10 ways to respond to anti-gay remarks

Blatantly plagiarized from another crosspost .... but here goes

#1
Remark:
The Bible says being gay is a sin.

Response:
The Bible says a lot of things.

#2
Remark:
Being gay is not natural. It goes against the design for humanity.

Response:
It may not be natural for YOU. Were you there when humanity was designed?

#3
Remark:
Gay people are sexual deviants, sex is for pro-creation.

Response:
Following this line of thinking would mean that married straight couples who can't or don't want to have children are sexual deviants also, and should have their marriage rights taken away too.


#4
Remark:
Marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman.

Response:
It is between a man and a woman right now, but same sex couples are human beings too. If these couples are willing to take on the same responsibilities of marriage as a straight couple, they should have equal rights and protection under the law.

#5
Remark:
Being gay is a choice and you shouldn't choose to be gay.

Response:
Does it make sense that I would choose to live as a second class citizen, with no rights, begging for my dignity? I am who I am. Asking a gay person to choose to be straight is like asking a Zebra to lose it's stripes and be a Pony.

#6
Remark:
Being gay is unacceptable behavior, you should have more chastity.

Response:
You don't own me. I don't tell you how to live your life, and I don't think it would be fair to stomp on your rights just because I don't agree with how you live.


#7
Remark:
If gay marriage is legal people will want to marry their pets, and schools will teach children that gay marriage is OK.

Response:
Straight people have been getting married (and divorced!) for thousands of years, yet still they aren't marrying their pets. Plus, teachers are already teaching children of gay parents that straight marriage is OK.

#8
Remark:
Marriage has always been between a man and woman. We shouldn't change that just because a small group of people complain.

Response:
Society has evolved to include all groups, no matter how under-represented they might be. It wasn't that long ago when blacks couldn't marry whites, and we couldn't marry out of our own class. Times have changed and so should the marriage laws.


#9
Remark:
Supporting gay marriage will cause more people to be gay.

Response:
Gay marriage will allow more people to be who they are without the fear of being persecuted.


#10
Remark:
God hates gays.

Response:
God made me, YOU hate gays. That's your hang up.

Step 1 to finding a boyfriend

By an anonymous gay contributor:

"Step one to finding a boyfriend is to forget about finding a boyfriend for now and focus on learning to be happy by yourself."

I like it!

How to flirt

Full article here:
http://gaylife.about.com/od/gaysexadvice/a/howtoflirt.htm

"Most people cringe at the thought of their parents' romantic adventures, but I love hearing stories of how my dad courted my mom. He was a smooth '70s dude with a fro big enough to match his confidence. He saw a cute lady dancing with her friends at a basement party, filled his cup and went in for the flirt.

I'll admit, anything that happened beyond that point I really don't want to know, but I'm enthralled by how smooth and bold the guys in the '70s were with their flirting techniques. Translate that to today and a little smooth still goes a long way in the game of love. Here's how to tap into your inner soul and flirt with the guy that catches your eye. ..."

How to date younger men

Being 34 myself, and I must confess: having a thing for younger guys, I found this article / answer on a question over at "About.com: Gay Life" very informative and interesting.

Full article here:
http://gaylife.about.com/od/gaysexadvice/qt/dateyoungerman.htm

"Dear Mona Lisa,

I'm 38 years old, and I always have been attracted to or dated people about my age. Now I'm single and I haven't dated for a while (I mean seriously dated). A boy about 20 years old seems very interested in me and I like him. But, I don't know how flirt or approach him. I don't have experience dating younger guys. I hope you understand what I mean. I'll appreciate your advice.

Sincerely,
Arc

Arc my love,

I wouldn't worry too much about this younger dude. The 20-something gays are bolder, more aggressive and much more self-aware than previous generations. If he's shown interest, then he's definitely digging your vibe.

You've been out of the game for a while, so it may seem like you've forgotten how to flirt, but a man's mojo never really fades away. A guy's ability to flirt is somehow embedded in his DNA. We don't lose it, it can just lie dormant sometimes.

