Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Gesture of Goodwill for Gays


Homosexual relationships and same sex unions were accepted arrangements that predate Christianity, but this social attraction was criminalized when Christianity became the dominant religion that consequently influenced governance. It's teachings viewed this union as abnormal and a crime against nature, and contrary to the purpose of marriage - the procreation and education of children. The belief that Sodom and Gomorrah was God's wrath against this practice is a misconception, since the context of the story was centered against cruelty and lack of compassion.

Advanced societies tolerated the existence of homosexuals on the surface, but discrimination against them in whatever form was accessible, and in whatever manner was deemed to substantially eradicate them, existed. The sexual revolution that emerged in the 60's gave rise to the Gay Liberation movement of the 1970's. It advanced the idea that men and women with sexual preferences for their own gender should be recognized and freed from fear and concealment. The "closet queens" as they were referred to, desired freedom to express themselves
as productive members of society and as part of the human race; and be accepted for what nature has bestowed on them.

The Law recognizing Same Sex Marriages completes the struggle for the legalization of these unions as well as all benefits attendant to it, but continued opposition from church and conservative groups affirms the enormous social rejection of this law and the significance and impact of this matrimonial union upon dominant societal norms. However, those who maintain that homosexuality can be acquired face research findings which provide confirmation that when you're gay, you were born with it. Brain scans also show that lesbian women have brain structures as those of straight men; and gay men have brain structures the same as those of straight women. This gives rise to their gender preferences, and also confuses the male - female identity.

Now, as gay couples sign up for their matrimonial rites to finally enjoy wedded bliss, after years of being just partners; perhaps the celebrants should avoid certain norms as a gesture of goodwill. Since there would be confusion in terms of gender, regardless of brain
sizes, maybe the celebrants could refrain from playing the tune "Here Comes the Bride?" It's awfully hard to pinpoint who that could be. This will also remove the bridesmaids; and naturally, there will be no need for a "Best Man". The celebrant should also avoid the words "I now pronounce you man and wife", as this would be quite contradictory. The words " I pronounce this couple, John and Peter (or Mary and Donna) as a married couple" would be more appropriate. The "You may now kiss the bride" is also taboo and may be replaced with "You may now kiss each other".

Those making speeches during wedding receptions should also avoid using the term "gay couple" and change it with "married couple". As to who will drive the car and who will be carried to the threshold, that should be left to the couple to decide.

"Gay" used to mean happy, to inspire mirth or be filled with merriment, until it was overwhelmingly associated with homosexuality and all other aspects of it. Perhaps the meaning was the very reason why they chose the word Gay to describe themselves. With the passing of the law and the enthusiastic response to avail of its emotional and social benefits, the old meaning of gay would be strongly felt and deeply embedded in many gay couples for the rest of their lives, and for as long as their union thrives.

Haaarrrwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!