Do most gay Americans feel ashamed of thier orientation or is that just something that most people think?

Answer 1

Why would they? I think your prejudice is showing.

Answer 2

No we are not ashamed but guarding our privacy is important. Mostly straight people don't think we should be ashamed either. The most vocal group that thinks we need to be ashamed are those homosexuals that are living a lie and are ashamed of the fact that they are closeted.
Me thinks they doth protest too much.

Answer 3

Most probably do not, but younger youths in a family environment of ignorance and hatred towards homosexuality tend to feel very indaequate, afraid and ashamed some becoming suicidal. SO it is not rare, but as people grow older, develop and build there life outside of the home they tend to become more comfortable in their shoes, with the help of friends and groups. They become more confident and realize the only shame is the one society feels and tries to force upon them.

Answer 4

Most gay people are not ashamed of their orientation.

That is also not something that most people think. It's only closed-minded bigots - who like to preach hatred and bigotry - who think that way. Perhaps they aren't that comfortable with their own orientation?

Answer 5

I don't think that the majority of homosexuals feel ashamed about who they are, necessarily, as much as our society wants to shame them. We only see a small minority of them in the media because they aren't particularly vocal about it. Ellen Degeneres and Rosie O'Donnell are very open about it, and support the cause of gay marriage and gay rights, whereas others do not hide it but do not advertise or discuss it, either (think Ian McKellen)

Just like you or I choose not to discuss our sexual habits in public, neither do most homosexuals -- it's none of our business what they do behind closed doors or with whom. For many, I don't think it's even a matter of pride or shame, just a matter of fact, of life. The people you see in the Gay Pride parades or other gay and lesbian events are either genuinely proud of their sexuality, or they have an exhibitionist streak, or they have an agenda and choose public displays as a means of social commentary.

Answer 6

Please don't go grouping everyone into your little homophobic group. Not all people are ashamed of gayness. It's a natural thing. I'm sure all living creatures has a percentage of people who are attacted to the same sex. I don't know any gay people who are ashamed of their orientation. Why should they be? I am 100% heterosexual, however, I am ashamed by your question which leeks of prejudice.

Answer 7

I have been out since I was 14 and my partner and I have been together, openly, for almost 15 years. Some people are afraid of being hurt or killed, which makes them careful -- and some have internalized the rhetoric and hate (disguised often as love) of the extremists and are ashamed. Most however, are not.

Regards,

Reynolds Jones
http://www.rebuff.org
[e-mail]

Answer 8

"Most"? Probably not. I'm certainly not ashamed.

EDIT: To "theyuks" in re: Ian McKellan

Sir Ian has been a strong, vocal supporter of Gay Rights for some time, although many may not be aware of his openness simply because he hasn't the venue that Rosie and Ellen have.

I believe it was last year or the year before, he attended the Oscars with his boyfriend on his arm -- OUT and UNASHAMED -- and the media did a great job of placing this in proper perspective. (That's one time I was actually proud of the mainstream journalists!)

Check it out: http://www.ianmckellen.us

Answer 9

I don't think so, and as a gay American myself, the only thing I'm ashamed of is being an American as our government won't allow basic civil rights to LGBTQ people.

Answer 10

I feel that most are not ashamed but gaurded. The world outhere is a cruel one. Who knows what crap goes on the minds of most people/

Answer 11

I hope nobody - American, or otherwise - ever has to feel ashamed of their sexual orientation. I certainly never considered that Americans, especially, did so. Do you have any studies you could reference?