Is it cool to be gay?

Question

Is homosexuality becoming a trend instead of a way of life? Why is homosexuality accepted in the psychology field as normal yet other variations in human behavior such as an highly active imagination or ADD aren't? How can behavior so apparently dsyfuntional , both naturally and emotionally , be considered normal by so many mainstream professionals?

Answer 1

God made me the way I am so it's cool with me and my functions are working just fine thank you....Kevin

Answer 2

Q: "Why is homosexuality accepted in the psychology field as normal yet other variations in human behavior such as an highly active imagination or ADD aren't?"

A: Homosexuality is not considered a disorder because, in and of itself, it does not cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning.

For that matter, a "highly active imagination" is not a disorder, either - though there are some syndromes that may involve pervasive retreat into a fantasy world, or a more debilitating break from reality.

Q: "How can behavior so apparently dsyfuntional, both naturally and emotionally, be considered normal by so many mainstream professionals?"

A: "Dysfunction" implies abnormal or impaired functioning, which I addressed in the first part of my answer when I said that homosexuality in and of itself does not cause impairment in social or occupational functioning.

If gay and lesbian people have a harder time than straight people in the world, it's usually because of the homophobia they have internalized from a heterosexist society, or religious dogma, or prejudiced treatment they've received from intolerant others. Just look at how hateful some of the messages are on here!

African Americans and other minorities have to struggle with issues of discrimination and prejudice, too. The only difference is we gay people are (incorrectly) accused of "choosing" to be that way, whereas one cannot help for the color of one's skin. Some people consider it mere aberrant "behavior," not equal to the "love" that straight folks feel.

Rubbish.

As for your implication that homosexuality is somehow unnatural, perhaps you might be interested to learn that same-sex pairing has been documented in over 1,500 species. Seems pretty natural to me.

Answer 3

First off you're off the mark in considering it as dysfunctional, it's a lifestyle choice.

To answer your question yes it was fashionable during the period of 2000 to about 2003 when the metrosexual was re-emerging and the media started a favourable if stereotypical portrayal of homosexuals on television such as Will and Grace and Queer Eye for the Striaght Guy. There was also a wave of tolerance which was very beneficial and one of the outcomes of this was "faux homosexuality" which consisted of teenagers straight kids "coming out" to their parents and about a week later telling the truth but telling them off for their bigoted responses and trying to educate them. Actually it was quite funny!

This trend seems to be dying down a bit as the media has turned their attention away for the moment, perhaps due to southern conservatism. However, the underlying current is still there and the hope is that after it having been seen as a trend it allowed more people to become comfortable with the idea.

If you're not closeminded and want to learn more check out what happened with the UK and the whole craze over Indians in the late 90's. It's interesting that they made a cultural minority a trend and then when it faded there was certain issues. Like these people were still around when it wasn't in vogue and had to keep on top of what was socially and politically important to them using an issue part of the coutnry considered to be "so last year"

Answer 4

Nope -- what is becoming a "trend" I suppose is being out rather than hiding for your entire life. People have more respect for one another and so gays don't live the lies that even some my age did and do.

Homosexuality is not a variation. Homosexuality exists in hundreds of animal species (see Dr. Bruce Bagemihl, Biological Exuberance; St. Martins Press) Among humans the overwhelming evidence emerging is that it is a natural genetic outcome or at least predilection -- no different from red hair or at least left-handedness. ADD is also not a variation. Some people view it as a disorder, I personally think it is perfectly natural, particularly for boys -- and strongly protest the treatments that are foisted on kids who just need to be kids for a while. The treatment of ADD is, frankly, driven by money IMHO -- those who treat it with drugs in all but the most extreme cases (where an argument can be made that it is verging over into other things) do so because of the money to be made (again IMHO).

What is dysfunctional about homosexual behavior? It is natural (again, see Dr. Bagemihl's work if you have any question of this). It appears to be linked to other desire able traits such as creativity. We clearly see through the Camperio-Ciani study one method by which it could easily be evolutionarily preferred... and frankly most gays (as an overall percentage of all gays) are remarkably well adjusted given the extent of social rejection some of them have suffered. Certainly there are some that drink, take drugs, and engage in various types of risky behaviors, particularly when they are young. Can you honestly tell me that there are no straight boys who drink, take drugs and engage in various types of risky behavior, particularly when they are young? Can you honestly tell me that the percentage is lower? I don't think you can seriously.

Actually I think you are trying to create a reason for your own prejudices by using flawed comparisons and very shaky analysis. While that is completely within your rights, know what you are doing -- and don't expect others to defend it for you.

Kind regards,

Reynolds
[e-mail]

Answer 5

I think to compare it to ADD, etc. is not realistic. Years ago it was considered a disease and people were institutionalized for it. Sad but true. In order for something to be considered a disease/problem it needs to be deemed unhealthy for the person experiencing it not you or others that judge. If I were you I would have included your thoughts on why you believe it is dysfunctional both naturally and emotionally? Is it hurting you? I find it to be dysfunctional not to use spell check before posting a question. Does that mean you should not be considered normal? Please post your thoughts on the dysfunctional part. If you are heterosexual then your views would be interesting to hear. Also let us know why you are functional and how you contribute to society more so then a homosexual? One last thing. Why are you even asking the question? Perhaps your questioning your own sexuality. You can go to www.EQCA.org for some info to assist you in coming out or dealing with your feelings. Hope this helps. ;-)

Answer 6

Your question is not serious in nature, but I'll tell you anyway, on the slim hope you'll learn something.

Homosexuality is not "cool". What you're seeing is the trend of metrosexuality. Women are attracted to gay men because they're well groomed and take care of themselves. Straight men wished to cash in on this attraction by becoming well groomed as well. That includes better clothing, hair styling, and for the extreme, shaping of eyebrows (no one likes a unibrow) or manicures.

So no, it isnt cool, its a fashion wave of straight men to attract women.

Your second question ties to the definition of Disorder. A disorder is an abnormality which causes distress to the person or people around them. You can compare genius IQ to ADD. Both are abnormal, but a person with genius IQ has a perfectly normal life. A person with ADD can't concentrate on what they're doing. It's easy to see why that's disruptive.

Now, you can think that not breeding or the risks of anal sex may fall under the category of disorder, but there are many who choose not to breed by choice. Likewise, heterosexual fetishism is not considered a disorder. Safe sex is important, no matter the sexual act or orientation.

Homosexuality appears to cause distress not because of anything inherent in homosexuality, but because of our culture of homophobia. People hate and oppress on those who they judge different, especially homosexuals, and such treatment is the cause of distress, closeted behavior, and even suicide. Homosexuality is not the dysfunction, homophobia is.

Answer 7

I don't have a problem with someone for loving someone else of the same sex. Why is it that I feel like you are here to cast judgement on others? I think as long as people love each other instead of hating that is always a good thing. Go cast your hatred some place else, you are not welcomed here. Yes, it is cool to be gay. It is not cool to be like you.

Answer 8

well, nowadays people claim to be gay one day and the next day they r straight. they think it's alright to go around proclaiming such nonsense. just because there r people that r really gay doesn't mean that others should pretend to be gay, just to fit in with the "trend". it's bullcr@p, and it needs to stop!

Answer 9

Because it involves sex, and "mainstream professionals" are afraid of alienating people over sexual issues, so they basically call anything acceptable.

Answer 10

I have never been called cool because I am gay, but I would be pretty damn annoyed to be called dysfunctional.....give me strength...again.