Left vs. Right

The majority of my writing traditionally has more of a right brain leaning. This posting, however, must call upon more left brain objectivity in order to lend credence to my “argument” and minimize emotionalism. This entry is a definite departure from the usual “fluff” on this blog, and one for which I felt led to devote extra time and effort. The impetus for this entry was my gut reaction to an article I “stumbled” upon this week while reading on another subject. Although quite dated, it still has relevance and disturbed me deeply. The following “argument” will haven no conclusion, certainly not by the end of this posting, and likely not in my lifetime. And, it’s one in which many of you will no doubt have strong feelings. That’s cool, so do I to this day.

I have written much over the years on the subject of homosexuality. Most of my writing has been in the form of journal entries, discussion board posts, letters to friends or family and the like. I’ve never undertaken any formalized study on homosexuality, nor researched it for academic purposes. Rather, I’ve lived it and employed anecdotal experiences to “defend” it. The only study of homosexuality of which I’m aware, using scientific methodology and actual study of the brain structure, was done by Simon LeVay (see the link on #4 on his website). The link I’ve included is not an easy read, but dive in if you’re so inclined. Basically, it indicates that Dr. LeVay observed, using autopsy, consistent structural brain differences between known homosexual men and heterosexual men. This, to me, would indicate at least preliminarily that there may be a “genetic” component to sexual orientation. Clarification:There have been multiple non-empirical offerings on the subject of homosexuality, therefore strictly “conjectural and theoretical” in nature, without benefit of actual brain tissue study.

Getting personal for a moment, let me assure you that my “coming out” experience (as bad as I hate to use that terminology, I think it’s appropriate) was a tortuous, decades long path which included continual and painful introspection and self-reflection, intense prayer, thousands of dollars spent in professional counseling, denial, denial, and more denial. I desperately wanted to be heterosexual. I spent years deeply entrenched in evangelical religion, feeling a deep connection to “God” (I do understand that there may be some readers who do not believe in a deity, or whose ideation of deity may differ greatly from mine, and I respect that. Also please know that my designation of “fundamental believer” carries no judgment or malice whatsoever). At the point which I simply could no longer deny my basic biology, my primary sexual attraction to my own sex, I looked back and realized that the same God with whom I felt such a strong connection all those years, and during all those struggles was still there; had been there all along. There is not a fundamental believer on this planet who will convince me otherwise. I’ve included “their” arguments below.

Biblical references (not an inclusive list) to homosexuality, typically cited by fundamental believers are as follows:
Leviticus 18:22
Matthew 19:4
Romans 1:26
1 Corinthians 6:9

Theology-based discussions, by definition, involve an individual’s particular biases based on “rational and systematic study of religion and its influences, and of the nature of religious truth.” However, unlike scientific study there is an indisputable element of subjectivity to theology, and this is where I find difficulty reconciling my previously solid fundamentally religious beliefs with what I know in my heart to be my personal science (a.k.a. biology). This link demonstrates the subjective nature of the interpretation of whether Jesus “condemned” homosexuality. It’s a lengthy page, but if you’re interested enough to read it you will note the absence of any direct condemnation of homosexuals by Jesus.

One fundamentalist argument presented to me years ago was, “Assuming that some are truly born homosexual (genetic) the only acceptable resolution is a life of celibacy.” So, then what about everyone else, the heterosexuals and their “sins?” Do they just get to keep on producing their own particular brand of “sin” as long as it’s not homosexuality? If we are all bound to sin as long as we’re in this human flesh, why should the homosexual give up his/her basic need of love and intimacy, but keep on sinning in other ways? This argument defies logic. “Every sin, every act of rebellion, leads to condemnation and eternal death.” So if sin is sin, how is it that the “sin” of homosexuality is any worse than the “sin” of one’s judgment or hatred of the homosexual?

Granted, the Iranian law which provides for sanctioned extermination of humans essentially for no other reason than a “specific brain difference” does not exist in the United States. However, the mere fact that it exists anywhere in our modern world deeply saddens and disturbs me.

I would respectfully ask the following of anyone who has taken the time to read this: Whether or not you agree with anything I’ve presented, try your best to give the benefit of doubt to those who differ from you especially in the area of sexual orientation. Consider that there is most likely very detailed and specific, possibly very painful history, of which you may not be aware, which brought that person to the point at which you experience them, and it could never justify hurting them in any way.