But, is flirting with a younger guy the same as flirting with someone your own age? In many ways it is. You don't have to pull out a new bag of tricks to snag a newbie. Keep in mind: ..."

The Heterosexual Questionnaire

Shamelessly plagiarised from:
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/04/heterosexual-questionnaire.html

I found this quite funny :)

"The Heterosexual Questionnaire was created back in 1972 to put heterosexual people in the shoes of a gay person for just a moment. Questions and assumptions made of Gays and Lesbians that are unfair, are reversed and this time asked to the straight people.

1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?

2. When and where did you decide you were a heterosexual?

3. Is it possible this is just a phase and you will out grow it?

4. Is it possible that your sexual orientation has stemmed from a neurotic fear of others of the same sex?

5. Do your parents know you are straight? Do your friends know- how did they react? ... "

Now doesn't that put a smile on your face?

G0y's - New Identity or Shameful Gays?

Full article here:
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/07/open-forum-g0ys-new-identity-or.html

"There is a growing and controversial movement of men who call themselves G0y. They are men who are attracted to men but have grown disgusted of "Gay" male culture and anal sexual practices. Below is a snippet from a G0y website, which can best explain what this new identity and movement is all about...

"G0YS (Spelled with a ZER0) are guys who find men physically & emotionally attractive, but (for whatever reason) are offended with the stigmas that currently define the 'gay community' in the public psyche. G0YS recognize that the prominent facets of the "gay-male" community tend to embrace every gender-bending act, fetish & affectation; --And include those things in the general specter of the image that "gay" projects publicly. The easiest to observe example is the commonly used acronym "GLIT" (sometimes "GLIB") meaning Gay, Lesbian, Intersexed, Transgendered (or BiSexual). The fact that "GAY" is grouped with "Intersexed & Transgendered" is evidence to our primary point showing what the term "GAY" has morphed into. G0YS reject those associations completely & consider it a form of gender-prejudice against men who love men. ..."

How to break free from post coming out depression

Full article here:
http://gaylife.about.com/b/2008/07/29/how-to-break-free-from-post-coming-out-depression.htm

"Tuesday July 29, 2008
Have you felt depressed since coming out? I remember being so anxious to relieve the anxiety of hiding in the closet that I didn't even consider what my life would be like after I came out. On one hand, I felt reborn and loved the excitement of finally being me. On the other, I felt lost. What about a relationship? What about friends? What about family? My frustration at answering (or in some cases avoiding) these questions led me down a path of sadness.

"When you're depressed it can feel like you are barely existing," writes Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com's Guide to Depression, in her article Top 8 Tips for Living with Depression. I knew exactly what Nancy was saying. She continued, "By obtaining the correct medical intervention and learning better coping skills, however, you can not only live with depression, but live well." At first I thought I'd never break free from my sadness, but eventually I found my way. ..."

Gay people perform better when they can be themselves

I really didn't need a study to tell me this - and i suspect if you are gay, you knew this to be true as well. Still ... maybe the results of studies like these may give some perspective to our straight aquaintences, equals and superiors.

Full article here:
http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Jul/0302.htm

"LONDON, July 3, 2008 – A pioneering Stonewall report which, for the first time, outlines a compelling business case for good practice around sexual orientation in the workplace, is to be launched by Secretary of State for Business John Hutton later this afternoon in London.

The study, based on more than one hundred in-depth interviews with lesbian, gay and bisexual people from 21 public and private sector organisations, found that participants almost universally reported a positive link between workplace climate and their own productivity and performance. The research was sponsored by IBM.

“Lesbian and gay respondents who feel able to be out at work, and well supported by their employers, reported that they are significantly more effective, more motivated and built better working relationships with colleagues,” Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill said this morning.

“This is a powerful lesson for employers across Britain. Lesbian and gay equality at work evidently makes good business sense.”

