Why do people (especially heterosexuals) call being homosexual a "lifestyle," but heterosexuality is just "being straight" ? I've always wondered about this and thought I'd ask.
2006-09-23 18:05:08 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Good question...I suppose they (heterosexuals) call it a lifestyle because it's alternative to what they consider "normal". I still think that homosexual lifestyle is a lot nicer then the other names they use for it!
2006-09-23 18:09:43 · answer #1 · answered by Chellebelle78 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Probably because most (if not all) heterosexuals view homosexuality as being a strange, unusual, and flat out bizarre alternative to what they view as being normal and acceptable. Also, since so many homosexuals seem to have to make the choice to “come out of the closet” I could see how people would view homosexuality as being a choice. Thus they would think of it as a lifestyle rather than simply an alternative. Further more, there are the large groups that just flaunt the fact that they are homosexual; they get more attention because they draw attention to themselves. (Gay pride day parades and the like) I know not all homosexuals act like that, but the ones that draw attention to themselves by acting strangely (or just basically outside the norm) are viewed as being the majority because of how much attention they get. The more conservative homosexuals don’t act like that, or just don’t flaunt their sexual orientation at all (even if they aren’t in the closet), and are thus overlooked. The ones who flaunt their behavior don’t exactly act normal (according to society’s majorities) and thus are making the choice to behave that way.
Good heavens, did any of that even make sense!?
2006-09-23 18:18:45 · answer #2 · answered by icarus_imbued 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it comes from the notion that heterosexuality is the norm, which makes homosexuality an "alternative lifestyle" as if it is something one can choose and then give give when tired of it. "lifestyle" i think can be a temporary thing.
if one like going around partying in drag on weekend - that's a lifestyle. so homosexuality is not a lifestyle technically.
just my opinion.
2006-09-23 18:59:52 · answer #3 · answered by Russ Bear 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is a way for them to keep their distance from the truth that we are all alike, regardless of our sexual orientation. It keeps them in the "us vs. them" zone. And I wouldn't necessarily label those who call it a "lifestyle" as heterosexual. It's the religious folk who are afraid because their "god" says it's wrong and if they can continue to fool themselves that homosexuals are so different and it's just a "lifestyle" and not how people ARE, then they can continue to discriminate and hate in their god's name.
On the question of marriage, please remember that in order to get married, you must have a legal document issued by your county or state. Marriage was originally a means of joining two families for monetary purposes and convenience, not because of religion or god. I'm so tired of pompous Christians acting like they own the institution of marriage because they get married in a church and god blesses them. It's a LEGAL thing, not a RELIGIOUS thing. If two adult consenting people love each other, they should be able to marry one another. Period.
2006-09-23 18:28:05 · answer #4 · answered by Rogue Scrapbooker 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You make a valid point, grammatically. It is meant to convey a deviant who is trying to "normalize" what is not normal. It is also meant to convey an anti-Christian way of living because it defies what God has declared an abomination. Or, it is meant to convey a relationship in which the homosexual "couple" is pretending to be "married" when, in fact, they are in a sexual relationship that can never, in the eyes of God, be a true marriage.
A true marriage, even among heterosexuals, is not a true marriage without the blessings of Almighty God. Having personally had a "legal" marriage annulled I have come to learn that there are strict guidlines and requirements to have a valid marriage in the eyes of God. Your observation is not considered "politically correct" since you call them homosexuals instead of "gay". Good question and observation.
2006-09-23 18:25:57 · answer #5 · answered by Search4truth 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because it ties in with heterosexuals thinking that being gay is a choice, and not biological design.
That assumption is wrong, and definitely not just a lifestyle - being gay is a deeply ingrained part of who you are, not something you choose to be.
2006-09-23 18:09:09 · answer #6 · answered by DarkestAngel 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why does a furniture commercial ask"What's your lifestyle"?
Surely it cannot be aimed just at our "community". I think that when it is used in the context of your question, it is just another label,, rather more polite than some.
Best wishes, Rose P.
2006-09-23 18:15:37 · answer #7 · answered by rose p 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gee I guess you'd have to ask one of those people who isn't in my "lifestyle".
I think they call it lifestyle because they assume it's a choice...and if it's a choice it means that it has tempted them.
2006-09-23 18:07:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's simply another little jab, an implication that homosexuality is a "chosen" thing. I correct them every time.
2006-09-24 01:51:20 · answer #9 · answered by IndyT- For Da Ben Dan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's my life not a lifestyle.
2006-09-23 20:17:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