The World Vs Gays

Historically, homosexual relations have been a human taboo across most societies and most eras. The reasoning is fairly basic and downright primal - life forms are born and bred to continue the species and therefore to continue to breed. Just about anyone can (mis)quote the Bible to this effect "...Go forth and multiply..." "...A man shall not lay with another man..." Perpetuation of the species is built deeply within our genetic make-up. And it is built deeply into most of our societies.

Unfortunately, despite humans having advanced in so many other ways, we still have knee-jerk reactions to these oldest instincts. So yes, it can seem like the world society is against this form of physical interaction. Prejudice still exists and is down-right rampant in so many parts of the world. It can feel like the whole world is against gays.

This does not necessarily mean that having homosexual relations is wrong, however. Scientists are finding more and more examples within the animal kingdom which suggest that homosexual bonds can be just as important and just as lasting as heterosexual ones. Bonobo chimps, penguins, dolphins and porpoises are a few examples.

When animal societies reach a certain maximum of environmental sustainability or a maximum group size, some members will join into non-breeding pairs, like the penguins. In the case of the bonobos and the dolphin/porpoise groups, the sexual relations are as much about bonding within the tribal unit.

There is also scientific research suggesting that the brains of those who are homosexually oriented really are born that way. Homosexuality is hardwired into the genetic structure on some level. More than one study has come to this conclusion. Homosexuality could be a natural occurrence.

Also, not all contributing members of society need to be considered such simply because they have contributed their genetic off-spring. This assumption should mean that permanently single members of our society are also "against nature". It would presume that non-breeding heterosexual couples are "wrong". There are many examples of great historical figures who remained either single or without heirs yet made significant contributions to our society. Should we be "against" them, too, for not procreating? I have yet to notice nearly as much in the way of demonstrations for or against these other two lifestyles as there are and have been for homosexuals.

Perhaps our knee-jerk responses need to be re-examined. Perhaps those old instincts aren't just about procreating and maintaining the species. There is one other primal reaction to consider - again as basic and deep-set as breeding - we are afraid of that which is different. And what we fear, we tend to attack.

Perhaps gays have a perfectly natural role to play in our society. It's past time we moved beyond our deepest instinctual reactions and took another long look at our fellow man. We all know plenty of supposedly God-fearing, child-rearing, married people who have all the manners and/or sensitivity of a brick thrown through an open window. Our jails are full of people who come from heterosexual households. I could provide so many other examples of non-gay yet horrible behavior in our society.

How can anyone justify sexual orientation as a criteria for judging whether any particular individual is a "good" or "bad" person? Shouldn't each person be judged, if at all, on how they behave and how they contribute to the world? Shouldn't each be weighed on their own personal merits?

It is far past time to re-examine our priorities as a society and as individuals in regard to what we consider "good" and "bad". What we consider "right" and "wrong".

Gays have a place too, just like everyone else.