Interviewees, who ranged from partners to administrative staff, identified that robust, inclusive policies, employee network groups, senior lesbian and gay role models and expressions of commitment to lesbian and gay employees from senior leaders are all ways that significantly encourage gay staff to perform better because they can be themselves.

Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, promoting good practice around sexual orientation in the workplace, is soon to announce its 400th member.

The largest diversity forum in Britain, its members now employ more than four million people between them.

Tellingly, most participants in the research firmly declined to identify their own workplace in the report. ..."

Proof that homosexuality is not a choice?

Full article here:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2008/06/scans-see-gay-brain-differences.html

"Scans See "gay brain differences" - it ain't a choice!

The brains of gay men and women look like those found in straight people of the opposite sex, research suggests.

The Swedish study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, compared the size of the brain's halves in 90 adults.

Gay men and straight women had halves of a similar size, while the right side was bigger in lesbian women and straight men.

A UK scientist said this was evidence sexual preference was set in the womb. ..."

So do you masturbate often?

*blush* ... someone asked me recently if I masturbate often. I replied that I wouldn't know what constitutes "often". More so, who would I measure it against? So I did a little research and came across some VERY interesting results.

Full article here:
http://www.gay.com/news/roundups/package.html?sernum=6595&navpath=/channels/health/sexuality/


"Self-pleasure surveys

To celebrate National Masturbation Month in May, Gay.com ran a series of truly unique and provocative surveys about solo sex.
We got real, asking how you do it, when you do it, where you do it. Naked or clothed? Lights on or off? Whom do you tell? Ever been caught?

Just to make it more interesting, we even asked readers to forward the surveys to their lesbian and straight friends, so they could answer, too.

Well, the results are in -- and all we can say is WOW! ..."

I still don't know if I can or want to answer the question though ... hehehe :)

The sexy path to good health

Full article here:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2008/06/sexy-path-to-good-health.html

"The sexy path to good health
Sue Katz, Consenting Adult. May 9, 2008.

There's been wide coverage of a study showing that man-masturbation prevents prostate cancer. But before you take your hotdog in hand (if you happen to be of the schlong persuasion), let's expand the conversation and declare: hot sex is good for humans.

Heart

There, I've said it. But looking around, I'm certainly not the only one saying it. In fact, the bigwigs at Forbes Magazine -- premiere reading for the wealthy and their admirers -- devoted pages and pages to the benefits of sex. Among other treats, they relate that in a 2001 study at Queen's University (Belfast), higher rates of bonking produced half the risk of heart attack and stroke. ..."

A large percentage of gay men marry before they come out

This story has some personal significance for me. I used a marriage to hide from myself. To hide from facing the reality of my sexuality. I grew up in a time and a town where being gay was not an option. I was in denial. I didn't want to be gay. I hid from everyone and I hid from myself most of all. I was married for 10 years and I am the father of a 9 year old daughter.

It took me that long to come to grips with who I am and to come out. I never intended to hurt or deceive - I was living a lie not only towards everyone that I loved - but also towards myself. I truly wish that it didn't have to be this way - that I didn't make the mistakes I did, but I am happy that it did now happen so that I may still have time to make a life for myself and so that my ex-wife may do the same.

Children are such beautiful things and although it did unmistakably affect my daughter negatively, I am so absolutely amazed at how well she is adjusting to her family having split up and to her daddy being different. We took her to a child psychologist so that she may work through the issue of my sexuality. We thought that honesty and education would be the best approach. She is doing so well.

Full article here:
http://www.canada.com/topics/lifestyle/relationships/story.html?id=605d0121-b752-4188-bab9-bf99cfd5ecb1&p=1

""Research shows that 29 per cent of gay men do marry someone from the opposite sex before coming out," says McLeod. "Many people are trying to find their way in their early years, and they want to be accepted."

For Paul Carr, who now heads Gay Fathers of Toronto, one of the country's oldest gay support networks, getting married to a woman was a desperate attempt to evade his true sexual nature.

