to be avoided by both straight and Gay people. They conclude that since Gays have no opportunity for marriage (legally or religiously) then they should not have sex. I understand the Catholic Church has predominantly followed this way of thinking: that may not wrong to be Gay or Lesbian but it is certainly wrong to have sex outside of (a heterosexual) marriage.
This argument opens several other veins I don’t wish to discuss at this time: the spiritual (vs. the social and historical) nature of marriage and all relationships; the proper place of physical expression of love and affection in relationships; and the dualistic tendency of religion to preach spiritual ‘freedom’ on the one hand while striving to manipulate or control ‘purity’ of all bodily functions and expressions.
I believe that physical expression between two people is a beautiful, creative and life-giving act which is best shared in the emotional context of love and giving. At the same time, sex is a biological function that has its place along with eating and sneezing. Like eating and sneezing, we have some control over how and when we do it and less control over the physical and psychological triggers that inspires it.
Humans are created as sexual beings with sexuality beginning early in life, long before the sex acts enter the equation or lifestyle choices are made. I much prefer the term “homo-affectional” to “homosexual” as it more clearly describes the sociological and psychological components being expressed. For most GLTBQ people, the same-sex attraction and gender expression was not a choice and was a part of their being as far back as they can remember.
The bottom line for me is that sexuality (Gay, straight or in-between) is not a choice and its expression is not an option. God built it into God’s ‘perfect’ design and it is not sinful. As with everything in life, sexuality is a gift and thus a responsibility. It can be celebrated and used with love and creativity, or it can be abused and wasted.
©2009 David Loofbourrow All Rights Reserved