"I had attractions to men, but I didn't want to be gay," says Carr, who was married for 33 years. "This was in the early 1960s. It was illegal, a sickness, and a sin." ..."

Gay employees in demand? - Gay.com

Full article here:
http://www.gay.com/health/mental/?coll=health_fitness&sernum=5906&navpath=/channels/health/mental/&page=1

"Gay employees in demand?

by Michael Moniz

Companies and organizations are realizing more and more how members of the LGBT community are bringing a unique perspective into the workplace. LGBT employees tend to be creative with problem-solving, to handle change and adversity better and overall to have an open mind when dealing with customers, co-workers and leadership. Employers are recruiting LGBT people through their advertising, benefit packages, discrimination protection and LGBT social groups. Employers are looking for team members from our community.

You have a great opportunity to jump-start your career and make it into the dream job you have always wanted. The workplace is evolving and it needs new leaders to rise up and keep the company culture moving in the right direction. The dynamic of the "boys' club" is completely changing. More women and minorities are found in higher leadership roles than ever before in many organizations. It is time for the LGBT community to claim our seat at the table as well. It's going to take some work, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Regardless if you choose to be "out" at work, here are four great tips to start helping you get the most out of your professional career and life: ..."

Homosexuality common in the wild, scientists say

I've heard it many times before, being said by pro-gay individuals and groups. I've also heard quite the opposite fron anti-gay individuals and groups. You make up your own mind.

Full article here:
http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2008/05/fox-news-says-so-it-muist-be-true.html

"As gay couples celebrate their newfound right to marry in California and opposition groups rally to fight the ruling, many struggle with this question: Is homosexuality natural?

On this issue, Nature has spoken: Same-sex lovin' is common in hundreds of species, scientists say.

Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins at New York's Central Park Zoo, were a couple for about six years, during which they nurtured a fertilized egg together (given to them by a zookeeper) and raised the young chick that hatched.

According to University of Oslo zoologist Petter Böckman, about 1,500 animal species are known to practice same-sex coupling, including bears, gorillas, flamingos, owls, salmon and many others.

If homosexuality is natural in the animal kingdom, then there is the question of why evolution hasn't eliminated this trait from the gene pool, since it doesn't lead to reproduction. From: Homosexuality common in the wild, scientists say ..."

Want to break away with a bunch of mates?

I thought I'd promo a group / adventure club that I recently joined.

Some blatantly plagiarised information: (The information is pertinent to men between the ages of 23 and 27 living around Johannesburg, South Africa. I think Outventure is considering starting some other age brackets too and even branching out to other regions withing South Africa)

Outventure is an adventure group (non-profit adventure club) of guys, living around Johannesburg, South-Africa & currently ranging in ages 23-37, enjoying a wide range of adventures together, while challenging and building one another up.

It sparked off when two mates recognised there are more young guys out there enjoying the adventurous life, who would also have better fun sharing great times with a bigger group.

We explore a broad range of activities to cater for different interests and to accommodate the pace of Jo'burg life, so guys can leave their daily responsibilities, worries, and reservations behind and come live life to the fullest.

For more information visit the Outventure website: http://www.outventure.za.net

A bit about me

I was born in 1974. I'm a white male living in South Africa. I grew up in a very much traditional home. My parents are still together. I have one sister that is 3 years younger than me. After school I went to university and successfully completed my B.Comm degree. I started working right after that and soon got married to my high school sweetheart. We have a beautiful daughter (born in 1999). I'm currently employed by one of the large big-5 accounting firms in South Africa.

I got divorced last year after finally being honest with myself and those I love and came out of the closet. So I currently find myself as a single gay man learning to adjust to the life of a bachelor after ten years of marriage. Needless to say - lots still have to be sorted out in terms of relationships with regards to my ex-wife, my daughter, my parents and my ex-in-laws.

Never a dull moment.